Conspiracy theories abound during these uncertain and troubling times. How do you separate fact from fiction? Whom do you believe?
There may be a time when you need to debunk or rebut an idea at work. Whether you’ll be successful depends on a number of factors.
Recently I watched a youtube video of a doctor who tried to debunk a popular health conspiracy theory.
He had his own youtube channel and introduced himself by name. He didn’t provide any of his credentials. We didn’t know what kind of medicine he practiced or if he had clinical experience.
He began his introduction by saying, “People are sending me clips of this video and I’m shook” This statement is grammatically incorrect. He needed to say “I was shaken.”
He then went on to say, “I can’t believe Americans are so friggin’ stupid. You really want me to debunk this garbage? What is wrong with our education and common sense? “ He continued with,
“The first 5 seconds of the video reeks of crazy sauce.” (Not exactly professional terminology).
He later repeated his insult, “It’s so frustrating to think people are this friggin’ stupid.”
Although he attacked the credentials and challenged the validity of the person’s research in the video, he made allegations without evidence to support those allegations.
He concluded by telling the audience to share his video. His last words were, “I love you.” And as he walked off camera, he said, “Stupid.”
What have we learned here?
1. Give your name and credentials. People need to know who you are and why you are qualified to rebut a theory.
2. Branding is important. His youtube channel didn’t present him in the best light. He sounded like a media celebrity selling sensationalism rather than a seasoned medical professional. This cost him credibility.
3. Start with a clear purpose statement. Let people know what you’ll be talking about.
4. Use correct grammar. Poor grammar is an instant credibility killer.
5. Check your work. Before you give a presentation, write it out on paper to catch errors and film a practice video.
6. Support your point of view with evidence.
7. Check your emotions at the door. Blaming is never acceptable when influencing others to your point of view.
8. NEVER insult the audience. This presenter called the audience stupid more than once.
Was his opinion accurate? Who knows? Once a presenter resorts to blaming and insulting the audience that’s a red flag the person debunking the theory is on shaky ground.