Mansplaining: It's something that so many women have experienced. Just looking at the word may elicit eyerolls, a stomach ache and so many unpleasant memories of work meetings and conversations about sports and or rock bands. One psychologist can empathize, and weighs in on mansplaining's meaning."Mansplaining isn’t simply 'a man explaining,'" points out Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology. "It’s an unsolicited, overconfident explanation delivered with the assumption of superior knowledge or experience. It’s often offered to someone who already knows the subject, sometimes more deeply than the explainer. Notice that the above doesn’t say it has to be a man."With that said, it often is, though. Either way, understanding how to stop a mansplainer can help you protect your peace. It may even cause the person speaking to you condescendingly to think twice before speaking to you—or someone else—again in that manner. Put the following 12 genius phrases to shut down mansplaining in your back pocket to reclaim your space and peace.Related: 12 Things Emotionally Intelligent Women Do That the Average Person Avoids, Psychologists Say
Mansplaining Meaning and Its Impact
Wastes time (meetings get derailed)Prevents good ideas from bubbling up (because smart people get shut down)Reduces creativityStifles diversity of opinions
"It also silences others for fear they will be shut down in a similar way," she explains. "So, now instead of speaking up, we are spending energy trying out the best way to contribute that won’t 'bruise' his ego."Forget that. Instead, stop mansplaining by using one or more of these 12 phrases.Related: If You Answer ‘Yes’ to Any of These 5 Questions, You’re Probably Undervalued at Work, Says a Psychologist
2. 'Let's stay on topic, I was saying...'
Fellow meeting go-ers with other things to do will silently applaud this one."Mansplaining tends to derail or take over a discussion, and this phrase keeps the spotlight on your idea without defensiveness," notes Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist.
4. 'Great question/comment. I’m asking that questions and comments be held to the end.'
Dr. MacBride shares that a longer version of this phrase would include your reasoning for holding comments. It sounds like, "Great question/comment. I’m asking that questions and comments be held to the end to help with time and because my prepared talk may address these things as I go through the rest of the material.”Whether you go short or long, she likes this phrase because it acknowledges your intent and ends the lecture."It’s effective because it keeps meetings from derailing," she explains. "It may even give you an opportunity to address the individual more privately as individuals disperse from the meeting."
6. 'My experience has shown me that...'
Often, what makes mansplaining so irritating is that the person doing it has far less experience on a topic than the person they're talking to. This phrase allows the expert in the room to put a flag down, asserting their right to take up space (even if they shouldn't have to)."I like this phrase because it anchors your position by using your own personal or professional experience," Dr. Guarnotta notes. "It establishes your credibility on the topic by letting the person know that you have experience in this area."Related: 5 Things That Emotionally Intelligent People Do When They’re Disrespected
8. 'You may not be aware of this, but I have X years/degree/credentials in this area.'
This one gets more specific than numbers 6 and 7."This is a direct way to address a concern and elevate your credentials or even remind a manager of your CV, resume and experience," Dr. MacBride says.
10. 'That's an interesting point. As I was saying...'
This one offers a firm pivot with just enough verbal padding to land softly on the mansplainer."I like this one because it acknowledges that the person has spoken and then redirects the conversation back to you," Dr. Guarnotta reports. "The acknowledgment is often enough to satisfy the person's needs to be heard without dwelling on it. The second part allows you to reclaim the floor without getting sidetracked in unnecessary debate."
12. 'I have this handled.'
Sometimes, the best route is the most straightforward one, such as if someone didn't pick up on gentler or less direct attempts to shut down mansplaining. This phrase meets that moment. "This one is short and direct," Dr. Guarnotta explains. "It clearly sets a boundary and conveys confidence. It also feels very empowering."Related: If You Have Imposter Syndrome, You Likely Live With These 9 ‘Unspoken Fears,’ a Psychologist Says
The #1 Thing Not To Say to a Mansplainer
Related: If You've Said Any of These 14 Phrases, You Probably Have a Fear of Abandonment, Psychologists Explain
Sources:
Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, is a psychologist with Veritas PsychologyDr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologistDr. Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, PMH-C, is a psychologist and the owner of Phoenix HealthHence then, the article about 12 genius phrases to shut down mansplainers according to psychologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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