People With High Mental & Emotional Intelligence Usually Say 9 Phrases To Shut Down Ignorant People
LightField Studios / Shutterstock Ignorant people do everything they can to get under your skin. They stand firm in their beliefs and opinions even if you prove them wrong. It often turns into an argument, which may have disastrous results. Not everyone can keep an even keel in these situations. It’s easy to get caught up in their bad energy.
Emotionally mature people are different from the average person. They don’t let this type of person win. Instead, they use gentle phrasing to keep the peace when someone is escalating the situation. Giving everyone room to cool down reduces tension. If you’re constantly dealing with ignorant people, these phrases may help you navigate those moments.
Mature people can shut down ignorant people with only a few words
1. ‘Let’s step away from this conversation for a second’
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Sometimes, the best thing you can do in a tense conversation is step away from it to calm down. When dealing with an ignorant person, you may find yourself talking in circles until it gets heated. At that point, nothing productive is happening. Everyone involved is upset, and boundaries are being crossed.
The best way to move forward is by taking a time-out. This means stepping away for a moment to relieve the tension, with the intention to return when the dust has settled. Ignorant people may try to push back and challenge the break, but it’s important to stand firm. When you both return, cooled off, everyone can approach with a clearer mind.
2. ‘It’s okay to agree to disagree’
When someone is truly ignorant, they will struggle to see your perspective at all. They are caught up in their own opinions. No matter how you explain things to them, they still stand 10 toes down. This is frustrating, but saying you agree to disagree can be the easiest way to get out of the conversation.
This is a form of conflict resolution. Psychologists recommend agreeing to disagree before even diving into the conversation. It can make the experience less tense and stressful, allowing you to see each other’s perspective before things blow up.
3. ‘I’d rather not engage with that’
Often, people who lack emotional intelligence are seeking attention. They may say the most off-the-wall thing to get a rise out of the room. It doesn’t matter if they are getting negative feedback; they’re getting the attention they crave. They may also seek constant validation to feed their egos, which is exhausting.
It’s not easy to push back against this behavior. They make it difficult to walk away. Highly emotionally intelligent people don’t let them control the narrative. By not engaging, they’re showing they can’t be pulled into their web of drama.
4. ‘I want to make sure I’m understanding you correctly’
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Ignorant people might be overly confident in their beliefs and opinions, even if they aren’t sure exactly what they are talking about. This is called the Dunning-Kruger Effect. They speak with confidence, even if they have no idea what they’re saying. This can be frustrating for the person they’re talking to who knows they are full of it. One way to shut them down? Challenge them on it.
Emotionally mature people know how to handle people like this. Instead of arguing or making a scene, they will ask that person to clarify their stance. In the end, it shows just how ignorant someone is, giving the intelligent person the last laugh.
5. ‘I understand what you meant the first time’
How many times have you been in a disagreement with an ignorant person and heard them repeat the same talking points over and over? This is something I absolutely can’t stand. I heard you the first time, and I wasn’t on board with what you said then. My opinion hasn’t changed, no matter how hard you try.
Mental and emotional intelligence can help people navigate these moments. Often, they’re dealing with an ignorant, defensive person. They rarely back down, trying endlessly to convince you they’re right. Telling them you heard them the first time can shut them down.
6. ‘I deserve better than the tone you are using with me’
The tone of your voice makes a big difference during arguments. An ignorant person may have no problem snapping or yelling at you when they feel threatened. I am often sensitive to this. It hurts my feelings when I feel like someone isn’t talking to me kindly. I envy people with high emotional intelligence who can shut these people down.
Many ignorant people won’t expect someone to push back. They often assume those around them will take their attitude, too afraid to say something. By saying they deserve better than the tone they are using, they’re sending a powerful message.
7. ‘I’m glad we’re on the same page’
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Some people will never admit when they’re wrong. They care more about defending their honor and feeding their ego than they do about their relationships with other people. Sometimes, the best thing to do is go along with what they are saying, even if you completely disagree. If you’re desperate to get out of the conversation, saying you’re on the same page gives them what they need to hopefully wrap it up.
Ignorant people are seeking validation. It’s often pointless to argue with them. Instead, by pretending you agree with them, you please them enough to stop hearing the same thoughts echoed.
8. ‘I’d like to finish my thought, please’
We all know a chronic interrupter. It doesn’t matter what the conversation is about; they’re going to butt in with their opinion. Sometimes, ignorant people struggle to read the room. They’re so focused on their own thoughts that they dismiss others. They’ll stop at nothing to get the last word in.
Ignorant people need to feel in control. They’ll interject to get their point across. Likely, they’ve been around people who let them do this without asking them to stop. When a truly intelligent person bites back by asking for a chance to finish their thought, it can stop them in their tracks.
9. ‘What can I do to make this conversation easier?’
We’ve addressed that sometimes it’s easier to give in to the person who is arguing with you. It’s not easy, especially because you stop advocating for yourself when you let the other person take control. Emotional intelligence helps you understand that they’re coming from a place of frustration, and giving them space to talk can change the flow of the conversation. Offering a hand by asking how you can help the conversation go more smoothly takes real maturity.
I know when I feel like I’m not being heard, I benefit from someone else speaking up and asking how they can help me. While not every ignorant person will be open to this approach, it gives the conversation a much-needed change of pace. It gives conflict resolution a chance.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
