Another reason narcissists don't give answers to questions is because they lack empathy. They are incapable of building connection with people due to their lack of empathy. Non-narcissists ask questions as a way to connect, understand, and question someone else.
Analyzing their data, they found that they could reliably identify narcissists simply using the question: “To what extent do you agree with this statement: 'I am a narcissist.' (Note: The word 'narcissist' means egotistical, self-focused and vain.)”
The question asked in the video is: “What makes you so different from anyone else?” It was referring to how infallible and superior narcissists see themselves. They cannot answer why they are so wonderful and perfect; they are special, and that's all you need to know about them.
They will reject any questions you may ask that challenge their behaviour. They will not explain any truth to what has happened and not admit any fault, as they feel no need to do this. What they must do now is not resolve the situation they must regain their power and control over you.
This method of answering questions with questions, in order to let the questioner realize that he can find the answer by reasoning (Socrates would say that the answer was in him all along), is called maieutics (the related adjective being maieutic).
It is, but don't take it personally
Asking questions to ascertain the person's knowledge can come across badly too, especially if you pitch at the wrong level. It's a real skill to be able to assist people without being condescending.
An indirect answer is the result of the speaker (R) expressing only part of the planned response, i.e., omitting the direct answer (and possibly more), but intending for his discourse plan to be recognized by the hearer (Q).
Narcissistic rage can be triggered in a person with NPD when they perceive that those near them are questioning their abilities, or they are not being appreciated and recognized. These actions lead to feelings of extreme shame and fear that someone will see their vulnerable side.
They might insult you, threaten violence, yell, or lie to make themselves look better. Be mentally prepared for a strong reaction and remember to stay calm and diplomatic. Don't yell or threaten them back and put physical distance between you if you feel unsafe.
Narcissists distort the truth through disinformation, oversimplifying, ridiculing and sowing doubt. Narcissists can be incredibly skilled at using classic elements of thought-control and brainwashing.
Manufactured chaos allows malignant narcissists to keep you on the hamster wheel of trying to figure out their intentions and second-guessing yourself. They try to train you to question what you did wrong rather than holding them accountable for their actions.
Narcissists purposely use vagueness in their responses because they don't want to be held accountable for their response. The narcissist likes to be in control, and they do this by always keeping you guessing.
Other narcissist "tests" are not at all scientifically validated, such as the so-called narcissist smile test, which claims that you can tell if someone is a narcissist based on how they react if you smile, look them in the eye, and tell them "no" in response to something they ask of you.
That's because, in my experience, people who actually have Narcissistic Personality Disorder or a narcissistic style rarely wonder or worry about their narcissism. Narcissists generally: Have little interest in introspection. Wouldn't want to know, or even care, that they might be narcissistic.
In narcissists' efforts to avoid blame, they often combine several fake apologies at once, such as, “I am sorry if I said anything to offend you, but I have strong opinions. Maybe you're too sensitive,” or, “I guess I should tell you I am sorry. But you know I would never deliberately hurt you.
The primary reason is control. When you ask a question, you are in control in that moment because you have dictated what the conversation will be about. This throws off the narcissist. As a result, they become defensive and deflect to get control back.
They Face a Setback, Disappointment, or Conflict
A narcissist can become easily enraged if a setback occurs in their life, job, or relationship. Not getting their way results in both a loss of control and a bruised ego.
Hypophora, also referred to as anthypophora or antipophora, is a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question.
Indirect questions start with a phrase like 'could you tell me...' or 'do you know...'. For example: Direct question: Where is the bank? Indirect question: Could you tell me where the bank is?
So, to form an indirect question, again start with an indirect question phrase, such as “Can you tell me…?” Then, for information requests, add one of the six question words: where, what, when, who, why or how. We call these “wh-question” words. For example, you heard the word where in “where MacDougal Street is.”