When possible, let people fill in the details themselves.
This is persuasive because it allows others to read into a given topic anything they want to.For instance, in a novel, you could set it in “the city” and have a character that works in “an office.”
This might work better than if the book was set in Houston – at the Exxon office.
Because suddenly a reader from Lubbock or Grand Rapids can’t identify.
As Adam’s points out in his book – if done correctly – this technique can work outstanding for politicians.
I mean, if they say it right, the voter can read anything they want into it.
Let’s pretend we are running for President and try one.
“I believe in free markets for everything. This country is so strong though, no one is going to go without proper healthcare.”
Am I for or against socialized healthcare?
You tell me.
PERSUASION TIP 30: “Strategic ambiguity” refers to a deliberate choice of words that allows people to read into your message whatever they want to hear. Or to put it another way, the message intentionally leaves out any part that would be objectionable to anyone. People fill in the gaps with their imagination, and their imagination can be more persuasive than anything you say.
