How "Double Talk" Affects Us

Do you hear confusing, ambiguous and evasive language being used by government officials, on news interviews, at work, or in your personal life?

"Double talk," which is often used interchangeably with "doublespeak," refers to language that is deliberately ambiguous, evasive, or misleading. It obscures the truth and manipulates the audience's perception of reality. 

Here's how it can affect us:

Confusion and Misunderstanding: Double talk is designed to be confusing, making it difficult to understand the true meaning or intentions behind the message. This lack of clarity can lead to misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and ultimately, ineffective communication.

Erosion of Trust: When people consistently use double talk, it signals a lack of honesty and transparency. This can lead to a breakdown of trust in relationships, organizations, and institutions.

Manipulation and Deception: Double talk is often used as a tool for manipulation, making the unfavorable seem appealing, or vice versa. It can be used to cover up mistakes, evade responsibility, or promote a specific agenda, often at the expense of others.

How To Respond To Double Talk

Responding to double talk requires a mix of active listening, direct questioning,  calm and respect, avoiding confrontation or accusatory language. and potentially, a bit of strategic thinking. 

Here are some techniques you can employ:

Responding to double talk, vague language, and evasive communication requires active listening, direct questioning, and strategic thinking. Techniques to employ include:

Acknowledge and Rephrase: 

Active Listening: Pay attention to the speaker's words, tone, and body language. Identify vague, evasive, or ambiguous communication.

Paraphrasing: Rephrase the statement and ask if the interpretation is accurate. This shows engagement and encourages clarification."So, the interpretation is..." "To ensure understanding, does that mean..."

Ask Direct and Clarifying Questions: 

Specifics: Request details or examples. "Could an example be provided?" "What are the proposed next steps?"

Probe Intentions: Inquire about the purpose. "What is the main objective?" "What is the desired outcome?"

Definitions: If jargon or abstract terms are used, request a clear definition. "Could the term be explained in this context?"

Gently Challenge or Call Out Vagueness:

Polite Pushback: If obfuscation is sensed, politely challenge the ambiguity. "It is difficult to follow. Could this be explained in simpler terms?" "There seem to be several interpretations. Which one is intended?"

Mirroring: Mirror ambiguous language back, if appropriate, to force acknowledgment.

Consider the Context and Speaker's Motives:

Identify the Source: Is it communication style, a deliberate attempt to be evasive, or a lack of knowledge?

Possible Motives: Is the speaker trying to avoid commitment, hide information, or save face? Recognizing the motive can inform the response.

Set Boundaries if Necessary:

Respectfully Disengage: If the double talk persists and is unproductive, respectfully disengage from the conversation. "Thank you for your time, but time is needed to process the information." "Perhaps this discussion can be revisited at a later time."