The Language of Certitude and Confidence Is a Tool

Michael Kavnan: The language of certainty and confidence is a tool. Once we understand it, we can think about when to use certain language and when not to use it. There's research that shows hedging can be a nice way to show that we're receptive to someone who strongly disagrees with our viewpoints. But as listeners, I think if we're more aware that certainty may not be linked to actual truth, maybe we can prevent it or sort of shield ourselves against it.