“Damning with Faint Praise”
That’s Great for a Beginner!
What is Damning with Faint Praise?
Using language that seems complimentary but is actually insulting when examined closely.
Business Application
Faint praise is often utilized as a means to trigger an emotional response to elicit action or reduce esteem. Recognizing the fallacy when it is being applied will help you remain collected and focused on the facts. It’s also just plain rude.
Example 1
“I remember when we won our first tech competition.”
Why This is a Fallacy
Suggesting that a company is still very inexperienced despite demonstrating talent through competition.
Example 2
“Competitor is a great company for folks who have a tight budget and just need help making ends meet. We tend to focus on the bigger picture that increases revenue in multiples.”
Why This is a Fallacy
Suggesting that a competing brand is an excellent fit for a buyer type that no one would feel comfortable identifying with.
