How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Denial
Techniques > Conversation techniques > Excuses > Denial Description | Example | Discussion | See also
DescriptionWhen yo are accused of something that could cause you problems, just deny it. Do not make excuses, because to do so is to accept guilt. Things you can deny include:
You can add evidence to support your claim, for example by saying where you were and what you were doing at the time. Denial can be direct, clearly saying it was not you, or indirect, for example by implying that it was not you. ExampleIt wasn't me. Sorry. I know nothing about that. I'm not the one you want. How could it be me? I was outside. DiscussionDenial is the simplest of methods of excusing oneself and avoiding punishment. It does, however, require plausibility. You cannot deny something where there were multiple witnesses (although some do try). Conversational denial often starts with internal denial as a method of coping with the cognitive dissonance felt when our actions are in contradiction with our values. Untrue denial requires a certain boldness and an ability to lie without giving the game away with deceptive body language. The best liars actually believe what they are saying. Of course denial may be valid, when you are accused of something you did not do. What is the best attitude for denial? Do you protest your innocence vigorously? Do you stay calm? This depends on your character and the relationship with the other person. Acting out of character will often arouse suspicions, so being natural is key. A common successful approach is to look a bit surprised (not exaggerating), give a short denial and then ask why they think you might have done whatever it is you are being accused of doing. Generally, the more 'bad' the accusation and the more vigorous the prosecution, the more animated you might be expected to be in response. See also
Ware, B.L. and Linkugel, W.A. (1973). They spoke in defense of themselves: On the generic criticism of apologia. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 59, 273-283 |
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
You can buy books here |
And the big |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|