Some people are really good at steering conversations to get what they want.
Whether it’s to get people on side, avoid taking responsibility for their actions, or subtly control the narrative, their tactics can be both amusing and frustrating, especially if you know what you’re looking for. If someone does some or even all of these things, it’s clear they think they’re being slick. Newsflash: They’re not.
1. They dodge direct questions effortlessly.
When asked a straightforward question, a sly person might answer with another question or shift the topic entirely. It’s not that they don’t have an answer—it’s that they don’t want to give it. Their skill in redirecting attention can leave you wondering how the topic changed so quickly. They thrive on keeping you off balance in subtle ways.
2. They overuse flattery to win you over.
Sly people know that compliments can disarm even the most sceptical person. They sprinkle praise strategically, making you feel appreciated while shifting focus away from their intentions. It’s not always insincere, but it’s often calculated. You’ll leave the conversation smiling, even if you’re not sure why.
3. They feign confusion to avoid accountability.
“Wait, what do you mean?” or “I don’t remember saying that” are classic sly tactics. They pretend not to understand or recall, making it harder for you to hold them accountable. This can frustrate you enough to let the issue slide. Their faux innocence is their way of staying out of trouble.
4. They subtly change the subject.
If the conversation gets uncomfortable, they’ll smoothly transition to a safer topic. Their ability to redirect is almost seamless, leaving you wondering how you ended up discussing your weekend plans instead of addressing the original issue. It’s a clever way to steer things in their favour without causing conflict.
5. They use humour as a deflection tool.
Cracking a joke at just the right moment can defuse tension or shift focus away from something they want to avoid. While it keeps the mood light, it also ensures they’re not pinned down. Their wit makes them charming, even if it’s occasionally frustrating. You’ll laugh, but you’ll also forget what you were asking.
6. They tell half-truths to stay vague.
Rather than lying outright, a sly person might give just enough truth to sound convincing while leaving out key details. It keeps them from being fully transparent without raising suspicion. You feel like you’re getting an answer, but something doesn’t quite add up. Their selective honesty is their secret weapon.
7. They mirror your words to build rapport.
Mirroring your tone, phrases, or body language helps them create a sense of connection. It’s not always sinister—they might genuinely like you—but it’s often intentional. As a result, you feel understood, which can make you more open to their suggestions. You’ll walk away thinking, “Wow, we’re so in sync!”
8. They use strategic silence to make you talk.
A well-timed pause can make you feel the need to fill the silence, often revealing more than you intended. Sly people know the power of letting you do the talking. Their quiet approach gives them more information while keeping their cards close to their chest. They make you feel like the star, but really, they’re gathering intel.
9. They downplay their mistakes expertly.
When they’re caught in the wrong, they’re quick to minimise the issue with phrases like, “It’s not a big deal” or “You’re overthinking it.” It makes you second-guess your reaction and lets them off the hook. Their ability to smooth over problems keeps them in control of the situation.
10. They use hypothetical scenarios to test your reaction.
“What would you do if…” or “Imagine if this happened…” are sly ways they gauge your stance on something without revealing their own position. This lets them gather information without committing to anything. It’s their way of testing the waters before diving in themselves.
11. They overwhelm you with details to distract.
When pressed, they might bury you in unnecessary details, hoping you’ll lose track of the main point. Their over-explaining tactic is designed to confuse and derail the conversation. By the end, you’re too worn out to keep pressing the issue. They leave you wondering what the original question even was.
12. They agree enthusiastically but don’t follow through.
Sly people are quick to say, “Absolutely!” or “Of course!” when asked for help, but their follow-through often leaves something to be desired. Doing this keeps them on good terms while avoiding actual responsibility. They rely on your goodwill to cover for their lack of action.
13. They use compliments to soften criticism.
If they need to critique you, they’ll sandwich it between flattery: “You’re amazing at this, but maybe we could tweak that. Honestly, you’re the best!” In their eyes, this keeps you receptive to their suggestions without feeling defensive. It’s a clever way to get what they want while keeping the peace.
14. They play the victim when it suits them.
“I was just trying to help” or “I didn’t mean to upset you” are classic lines they use to shift blame. Playing the victim helps them avoid confrontation and gain sympathy instead. It’s a way to make you feel guilty for calling them out, turning the situation to their advantage.
15. They exaggerate their agreement to win trust.
“I was just thinking the exact same thing!” or “You’re so right!” are phrases they use to align with your opinion, even if they don’t fully agree. Their over-the-top enthusiasm builds rapport while subtly steering the conversation. It’s hard to argue with someone who seems so supportive, which is exactly their goal.
16. They end conversations on their terms.
When the discussion starts veering into uncomfortable territory, they’ll find a polite way to wrap it up. “Let’s pick this up later” or “I’ve got to run” are their go-to exit strategies. This way, they stay in control without addressing anything they’d rather avoid. They leave the conversation feeling victorious, even if it’s unresolved.
