You too can pretend to be a scholar [posted by Troy]
As I am studying, I am picking up a few tips on how I can sound smarter
than
I am. Remember, sounding smart is as important as being smart. Here
are a
few pointers that you may want to use:The Literature: When
you are
talking about something you read, simply refer to it as "the
literature."
Refer to it in a manner that you'd use to refer to God, all knowing,
always
right, all powerful. For instance, "The literature indicates a need
for
more money." "The literature predicts sugar makes coffee sweet."
Models: Anything that can possibly be copied by someone else
is a
model. Whenever you decide to try something new, this is a model that
others may want to copy. Nothing exists on its own. Everythign exists
to
be copied. For instance, "I have created a model for adding creamer to
my
coffee, which will transform our understanding of creaming
coffee."
Post: When you talk about time periods never use the
word
"after." Instead, use the word post. For instance, "We now live in a
post-cold war world." Or "Post-breakfast I will be leaving for work."
Pre: The inverse of "post." Never use the word before. For
instance, "In a pre-Sammy Sosa world, we never how good baseball could
be."
or "Pre-oil change, my engine was running a bit rough."which will transform our understanding of creaming
coffee."
Question Data: Even if you don't understand what the hell someone is talking about,
question his or her data. For instance, "Yes, peptide bonds are an
interesting natural occurrence, but what data are you using for a
source of
your theories?" or "Perhaps, age and genders are predictors of student
success in college, but what's your data source that allows you make
this
claim?" This normally gets the individual talking in a new direction,
and
your ignorance may not be revealed. (This one is very useful.)
which will transform our understanding of creaming
coffee."
Agree
then disagree: If you want to play it safe, agree then disagree
(the old
Bill Clinton tactic). For instance, "Yes, I agree that you would get
minerals by eating handfuls of dirt, but I am also currious as to the
health
benefits of such a diet." or "Yes, robbing banks is an easy way to
make a
buck, but perhaps, there are other methods we could employ to enrich
ourselves?"
12:36:23 AM  permanent link Google It!
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