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It’s possible that occasionally you may want someone to agree with you. Sometimes, this can be very easily arranged by using a persuasion tactic known as a ‘Compound suggestion‘.
Put very simply, a compound suggestion is a statement that makes a suggestion that one would like to be accepted, and covertly covers this up, by making a second statement of fact.
Here are couple of examples:
- You’re drifting deeply into trance. It’s nice to feel comfortable in a comfortable place.
- We’ll go for a drink this evening. It’s always good to have company in the bar.
- Seduction Labs is the greatest website in the world. Learning communication skills is very important.
Establishing a ‘yes’ set is more or less the opposite of a compound suggestion, but gets similar results. Here you start with a statement of fact or two, then introduce a slightly less plausible sentence, and then the suggestion you want agreement with.
One of the best examples I can show you comes from an exchange between career Civil servant, Sir Humphrey Appleby and Principal Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley, in the classic sitcom series “Yes, Prime Minister“.
Sir Humphrey: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the number of young people without jobs?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Do you think there is a lack of discipline in our Comprehensive schools?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Do you think young people welcome some authority and leadership in their lives?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Do you think they respond to a challenge?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Would you be in favour of reintroducing National Service?
Bernard: Oh… well, I suppose I might be.
Sir Humphrey: Yes or no?
Bernard: Yes
Or if you want the opposite answer:
Sir Humphrey: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Are you worried about the growth of armaments?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Do you think there’s a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Do you think it’s wrong to force people to take up arms against their will?
Bernard: Yes
Sir Humphrey: Would you oppose the reintroduction of National Service?
Bernard: Yes
You might also enjoy reading:-
- Manipulation: Sleight of Mouth
- Sexually repressed Britons may be a myth
- Mating motives can shape friendships (and attract trouble)
- The six most important kisses (in the history of film)
- Grand National 2009
Posted by Jonathan in Philosophy, Psychology