Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue (Proverbs 17:28).

"Don't say anything.  Just keep your mouth shut."

"But, but -- he's asking me a question!  He's expecting an answer.  And if I don't say anything, then he'll assume that I'm an ignorant, uninformed idiot with no ability to think for myself."

"No, if you open your mouth, you'll be demonstrating exactly how ignorant, uninformed, and idiotic you really are.  Do you really think you can impress him by just speaking off the cuff?  I'm telling you:  don't take the bait!  Don't say anything."

"OK.  OK.  You're right.  I don't actually know enough on the subject to speak knowledgeably.  But what am I supposed to do?  Redirect the conversation to something else?  Ask probing questions to draw him out?  Just come right out and claim ignorance?"

"No.  Just say nothing.  Shrug your shoulders.  Smile politely.  Maybe a nod."

"All right.  I'll try it.  But I don't think it's going to work..."

"Good boy.  That's right.  Just keep your mouth shut.  A little smile, a little nod.  Yes.  Excellent."

"But I don't see how this is accomplishing anything!  Look at him:  he thinks I'm a fool.  I mean, look at him!  Huh?  Wait... He's smiling and nodding back at me.  He thinks I'm tracking with him!  He's -- he's telling me that he's really enjoyed our little chat.  I can't believe it!  The say-nothing strategy really worked!  You're a genius!  Or, since this is an internal dialogue, I guess I should say that I'm a genius!"

"No, you're not a genius.  You're just as clueless as when you started this conversation.  But you were smart to hold your tongue."

"Oh... Right.  Well, uh, no comment."

"Well done."