How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Ignore Objections

Techniques > General persuasion > Being Right > Ignore Objections

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

A simple method of being right is just to ignore the other person when they object. Carry on regardless, acting as if they had agreed.

If they persist in objecting, just persist in ignoring the points they bring up. Continue to emphasize the points that you think are important.

Example

What? Well actually I think we should borrow more to get us moving.

No, we mustn't. Not under any circumstances. We have to go now.

Discussion

When one person does not agree with another person who is trying to persuade them, then the first person is likely bring up objections or otherwise resist persuasive attempts.

Objections may mean the person does not understand, that they are confused or uncomfortable. It can also mean they want to knock down your argument so they can bring up their own agenda.

When you ignore what other people say, they will usually repeat themselves or otherwise try to escalate matters. If, however, you continue to ignore their objections, then most people will eventually stop objecting.

This is a method much used by politicians who ignore the comments and criticisms of journalists and other politicians. They typically keep talking about their own agenda, no matter what is said by other people.

See also

Objection-handling, Resisting persuasion