A 'double-talker' is an individual who speaks in a deliberately ambiguous, evasive, or contradictory manner, often to deceive, confuse, or avoid giving a clear or honest answer. This style of communication uses vague language, jargon, platitudes, and rhetorical devices to obscure the true meaning and intentions of the speaker. The purpose is often to manipulate perceptions, avoid accountability, or maintain control over a situation by controlling the narrative. The effectiveness of a double-talker relies on the audience's inattention, a lack of direct questioning, or a desire to avoid conflict, as well as the deliberate use of language that hides the truth. Sometimes a double-talker is used to make oneself sound important.
Double-talker meaning with examples
- The politician, facing scrutiny about his campaign finances, resorted to double-talk, offering convoluted explanations and evasive phrases that failed to address the core allegations. His refusal to answer directly caused distrust and a perception that he was hiding something. The media struggled to gain traction with their questions.
- During the negotiations, the CEO used double-talk to appease both sides, promising different things to different parties without committing to any firm agreements. This strategic ambiguity bought him time, but eventually, the contradictory promises led to frustration and ultimately failed in the negotiations.
- The used car salesman, a skilled double-talker, provided flowery descriptions and vague assurances about the vehicle's reliability, carefully avoiding any mention of its mechanical issues. Customers later reported the car had nothing as he said and expressed anger that they'd been manipulated.
- In the heated debate, the double-talker's arguments were filled with buzzwords and complex sentences, designed to sound intelligent without actually conveying any concrete information. The audience would be confused and lost and would not want to ask a simple question for fear of embarrassment.