Reply to Bad Faith Questions ft. Greg Gutfeld & Trump Press Conferences — Daily Persuasion Ep. 143

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ABOUT TODAY'S EPISODE:

You’re not obligated to answer a question meant to trap you. You’re obligated to win the moment.

Welcome to Daily Persuasion Ep. 143: "Reply to Bad Faith Questions ft. Greg Gutfeld & Trump Press Conferences", hosted by New York Times bestselling author and ghostwriter of over 90 nonfiction books, Joshua Lisec. In this episode, Lisec delivers a razor-sharp persuasion lesson straight from the front lines of political theater—how to recognize, reject, and repurpose bad faith arguments for maximum persuasive effect.

When someone lobs a loaded question your way, it’s tempting to justify yourself, get defensive, or try to prove your innocence. But that’s a trap. In this masterclass on how to reply to bad faith questions, Lisec shows how Donald Trump, Greg Gutfeld, and others at the Fox News Channel reframe these setups into opportunities to control the narrative. Whether you're at a press conference, a hostile interview, or a heated dinner conversation, today’s persuasion techniques will serve you well.

Lisec breaks down how Trump press conferences often sidestep landmine questions from mainstream outlets like CNN, replacing reaction with redirection. When CNN’s Caitlin Collins accused Trump of politicizing a tragedy “without evidence,” Trump’s strategic reply—"I don’t think that’s a very smart question"—illustrated one of the most powerful persuasion psychology moves in the playbook: never fight on the enemy’s terms.

Instead of dignifying the premise, Trump reframed the moment, a hallmark of effective persuasion.

Lisec then dissects Greg Gutfeld’s go-to reply on the Fox News Channel: “Ask a better question, please.” That line alone transforms the dynamic and flips the burden back onto the questioner. As Lisec notes, your response to bad faith arguments isn’t about convincing the interrogator—it’s about winning over the onlookers. That’s where true persuasive techniques come into play.

In true Lisec fashion, this episode draws from rhetoric, psychology, and even literary devices to deliver high-impact, actionable insights. From the use of rhyme (a proven persuasion technique—remember: What you resist, persists) to the power of pre-framing questions, Lisec arms you with practical strategies to stay composed, persuasive, and dominant—even when under attack.

This episode also explores how to spot propaganda, such as the media’s go-to phrase “without evidence.” Lisec identifies these tactics as rhetorical poison pills—designed to discredit before a case is even made. Recognizing them is the first step in neutralizing them. Whether it’s on CNN or a corporate panel, these moments are the battlefield of modern persuasion.

Lisec connects this media behavior to broader persuasion examples, including examples of persuasion in advertising, where narratives are framed in such a way that the audience feels they’ve made up their own minds—even when they haven’t. By applying these persuasive techniques, you can control the story and guide the outcome, regardless of the setting.

Throughout Daily Persuasion Ep. 143, Lisec emphasizes the principle that you don’t need to justify yourself to someone acting in bad faith. Instead, master techniques of persuasion in writing and speech that allow you to flip the script, control the emotional tone, and—most importantly—leave the audience questioning the questioner.

He also draws a sharp contrast between sincere inquiry and manipulation, helping you distinguish between productive dialogue and psychological warfare. Whether you’re learning how to persuade someone to do something in business, politics, or relationships, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to do it effectively—and ethically.

Don’t miss this essential installment of Daily Persuasion, where Joshua Lisec once again demonstrates why he’s one of the leading voices in persuasion psychology today. Whether you're new to the channel or a longtime listener, Episode 143 delivers high-level strategy with real-world relevance.

Subscribe now and make today the day you learn how to reply to bad faith questions like a pro—Greg Gutfeld, Trump, and Lisec style.