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

Selective response

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Selective response

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Ignore that which is uncomfortable and which you are unable to deal with or which is disadvantageous to you.

Choose something that has been mentioned that is essentially harmless and talk about this. Alternatively select areas that are of particular interest to you and ignore those which will not yield any benefit.

When you have selected what should be talked about, you can then talk about it to your heart's content, thus edging out conversation about other areas.

Example

You mentioned building standards. I think this is of particular interest and it is essential that it is included in future discussions.

You're quite right about rainfall and not only that it is going to change in the future. I was talking about this the other day with a local expert and...

Discussion

To ignore everything may look like you are not engaged. Engagement only on areas of interest or safety cloaks the issue of problem areas.

What is talked about more is often considered to be more important. When you focus for longer periods on particular areas, you may be able to edge out those things which are of less interest or threatening to you.