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

The Jackhammer

Techniques > General persuasion > Using repetition > The Jackhammer

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Repeat either a single word or a short phrase, quickly, one after another.

You can increase power of the Jackhammer by steadily increasing increasing the volume and other forms of emphasis.

Example

no! No! NO! Do not do that! NO! NO!! NO!!!

Go, go, go! That's right! Keep going! Keep going!

I won't, I won't I won't, I won't I won't!

Discussion

The Jackhammer emphasizes importance and leaves little room for misunderstanding, particularly when there is little time for argument.

This rapid repetition acts like a hammer, whacking home the message. It is not a subtle method, but can be used in an emergency or when you want to express significant emotion.

Rapid repetition also occupies time and prevents the other person from responding. Hence this may be used to block out the other person from making any opposing point.

The triple, three repetitions in a row, is a shorter form of the Jackhammer.