We’ve all been there. You’re in a meeting or chatting with a colleague, and someone says, “Well, people are saying…” Suddenly, you’re stuck trying to respond to a vague, faceless “people” who apparently have opinions but no names. Frustrating, right?
The problem with “people are saying” is that it sounds legitimate while being frustratingly nonspecific. Who are these “people”? What exactly are they saying? Why can’t they speak for themselves? If this phrase has left you exasperated, here are some simple, conversational ways to counter it while keeping the conversation productive.
1. Ask for Specifics
When someone says, “People are saying,” hit pause and ask:
“Who exactly is saying this?”
This flips the responsibility back on them to clarify. More often than not, you’ll find that “people” is just one person—or no one at all.
2. Look for the Receipts
Instead of arguing, ask for evidence:
“That’s interesting. Can you give me a specific example?”
This shifts the focus to facts rather than vague generalizations. If they can’t provide any, it might be time to let the claim fizzle out.
3. Call Out the Vagueness (Nicely)
Sometimes, you’ve just got to name the game:
“‘People are saying’ could mean a lot of things. Let’s focus on what we know for sure.”
You’re not being rude—you’re simply steering the conversation back to reality.
4. Redirect the Conversation
Instead of chasing shadows, try this:
“What’s directly impacting us? Let’s tackle that instead of what others might or might not be saying.”
This helps you move from speculation to solutions.
5. Appeal to Shared Goals
Remind everyone why you’re there:
“If there’s a real concern, let’s address it together instead of focusing on what people might be saying.”
You’re turning the moment into an opportunity to collaborate, not get bogged down in gossip.
6. Empower the “People” to Speak Up
Sometimes, the best move is to say:
“If there’s something important, let’s encourage those people to share their concerns directly so we can address them.”
This puts the responsibility back on those “people” to step forward. Spoiler alert: they often won’t.
7. Stay Calm and Confident
“People are saying” is often used to stir the pot. Don’t let it rattle you. Stay calm, stick to the facts, and keep the focus on moving forward.
The next time someone hits you with a “people are saying” claim, don’t let it derail you. Instead, take control of the conversation with these strategies. By asking for specifics, focusing on facts, and keeping the dialogue constructive, you’ll avoid the drama and keep things on track.
And who knows? Maybe “people” will start saying you’re the go-to person for handling tough conversations.