My training in philosophy did seem to make me better at sounding like I know what I'm talking about when I tell other people what to do.

If you can describe the methods of sounding authoritative, I think it would be very valuable, whether as a contribution to understanding the dark arts or as a tool for increasing motivation. (Or does is it a skill of sounding right which doesn't actually motivate people?)

I've been wondering about the techniques ever since I noticed that Heinlein had a talent for sounding right.