Communication Expert Suggests 'Word Trade' Strategy Inspired by Gloria Steinem for Handling Loaded Questions

Communication expert Dorie Clark has described a strategy she calls the "word trade" for responding to loaded questions, according to a report by CNBC. The technique, Clark says, draws on an approach associated with feminist activist Gloria Steinem.

According to the report, a loaded question is one that contains an unfair assumption or framing, often designed to put the person answering on the defensive. Clark explains that instead of directly answering such a question as posed, a person can reject the framing embedded within it.

Clark's "word trade" method involves substituting the biased or leading term in a question with a more neutral or accurate one before responding, the report states. This allows the respondent to address the underlying issue without accepting the premise implied by the original phrasing.

Clark, identified in the report as a communication expert, says the technique allows individuals to push back against unfair characterizations without appearing combative or evasive, according to CNBC.

The report attributes the origin of the approach to Gloria Steinem, a longtime feminist activist and writer known for her work on gender equality and media commentary.

CNBC's report frames the strategy as a practical communication tool applicable in various settings, including interviews, workplace discussions, and public appearances, where individuals may face questions containing embedded assumptions.