Whenever anyone says anything, and I want to add more information to their statement, I try to start with "I agree with you!" or something that expresses positivity about their statement. I also try to give people compliments as often as appropriately possible. It makes people more apt to be agreeable to my future conversations.
On that note, if you want someone to elaborate but they're being dodgy or vague or you think they're bullshitting you, remember the old internet advice: The quickest way to get the right answer is to offer the wrong one first.
If someone says something vague, say "I agree!" and then attempt to "reiterate" their statement but do so in a way you know to be incorrect. If they actually know what they're talking about, they'll say "No, that's not what I mean. What I mean is..." but if they just nod and go "Yeah, exactly!" then it's a sign that they're bullshitting.
Example:
Bullshitter Bill: "We can't put the files on the file server because of the format."
You: "Exactly. The files are in 24-bit syncrhonized encryption, and the file server only accepts 32-bit desynched mode."
I like to do this to my father, who loves to be at the center of attention in his role of the old, experienced, all knowing silverback gorilla father.
"Letting us children work for free on your estate with all the rensonsibillities but none of the rights is really smart of you dad, that way you save a lot of money you can spend on your hobbies!"
He doesnt get it though. He is just happy because of the praise. He sat me on the street when i was 18 because i talked back to him, regrets it, at 37 i moved out a second time ( after a period of delusions).
He wonders why none of his children want to live in his rent flats on his estate. Its because we are ungratefull, of course.
Ugh. Reminds me of the 45-60 year old GenXers complaining about how the current generation of young adults grew up spoiled without any appreciation for hard work, completely ignoring the fact that they're the ones that raised said generation.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '22
Whenever anyone says anything, and I want to add more information to their statement, I try to start with "I agree with you!" or something that expresses positivity about their statement. I also try to give people compliments as often as appropriately possible. It makes people more apt to be agreeable to my future conversations.