Truth

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Truth

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Yup. It's true. The truth is a powerful uncoverer of the deeper motives behind persuasive techniques that are aimed to make you give in. Tell your truth, quietly and clearly. Oh, and ensure the other person does too.

Ask penetrating questions that uncover the naked truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

Tell them exactly how you feel (nobody can tell you that you're wrong on this!).

Example

That's not true. MacKenzie has been here only three years.

Who told you that? Why do you believe them and not me?

You're being very aggressive. It's making me feel uncomfortable.

Discussion

We often avoid the truth, either because it is uncomfortable for us or (and often even more so) because it might be uncomfortable for the other person. Face-saving social rules means that we will avoid telling the truth if we think it might hurt the other person. Persuaders may well take advantage of this, asserting a truth in the hope that you will say nothing.

There is a famous cautionary tale about this: 'The Emperor's New Clothes'.