There are three dimensions to knowledge when talking to someone. (Obviously it's just a simple model.)
- Actual knowledge: don't know—know
- Expected knowledge: ambivalent—should know
- Projected knowledge: projects lack of knowledge—projects knowledge
I don't have a complete model in my head, just a few thoughts about what to watch out for—good and bad.
Someone who rates high on all three—has knowledge, should have knowledge, and projects knowledge—is solid. Is not an interesting case, but this is the kind of person you want to talk to, no?
Someone who projects knowledge but doesn't have it is dangerous—especially when is expected that they should have that knowledge, because the others are more likely to believe them.
Being low on the expectations angle isn't bad—as long as projection is low.
Someone who knows but doesn't project is either the secret weapon—people who know will know that this is someone who knows—or a wasted opportunity, because more people ought to know this is someone worth talking to.