When I watch people I can see what they can be best at. Piers Morgan is The Best at calling people's bluff. It is an expression associated with poker, where a player may pretend to hold stronger cards than they actually do. Calling their bluff means refusing to be intimidated by the performance and forcing them to reveal what they really have.
Calling their bluff is a vital skill for a number of peofessions:
Interviewers
Politiciants
Barristers
How does Piers do that? Let's look at his techniques.
The art of asking uncomfortable questions
One of Piers Morgan's recognisable interviewing techniques is his willingness to interrupt, repeat a question and challenge an evasive response.
Consider the difference between these two approaches:
You asked someone a question. They give you a long answer that sounds impressive but does not actually address what you asked.
A less confident interviewer might move on, perhaps feeling uncomfortable about interrupting.
A more assertive interviewer might say:
"But that's not what I asked you. Can you answer the question?"
Notice the construction of the sentence. It is short, direct and difficult to misunderstand.
There is no need for complicated vocabulary, elaborate explanations or an aggressive tone. The power comes from the clarity of the question.
Five expressions to challenge an evasive answer
If you want to become more confident in difficult conversations, practise these expressions:
"That's an interesting answer, but it doesn't address my question."
"What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Can you give me some evidence to support that claim?"
"I think we're avoiding the real issue here."
"Let's go back to the original question."
Notice that none of these expressions requires you to insult, embarrass or attack another person. They simply bring the conversation back to the point.
How To Do It Right
Calling someone's bluff is not simply about choosing the right words. It is also about how you deliver them.
1. Voice Power
Speak with enough vocal strength to command attention. You do not need to shout. A controlled, well-supported voice can be far more authoritative than a raised one.
2. Pitch
Avoid allowing your voice to become excessively high or uncertain when challenging someone. A comfortable, controlled pitch helps communicate confidence.
3. Pace
Controlled pace. Slow down when making an important point. People who speak too quickly can undermine their own authority, particularly when they feel challenged or emotional.
4. Pause
Ask your question and then stop speaking. Resist the temptation to fill the silence or answer it yourself. Pause can be much more powerful than any words. Give the other person time to respond and call their own bluff.
Just watch this clip and see how it's done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QCIqF7K3lE
If you wich to laarn these valuabe skills download the app:
Yours
Olga Smith