Laurie
Was E.laur
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2009
- Messages
- 6,072
- MBTI Type
- ENFP
- Enneagram
- 7w6
This is an interesting website, I'm sure it's a compilation of lots of stuff.
Conversational Terrorism: How NOT to Talk!
There are a lot listed, that was just a few.
Do you see yourself in any of the conversational terrorism points at all?
Do you see others?
Do you disagree with any?
Conversational Terrorism: How NOT to Talk!
The examples are overblown in an attempt to be both clear and funny. Use your imagination to think of how you (perish the thought) and others have used these techniques in the past.
They have been grouped by major category, with the best (worst!) saved for last.
First, we have the Ad Hominem Variants where you attack the person as a way to avoid truth, science, or logic which might otherwise prove you wrong. Next are the Sleight of Mind Fallacies, which act as "mental magic" to make sure the unwanted subject disappears. Then, we move on to Delay Tactics, which are subtle means to buy time when put on the spot. Then, the ever popular Question as Opportunity ploys, where any question can be deftly averted. Finally, we have the Cheap Shot Tactics and Irritants, which are basically "below the belt" punches.
Ad Hominem Variants
OVER YOUR HEAD:
"I'd like to respond to that, but taking into account your background, education, and intelligence, I am quite sure that you would not be able to understand."
Sleight of Mind Fallacies
NIT-PICKING:
Instead of dealing with a comment or question directly, the idea here is to focus on some insignificant detail to evade the issue or buy time to think.
"We need to define just exactly what you mean by _________."
"Your last sentence ended with a preposition. Please restate it properly."
Delay Tactics
If, when put on the spot to answer a question or point, you come up blank, then delay tactics can buy time to dream up a response. These tactics are risky, because if you are not able to think of anything clever during the time you buy, you will be pinned even further.
DESCRIBE THE ANSWER:
Give descriptive attributes of the eventual answer, then pause as if expecting a response, while thinking of a real answer. When this technique is repeated the other person will appear to be begging you to give an answer.
"I think the answer to your last question will clear up your confusion on this subject. (Long pause) Are you ready?"
<snip>
There are a lot listed, that was just a few.
Do you see yourself in any of the conversational terrorism points at all?
Do you see others?
Do you disagree with any?