That moment when someone starts explaining your job to you like you’re their confused 5-year-old requires a special kind of response—one that maintains your dignity while making them rethink their approach. Here’s how to handle it when someone decides to treat you like you’re still learning to tie your shoes.
1. “Could you clarify why you think I wouldn’t know that?”
This question forces them to examine their own assumptions while maintaining your professional composure. The psychological power lies in making them verbalize their bias without giving them any ammunition to claim you’re being defensive. Keep your tone genuinely curious rather than confrontational.
2. “In my fifteen years of doing this professionally, I’ve found…”
You’re not bragging, you’re simply stating facts. The key is to deliver this with the casual confidence of someone who doesn’t need to prove anything. Your tone should suggest you’re sharing information rather than defending your credentials.
3. “Yes, that’s precisely what I was saying earlier.”
The beauty of this response lies in its simplicity and the deliberate pause that precedes it. Take a moment, let their explanation hang in the air, then deliver this line with the gentle patience of someone stating the obvious. The psychology here is letting them hear their own redundancy without you having to point it out directly.
4. “How would you feel if I explained your job to you that way?”
This perspective flip creates an instant empathy check. The key is delivering it as a genuine question rather than an accusation. Your tone should convey professional curiosity rather than challenge. The most important thing to remember: you’re inviting self-reflection, not starting a confrontation.
5.”I appreciate your input. Would you like to hear about how this actually works in practice?”
This response acknowledges their contribution while subtly establishing your practical knowledge. Deliver it with the confident warmth of a mentor rather than the defensiveness of someone feeling undermined. The psychology here is offering collaboration while asserting expertise.
6. “I’ve noticed you often explain things to me as if I’m new to this. Is there a reason for that?”
Pattern recognition is powerful because it’s harder to dismiss than a single incident. Keep your tone analytical rather than accusatory—you’re making an observation, not an attack. Body language should be open and curious like you’re genuinely interested in understanding their thought process.
7. “Let’s approach this as equals—I’d value your thoughts on…”
This redirect establishes boundaries while offering a productive path forward. The psychology is in explicitly naming the power dynamic while providing an immediate solution. Your tone should be collaborative and forward-looking rather than dwelling on the offense.
8. “Actually, this is my area of expertise. What’s your background in it?”
This response flips the script without becoming confrontational. Deliver it with genuine interest, as if you’re starting a professional dialogue rather than challenging their authority. The psychology is in forcing them to either acknowledge their limitations or reveal their credentials.
9. “I already understand this concept—shall we move on to something that needs actual discussion?”
Efficiency can be an excellent cover for establishing boundaries. The psychology here is about reframing the interaction around productive use of time rather than personal dynamics. Deliver this with the practical tone of someone focused on results rather than ego.
10. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding about my level of expertise.”
This gentle correction allows them to save face while firmly establishing your position. Keep your tone matter-of-fact rather than defensive. This gives them an elegant way to back down while making your boundaries clear.
11. “What makes you assume I don’t know this?”
Simple direct questions can be the most powerful. The psychology here is in forcing them to examine their assumptions without providing any distraction from the core issue. Delivery should be calm and curious like you’re seeking to understand rather than confront.
12. “I’m comfortable with my understanding of this topic.”
This response establishes boundaries while maintaining complete professionalism. It’s the conversational equivalent of a firm handshake—confident but not aggressive. You’re expressing security in your own knowledge without directly challenging theirs.
13. “Perhaps we should establish our respective backgrounds before proceeding.”
This suggestion politely forces credentials into the open while maintaining professional discourse. Deliver it as a helpful process suggestion rather than a challenge. The psychology is in creating a structured way to address the power imbalance.
14. “I notice you’re speaking to me quite condescendingly.”
Sometimes direct is best. The psychology here is in naming the behavior without attacking the person. Your tone should be observational rather than accusatory like you’re noting the weather rather than making a complaint.
15. “I’m interested in what made you reach that conclusion about my knowledge level.”
This response is the conversational equivalent of holding up a mirror. The psychology here is in forcing them to examine their prejudgment while framing it as an intellectual curiosity on your part. Deliver this slightly detached, genuinely intrigued, and completely unruffled. Your body language should be open and analytical, perhaps with a slight head tilt.
