TURNABOUT Defending against Columbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Summary: When others ask questions, determine what the purpose is before you fall into a trap that they might be laying. This is done by seeking clarification and by being willing to think about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThere should be no risk when someone asks us either of the first two Columbo questions. We welcome the opportunity to clarify our views and then give our reasons for what we believe. The danger we need to guard against is the misuse of the third application of Columbo\u2014leading questions meant to make a point against us.\u201d (Location: 1,957)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Note:Clarifying questions are good. We should accept and encourage them. The difference between leading questions meant to trap and clarifying questions meant to make a point is the intent behind it. Are you trying to encourage a thoughtful consideration of one\u2019s beliefs, or are you trying to confuse and belittle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u201cSomeone once said if you word the question right, you can win any debate. Dr. Chopra\u2019s challenge was a classic case in point. A simple yes would have been the correct answer (properly qualified1) but would have sent a distorted message, as you\u2019ll see in a moment. Further, Chopra\u2019s words subtly suggested that I thought hell was the punishment people deserved for disagreeing with me.\u201d (Location: 1,977)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Note:In cases when a short, truthful answer will confuse even more, it is better to not answer the question until it is clarified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThe moment you feel like the questions might be designed to manipulate you, stop the conversation and ask for clarification before you go any further.\u201d (Location: 2,028)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u201cFor example, \u201cWhat gives you the right to say someone else\u2019s religion is wrong?\u201d can be restated as, \u201cNo one is justified in saying one religious view is better than another.\u201d \u201cWho\u2019s to say?\u201d means, \u201cNo one could ever know the truth about that,\u201d or, \u201cOne answer is just as good as another.\u201d \u201cWho are you to say?\u201d usually means, \u201cYou\u2019re wrong for saying someone else is wrong.\u201d This last one is obviously contradictory, but you might not notice that problem if the claim remains hidden behind a question mark.\u201d (Location: 2,113)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Note:Answering a statement as though it were a question isn\u2019t helpful to either party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\u201cIf you remember only one thing from part 1 of this book, remember this: whenever you get in a tough spot, always ask questions.\u201d (Location: 2,187)<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TURNABOUT Defending against Columbo Summary: When others ask questions, determine what the purpose is before you fall into a trap that they might be laying. This is done by seeking clarification and by being willing to think about it. \u201cThere … Continue reading