A frequent roadblock to effective communication is the phrase, “I already know that.” A recent article on the Idea Champions’ website speaks at length about the danger of using this phrase. This often occurs when someone begins a conversation and the recipient decides to cut it off quickly, subverting any communication and denigrating the other person through the statement, “I already know that.”

The article cites five common reasons for people cutting off a conversation with the comment “I already know that.”

1. Impatience
2. Limiting assumptions
3. Concern about where the conversation might be heading
4. Self-righteousness
5. The listener does not trust or respect the speaker

The article suggests that the listener most often does not know the whole story. As a matter of respect for the speaker and out of an interest in understanding them, we owe it to the speaker to listen and even to pursue the conversation. To do so, the author suggests these two steps:

1. Pause, take a breath, and become present
2. In a gracious way, let the speaker know that you do understand what they are about to say – then give him or her a chance to express themselves more fully, citing several ways of doing so.

The article is a good read on communications, especially if you have ever caught yourself saying “I already know that” to a team member, co-worker, or spouse.