When you’re caught in the heat of manipulation, it’s easy to get swept away by emotions—and that’s exactly the point. In this episode of Outwitting the Manipulator, Robin Golinski and Dr. Dennis Becker reveal how manipulators deliberately choose words to ignite reactions, control momentum, and keep you off balance. They break down how to spot these verbal traps, why even “neutral” words can carry manipulative weight, and how to stay grounded by separating fact from feeling. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult partner, workplace manipulator, or simply navigating today’s emotionally charged media, this conversation gives you the tools to pause, question, and reclaim control.   Topics 00:56 Identifying Manipulative Words 01:57 Emotional Control in Manipulative Interactions 04:55 Manipulation in Media and News 06:52 The Complexity of Neutrality and Bias 12:22 Philosophical Debate on Right and Wrong 15:18 Manipulators' Self-Interest 16:09 Understanding Manipulative Relationships 16:32 The Illusion of Love in Manipulative Dynamics 18:35 Recognizing Patterns of Manipulation 19:45 Levels of Communication: From Gossip to Argument 21:28 The Power of Word Choice in Manipulation 23:43 Strategies to Identify and Counter Manipulation 28:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations