Why We Talk: Most Speech Influences Rather Than Informs
Psychology Today | 14.11.2025 01:32
Very little of what we say to other people is designed to inform them about something. Instead, we speak to have an effect on them. For example, a suspect needs an alibi, and a witness tells the police they spent the entire evening together. The witness may not be providing factual information about the suspect’s whereabouts. Instead, the statement communicates that the witness thinks the suspect is innocent. Conversely, if they did spend the evening together but the witness thinks the suspect is guilty, the witness may tell the police he isn’t sure.
