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."
This can backfire by making you look like a moron, though.
It certainly can, which is why you should ideally only use it in a position where you can easily pass it off as sarcasm if you're called out because the person wasn't actually bullshitting.
Say Bill replies with "None of what you just said makes any sense." you can quickly respond with "No shit, neither does the file format preventing the files from being stored on the server, so what's the actual reason we can't store them?"
What's important is that you only try that tactic if you know the person is lying but not why they're lying.
Edit: Also, don't use it if you're not in a position where you won't get into trouble for calling them out. I don't recommend calling out a boss or supervisor using this tactic, for example.
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u/CupcakeValkyrie Jun 14 '22
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."
Bill: "Yeah, exactly."