See also
- 🔧How to call someone out respectfully
How to encourage someone to answer your question instead of saying, “I don’t know”
Start Here
- So you’re suspicious that someone’s been up to some chicanery, eh?
- You may not have proof — or enough proof — and you want to give them the opportunity to say something.
- Your tone should be light and positive. Give them the impression you couldn’t possibly believe they had done something wrong. You’re just trying to solve a problem.
Talking Points
- Hi, <name>, I wanted to ask you about <whatever it is you’re suspicious of>.
- <give them a moment to speak>
- Look, to be clear, I’m not suggesting anything. It’s just that <brief summary of why you’re suspicious>.
- <if they’re not answering, use a pregnant silence to pressure them to fill it by answering>
- Please understand, I’m not suggesting anything other than the appearance of impropriety…
- <if they still don’t answer, you must either accuse them then and there or walk away from the conversation>