“The best way to get information from people is to make them think you already know it”

Simplified Meaning:

When you want someone to tell you something important, it's often helpful if they believe you already have some of the information. Imagine a detective who needs to solve a crime. If this detective talks to a suspect and hints that they already know key details about the crime, the suspect might let their guard down and reveal more than they planned. This strategy works because people are less likely to lie or withhold information if they think the other person is already informed. In everyday life, you could use this tip when you're trying to find out the truth about something at work or among friends. For example, if you think a friend is hiding something about a surprise party, you might casually mention that you heard something about an event happening next weekend. This could make your friend believe you know more than you do and encourage them to spill the beans. So, by making people believe you are already in the know, they may feel more comfortable sharing details they otherwise might keep to themselves. This technique can be especially useful in situations where direct questions might make the other person defensive or secretive.