I'm not railing against the advice, I'm against the argumentation. This is not really clear from my previous comments -- I should've stated that context more c

I'm not railing against the advice, I'm against the argumentation. This is not really clear from my previous comments -- I should've stated that context more clearly. The post suggests that scientific methods are at the basis here, but in essence it is just listing socially accepted norms that are obvious to anyone. Take for example the illustration on competence and likability. The research might be good, but the diagram itself shows no results, just a definition. And am I to believe that FBI hostage negotiation is applicable to a friendly conversation I'd like to pick up with my neighbour? It just all makes very little sense. So, yes, smile, listen, be friendly. But no, do not abuse "science" to support this.