Media Training Worldwide

Beware the Complex Double Negatives

Sometimes in order to make a point stronger, someone may use a double negative to make a forceful point when speaking to others. For example:

“We can not NOT lower taxes if we wish to stimulate the economy.” To those in attendance, the message is clear—the person speaking wishes to cut taxes. Through the use of intonation and emphasis, it is abundantly clear to all where this person stands on the issue of taxes.

The problem, however, is that some of these double negative phrases require us to hear the nuances in someone’s voice to understand their message. That’s fine if your only audience is right in front of you. But what happens if there is a reporter present who writes down your every word? So far, so good. But with only text capturing your message, some of your emphasis can be lost. Additionally, the double negative can be confusing. The reporter present may have understood you perfectly. But what happens when the copy editor runs spell and grammar check on the reporter’s story containing your quote—long after the reporter has left the building. The result is that the 2nd “not” will appear to be an error and will be deleted.

Next thing you know, you are reading in the newspaper that you believe that you should NOT cut taxes. (This may or may not be a good policy, but my point is that you should be able to clearly communicate your own tax policy, whatever it may be.)

So remember, you can not, not, not go wrong, if you avoid complex multiple negatives around reporters.