Talking Traps Part One: Conversational Warfare

In and over my time, I’ve come across some pretty despicable people. These individuals are all around us, but it is only when we engage with them – as many of us have to do in our personal lives, jobs or careers, etc. – that we are able to see them revealed. I’ve come to consider these people “conversational cravens” as their M. O. is simply to create chaos in a cowardly way; ambushing you with accusations, allegations or assertions without providing you time to answer within the setting they have attacked you in, which is usually also and almost always favorable to them

Those of this ilk, from politicians to pundits – or others that chase power and/or popularity – to everyday narcissists, employ what’s called intellectual dishonesty. To the informed or trained ear, it can be easily caught and for those fortunate enough among us not directly affected, it can be easily enough ignored.

Individuals that utilize it against us in person, however, especially those that have a more direct impact on our day-to-day, are doing what they can to have their Machiavellian ploy have an adverse effect on us. Unfortunately, it may, especially if we’re not mentally strong enough to withstand and/or resist their passive-aggressive, flat-out aggressive and non-aggressive – but no less contemptible – tactics.

In order to “make more monie”, it is important to avoid them, but if you cannot, then call them out and expose them, so they can be seen for what they are and subjected to natural consequences. If this can’t be done or doesn’t work, compartmentalize them in some far-off corner of your mind and available bandwidth, so that you can focus on what’s important. Of course, this is easier said than done.

Maintain high standards for the truth and highlight the matter wherever and whenever you can. Never keep your interactions with these toxic people private, whether they initially began as exclusive conversations or not. Reveal as much of the issue to any and all related to the topic as far and wide as reasonably can be, especially those aspects of it that can provide valuable context.

The best way to address conversational warfare strategies and those that would try to use it is to learn about it. My own research indicates that it can take many forms. The wealth of information on this topic and the subtle and not-so-subtle ways intellectual dishonesty can be utilized was invaluable to me. After all, forewarned is forearmed. Reading up on it enabled me to recognize it when unleashed.

Those of us looking to lead a ‘fun’ancially successful and rewarding life, absolutely need to become familiar with this form of warfare. Whataboutism, virtue signaling, selective memory, intellectual fallacies, theatrics (real or fake), playing on sympathies and outright bullying are all part of the arsenal of those trying to thwart us and impede our progress, all while also usually trying to further their own agenda.

Other examples include utilizing exaggerations, assumptions, insinuations and generalizations, and/or trying to ensure those exaggerations, assumptions, insinuations or generalizations being employed are taken as gospel due to association. Stating near, half or partial truths are other methods of verbal subterfuge, along with omissions of relevant information and introducing speculation. Other go-to deceitful maneuvers are playing fast and loose with the meaning of words, splitting hairs and nit-picking.

Of course, outright name calling, insults and mockery are obvious techniques designed to take the interaction – and us with it – into the sewer, so to speak, and are a sure sign that the other side isn’t interested in a civil discussion or simply agreeing to disagree. At this point, though, clearly, no amount of calm discourse is going to resolve the issue, whatever it may be. Having said that though, by the time this level of attack has been desperately utilized, those that are able to witness it have surely been able to see your demonstrated integrity in action – truly the silver lining of this dark cloud!

Disclaimer: The information contained herein should not be construed or considered professional advice. Nonetheless, thanks for reading! If it resonates, there’s “plenty more where that came from” on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X ‘n’ YouTube.

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