Word choice is extremely important, but not as important as the rhythms and patterns of speech. By replicating familiar speech patterns, speakers can masquerade their word-salad as sensible content. Our expectations surrounding rhythm and inflection are so strong that if we aren’t paying careful attention, complete nonsense can take on meaning. Humorously, this is frequently done in media, where characters string together words with little meaning in a specific rhythm to sound like futuristic scientists or experts. Unfortunately, the line is not drawn at fiction, and this tactic is notoriously used by authority, especially when making statements attempting to mitigate wrongdoing.
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24
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