How To Use Sequence to Persuade Anyone

Foot in the door

One of the most common uses of sequence in persuasion is the idea of foot in the door. In this technique, you will start by getting someone to agree with something small and then slowly build up to something bigger. You might use the example of a child that wants something from their parents. They start by asking for only a dollar, and then they ask for more money, a ride, as well as permission to sleep at someone’s house. This method works because it creates a bond between the two people that are talking to each other. Because they have agreed on the first step, they are more likely to be able to agree in the second request.

In terms of your relationships, this technique works well when you’re unable to understand each other’s permission. What you can do is see if you can agree on smaller parts of each other’s arguments and then slowly build up to understanding and agreement.

Door in the face

Another common persuasion method that involves sequence is the idea of door in the face. This is much different from foot in the door as it uses the idea of not agreeing or having something that one person wants, but the technique creates a need for them to agree anyways. A good example of this is a great vacation package with everything that you want in it – good location, good accommodations, and a low price. You’re already emotionally invested in it, so when the travel agent tells you that the location isn’t the best one that there is, unlike the original offer, but since you’re still thinking of the first plan, you take the package anyways.

In your relationships, you can use this technique to help create a better housekeeping system in which you take on more of the burden of the chores, though your partner will have to do the harder ones.

Leading to the benefits

You can also use a sales technique to help in your relationship. By giving your partner more and more benefits in a discussion, you will create an attractive offer for them to comply with. For example, you can talk about chores (once again) in terms of what your partner will do and what you will do in exchange. When you create a large list of things that you will do, it seems like your partner is getting more out of the ‘deal.’ However, this list doesn’t have to be comparable so long as it seems longer and thus more valuable.

Bait and switch

A common persuasion technique that is sometimes seen in newer relationships is the idea of bait and switch. By providing an example of how it will be to date each other, having a great time, and really enjoying each other’s company, a partner can think that they have a good idea of what your relationship might be like. But the trick comes when the dating actually begins and the relationship changes into something completely different. When one partner says that they will be one way and doesn’t follow through, it’s bating them and then switching the outcome.

Make it better than it is

Another way to create an influence on someone else is to show them all of the benefits of the outcome. This will create an attachment between the person and the action, but then you will change the steps that it will take to get there. While this changes the original offer, the person is so wrapped up in what they will eventually get that they don’t mind the change. This is often seen in travel agencies as well when the agent offers a wonderful vacation, but then concedes that the price is a lot higher than it was at first. The traveler already sees the beaches of Hawaii and just focuses on that.

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