Tactic 44 of 99
The Confident Delivery
Certainty is contagious, even when it’s unearned.
What it is
We tend to believe people who sound sure. Confidence is a shortcut for competence. Unfortunately, confidence and accuracy are only loosely linked. The loudest person is often just the loudest person.
Spot it
Certainty with no evidence. “Trust me.” “Everyone knows that.” No “I think,” no “probably,” on things that can’t be certain.
Counter it
Ask a simple question: “How do you know?” Real expertise has an answer. Bluster changes the subject.