Tried it

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Tried it

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Say that you (or someone else) have tried whatever is being suggested before

You have the experience. You're therefore an expert. You gave it a really good shot and, guess what, it didn't work. So it's no use trying it again. And it can't have been anything to do with your skills, of course.

Example

Sorry, we've already tried that one.

Jim had a good go at that a couple of years ago. He retired early afterwards.

Got the T-shirt on that one! Still bear the scars underneath. Not a chance.

Discussion

Saying you've tried it before puts you in the position of expert. In this superior position, you can scoff at anyone else's ideas. Having actually tried what is being suggested also indicates that you have first-hand evidence that the proposal will not work (even though there may be many reasons why your attempt failed and that the proposed attempt could well work).