I don't think the suggestions in the article seem all that Dark Arty. Presenting data as diagrams rather than text to make it easier to interpret is standard advise in scientific communication. In the example, the diagram contained much more information than the text, as well as being easier to process for humans.

And presenting evidence in a way which is not threatening to the listener's sense of identity is standard advice for all communication. (See in particular all the Less Wrong articles about atheism). If it turns out that asking someone about their personal strengths makes it easier for them to evaluate evidence neutrally, such a mind hack would be a very light art!