More data

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > More data

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Like Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek, you can say 'insufficient data, captain', claiming that you do not have enough information to make any sensible comment or decision. Whatever they tell you, think carefully and continue to ask for more data.

A good way to ask for more data is to use Kipling questions, asking who, what, when, why, where and so on.

Another variant is to ask them to tell you again what they have already told you.

You can get more data also just by being interested and engaging. Being a good listener is a great way of encouraging them to tell you more.

Example

Hmm. That's very helpful, but it's not enough to persuade me. Can you tell me more?

No, that's no good. I said I wanted to know more about how we would change, not what we would change.

How interesting! Do tell me more...

Discussion

If you keep asking for information, it is not directly resisting being persuaded and hence prevents the other person from treating your response as an objection.

Asking for more data, as well as keeping decisions at bay, gives you more information on which to make a more informed decision, should you take that route (remember: when people are pressing you to decide one way or another, you always have the option of not deciding anything!).