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

Sow Seeds of Doubt

Techniques > General persuasion > Being Right > Sow Seeds of Doubt

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

If the other person seems sure, try finding ways they could be a bit wrong. Then widen the gap so they are even less sure.

If they doubt you, doubt their doubt. Say you do not know how they could think what they are saying. Tell them others all agree with you.

Few people know everything and if you can find the areas where they are less sure, you can turn a little doubt into a lot of uncertainty, even to the point where they completely withdraw.

Example

So indeed you know James. But do you know his history? Like what he did last year?

Is the system tested? No? Do you know what could happen if it goes wrong?

Discussion

When people challenge you, they often feel confident and certain of what they say. Yet when they are challenged, that certainty begins to evaporate. And the more they are doubted, the more they doubt themselves.

Another way to create doubt is to do it through other people. If you can get others to say they are not convinced or otherwise criticize what the target person says, then the weight of social doubt may well help persuade them otherwise.

See also

Doubt Close, Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD)