Short: Do you find when someone says "Like I previously said" condensending or rude?
Long: I have a coworker who continually says in person or email "like I said" etc and it infuriates me. This time, coworker previously committed to teaching an event for me (event A) on certain Wednesday's throughout 2017. About a separate teaching subject (event B), she states she can't do it after 3:30 on Wednesdays. I follow up and say "does this mean you can't do event A after 330 as well?" The response, "like I previously stated..." NO you didn't previously state, that's why I clarified. One could deduce that's what you mean but you didn't state that. She's rude in general and often tries to make you/others feel like they're in the wrong, but she's the one that is.
I don't care for it - in writing especially, where it's easily misinterpreted - and avoid using it (unless I'm trying to hammer home a point I've made repeatedly and feel is being overlooked or ignored), but I try not to read into it when someone else uses it. That said, if the person using it is generally condescending, I would probably hear it in that person's typical tone and internally roll my eyes.
In that context I would find it grating. If the person had ACTUALLY SAID THAT previously, then maybe....I prefer a more specific reference though (per our phone conversation yesterday, as discussed in last week's meeting, etc) -- sometimes making a reference in email is a good way to document that something was in fact said/discussed/decided/whatever outside of the email conversation.
I find it condescending in this sense but also she could just be BEC for you as well. I avoid this phrase because it can and often is interpreted as being condescending.
I don't find it condescending but if it's in written communication the writer better be damn sure they actually said it. I do write it on occasion but I literally look in the email chain to confirm that I did, indeed, state it already. I find I have to do it because half of our department does not read emails carefully and then tries to say something was never explained, shared, etc. It covers my ass more than anything.
I work with someone who overuses "again", whether they've previously made that point of not. "Again, (follows with brand new information)", "Again, here's what you people don't understand. . ." So rude.
Post by orangeblossom on Dec 29, 2016 8:23:10 GMT -5
I think it's rude. There are better ways, IMO, to reference/clarify something already stated.
I prefer, "Per our previous conversation". Generally, I only reserve statements like that for delayed items or when someone is trying to tell me ABC didn't take place.
"Like I said" is too personal for work and sounds like it belongs in an argument with your partner or someone else you're close to.
Nothing good can come from starting a conversation that way. It can immediately put the recipient on the defensive.
I think it's rude. There are better ways, IMO, to reference/clarify something already stated.
I prefer, "Per our previous conversation". Generally, I only reserve statements like that for delayed items or when someone is trying to tell me ABC didn't take place.
"Like I said" is too personal for work and sounds like it belongs in an argument with your partner or someone else you're close to.
Nothing good can come from starting a conversation that way. It can immediately put the recipient on the defensive.
This is a good point, and more of what I actually do. Using the word "like" is kind of what makes it take a turn for rude.
OP, knowing your colleague is generally rude, though, I can see how they're continuing that pattern here.
Probably depends on the overall tone, but I agree with PPs that it sounds very informal. I will often say things like, "per the attached email" or "as mentioned below," etc. -- however, I work with clients and these are often used purposefully for CYA/documentation.