Research finds that talking like this can be quite persuasive. If someone speaks with a great deal of certainty, it's harder to believe they could be wrong because they seem so certain. But while sometimes it's good to convey that uncertainty, we often undermine our own impact by doing so. The more we hedge, the less likely people are to listen to us.
It’s what cult leaders, charlatans, and at least one former president have in common.
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