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Society & Culture

#3570: Why People Argue Semantics Over Substance

podcast February 20, 2026


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In this episode, I break down why people argue over words instead of the real point. When someone can’t challenge the substance of what you’re saying, they retreat to semantics. They focus on tone, wording, or definitions because it feels safer than dealing with the actual issue. I explain how this is often about protecting identity, not seeking clarity. If you want to be a high-quality communicator, you have to listen to what someone is trying to say, not just pick apart how they said it.

Show Notes:

[03:26]#1 Semantics are used to avoid losing status.

[08:49]#2 Semantics create moral cover.

[15:15]#3 Semantics give the illusion of precision without risk. 

[18:23] Recap

Episodes Mentioned:

1955: How To Protect Your Freedom From Moralizers

2219: The 12 Work On Your Game Commandments [#1-3]

Next Steps:


Power Presence is not taught.
It is enforced.
If you are operating in environments where hesitation costs money, authority, or leverage, the Power Presence Mastermind exists as a controlled setting for discipline, execution, and consequence-based decision-making.
Details live here:
http://PowerPresenceProtocol.com/Mastermind 
This Masterclass is the public record of standards.
Private enforcement happens elsewhere.
All episodes and the complete archive:
→ WorkOnYourGamePodcast.com 

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