TEXTS & COMMUNICATION
A person texts a friend. After 5 hours with no response, they think: “They’re ignoring me. I must have said something wrong.” They briefly say the friend “could be busy,” but dismiss it.
Did they check the facts?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
I have not received a reply. I do not know the reason. Possible explanations include being busy, driving, or not seeing the message yet.”
A supervisor emails: “Please stop by tomorrow morning. "The employee thinks: “I’m in trouble.”
They review their recent work and find no errors.
Did they check the facts?
What is Yes?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
The email contains no criticism. I reviewed my recent work and did not find mistakes.”
A partner seems quiet. The person thinks: “They’re mad at me.” They ask directly and the partner stated he or she had a long day.
Did they check the fact?
What is Yes?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
“I do not have evidence they are upset. I will ask directly instead of assume.”
Two coworkers stop talking when someone enters the room. The person thinks: “They were talking about me.” They avoid them.
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
They stopped talking. I do not know what the conversation was about.”
A doctor orders additional tests. The patient thinks: “Something must be seriously wrong.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
Additional tests were ordered. Tests are sometimes precautionary.”
A person receives the message: “Call me.”
They think: “This is bad.” Then remind themselves they do not know the reason, and it could be neutral.
Did they check the fact?
What is Yes?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
The message only says ‘Call me.’ There is no additional context. I do not have evidence this is negative.”
Someone makes one mistake during a presentation and thinks: “I’m terrible at public speaking.”
They do not examine other evidence.
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
I made one mistake. That does not prove I am terrible overall.”
A friend cancels plans.” And states I'm always they last to know. However, this has only happened once before.
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
This has happened once before. That does not prove a pattern.”
A boss walks past without saying hello. The person thinks: “They’re upset with me.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
They walked past and did not speak. I do not know the reason.”
Someone applies for a job and has not heard back in four days. They conclude: “I didn’t get it.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
I have not received a response yet. Hiring decisions can take time.”
A friend reads a message but does not reply.
The person thinks: “They saw it and chose to ignore me.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
The message was read. I do not know why they have not responded yet.”
Someone receives feedback stating: “There’s room for improvement.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
The feedback indicates improvement is needed, not that I am failing.”
Someone is invited somewhere at the last minute.
They think: “I’m just the backup plan.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
I was invited last minute. I do not know why the invitation was sent at this time.”
Someone yawns while you are speaking. You think: “I’m boring.”
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking:
They yawned. Yawning can indicate tiredness and does not automatically mean boredom.”
A therapist reschedules an appointment.
The client thinks: “They must be tired of me.”
They acknowledge only that the appointment was rescheduled but do not explore alternatives.
Did they check the fact?
What is No?
Example of Proper Fact-Checking
The appointment was rescheduled. I do not know the reason. It could be scheduling or workload.”