How to spot an expert

Introduction by Ray Brimble:

 Definition of Expert:

“An ex is a has been and a spurt is a drip under pressure”

When I discovered this list from Australian sociologist William D. Rifkin some 30 years ago, it blew my mind, because it had never occurred to me that many so-called “experts” are either self-designated or are crowd-designated by virtue of a ritualistic presentation of one’s self, and one’s material.  This does not imply that there are no actual experts in the world, but rather that we should be a bit more discerning about the real ones and the poseurs.             

What does it take to be regarded as the voice of authority?  Here are twenty-five tips to gain “expert status”, to be recognized as an expert or perhaps just  to be able to recognize when somebody is trying to make you think they are an expert.

START with the following:

• Establish a separate status

• Don a costume and use paraphernalia

• State your professional rank and domain of authority

• Establish a private space in which to work

• Talk in a formal or oratorical way

• Designate an audience to listen to you

• Display skill with technical language

• Appear objective, but empathetic

During a meeting /consultations:

• Convene the interested parties

• Ritualize the consultation

• Make the proceedings solemn

• Synchronize the participants with gestures and movement

• Adhere to traditions to assure legitimacy

• Gain the center of attention

• Force the client to compete for your attention

• Make deference toward you seem natural

What YOU say:

• Devise explanations that resist refuting

• Turn contradictions into confirmations

• Introduce new topics more often than anyone else

• Tell “war stories” to bolster your status

• Assure your audience that your science works

• Narrow the alternatives

• Help in the decision making