That You Know Of
Do you know any ignorant experts?
I mean those people who are just knowledgable enough to think they know it all. The ones who assert their insights with authoritative statements delivered with just the tone of voce and body language to compile everyone else to submit. The ones you never want to get stuck talking with for more than a few minutes.
Whether they’re speaking about matters of sincere interest or just banging on with the latest conspiracy theory, these ignorant experts display unshakeable confidence and total certainty.
(Sure glad we’re never like that, eh?)
My insightful friend Ann Chow has too many stories of being talked down to by ignorant experts. And she has a brilliant way of responding.
In addition to being trusted with the complex logistics of coordinating events and conferences all over the world (with teams made up of people who are often very used to getting their own way), Ann is an advocate for the overlooked, underrepresented, and marginalized. She’s incredibly skilled at getting people to see past their assumptions.
And when Ann is confronted with an ignorant expert making grandiose claims that don’t fully reflect reality she has a four word response that challenges their certainty without attacking their dignity.
She simply says: “That you know of”.
No one is doing more to help disadvantaged people than our organization. That you know of.
The best way to address this issue is through this particular approach. That you know of.
My resource is the only one that speaks to this issue from a progressive/developmental/client-focussed/Biblical/trauma-informed perspective. That you know of.
I bet you’re already thinking of a situations where you could have, or may have the opportunity to use “That you know of”.
Since she shared it with me last week I find it echoing in my mind too. When I find myself pretending certainty or special insight I hear her voice simply nudging me toward humility.
So there you have it: The very best way to deal with ignorant experts. (That you know of).