A guide to Warsh's rhetorical techniques. (since we'll living with it for the next 5 years) Here's 8: : 1. Replace the question with a broader one (otherwise known as "bridging), i.e. when someone ask X, you answer Y. Q: Was today's decision close? Answer: The vote was 9-3. The broader discussion showed a lot of agreement. We had commonality on the questions.... 2. Reject the reporter's premise. I.e. Q: What's the argument for a pause? Answer: I wouldn't characterize what we did as anything like a pause. 3. When asked about conclusions, answer with process. Q: What haven't you hiked? A: We spent an inordinate amount of time looking at monetary policy strategy...thinking hard...looking at data... 4. Admit uncertainty, but only about the economy, not objectives. i.e. he never expresses uncertainty about the 2% inflation target or the Fed's mission, but he freely admits uncertainty about anything about the economy. 5. Create memorable slogans to create rhetorical anchors. i.e. "Watchful thinking, not watchful waiting." "Family fight." "We're in the performance business." "No magic wand." 6. Controlled self-deprecation to diffuse tension. i.e. "Believe it or not, this press conference is not all I've done today." 7. Use questions to answer questions. He presented the four questions that the FOMC discussed, but never provide answers. 8. Divert attention to the markets but does not provide market analysis. Q from reporter: what are you hearing from the markets? A: Markets are the best source of information.