Mismatching

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Mismatching

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Do not echo their body language or verbal language.

If they are using open body language, you use closed body language (and vice versa).

If they are excited, you stay calm (and vice versa).

If they are copying your language, change what you are saying and how you are saying it.

If they are asking open questions, give closed answers. Or just do not answer their questions.

Example

How often do you have to work late?
You know, I like working late.

Isn't this great?
It's ok, but not great.

Discussion

One of the persuader's tools is to copy what you say and do in order to make you think they are in tune with you (and hence encouraging you to get in tune with them). Refuse to play this game by turning it into a counter-game of mismatching.