Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 The Perception of Brilliance; Actual versus Perceived Competence 7
The Experiment 7
The Assessment Problem 13
Just World Principle 15
True Competences? 17
A Question of Technique 22
Conclusion 24
Chapter 2 The Anticipation Effect: Managing Expectations to Show Your Expertise 27
The Richest Man in the World 27
Prom Modesty to Boasting 30
Modesty Is …? 47
Conclusion 51
Chapter 3 Good News, Bad News: Using the Power of Association 55
The Power of Association 55
Delivering Good News 57
Bearing Bad News 60
The Primacy Effect 68
Conclusion 73
Chapter 4 The Competence Formula: Framing Your Competence 76
The Amazing Fitzjames 76
Tough and Unlucky 79
Effortless Superiority 81
Conclusion 87
Chapter 5 Verbal Communication: How to Speak like an Expert 91
As Seen on TV 91
Pronunciation 92
Standard English 93
Effective Speech 96
Power Talking 97
Unnecessary Complications (Skip This Section!) 99
Conclusion 101
Chapter 6 Nonverbal Communication: How to Move like an Expert 103
The Effects of Nonverbal Communication 103
Near and Far 104
Stand Properly, Sit Properly 106
Eye Contact 109
Smile Please? 111
Body Contact 113
Height 114
Enthusiasm 116
Conclusion 118
Chapter 7 Beautiful and Popular: How to Increase Your Popularity and Attractiveness 121
The Constant Error in Psychological Ratings 121
Popularity 123
Attractiveness 132
Conclusion 145
Chapter 8 Status: The Power of Symbols 149
Image Consultancy for Consultants 149
Status and Competence 151
Habitus 153
BTRGing: Using Indirect Status 165
Conclusion 168
Conclusion: What Now? 174
Epilogue: Science and the World 180
Notes 189
Bibliography 209
Index 249
About the Author 255