Monday, July 6, 2015

How to Use the "Broken Record' Method to Get Your Way

On July Fourth, I was part of a group invited by libertarian and psychologist  Michael Edelstein to hike  the Tennessee Valley Trail down to the Tennessee Beach, which is across the bay from San Francisco. 

Following the hike, most of us went to dinner in Tiburon at the Mexican (Sorry Donald) restaurant Guaymas.

Michael made a reservation in advance and spoke to Maria, when making the reservation. He also asked her if it would be possible to shut off the music while we were there. Michael believes the music is too loud in the restaurant. Maria said, "Yes."

After we were seated, Michael requested that the music be turned off and told the waiter that Maria has said she would turn off the music.

This resulted in the manager of the restaurant coming over to the table. Which resulted in Michael applying his psychologist skills, specifically his "broken record" method, to get his request fulfilled.

The conversation went like this:

Manager: We can't turn the music off, we play Mexican music as part of the atmosphere.

Michael in a calm soothing voice: But Maria said she would turn the music off.

Manager: I can turn the music down some.

Michael in a calm soothing voice: But Maria said she would turn the music off.

Manager: I can move you to another table so you are not as close to the speakers.

Michael in a calm soothing voice: But Maria said she would turn the music off.
 
Manager: The other people in the restaurant might want to hear the music.

Michael in a calm soothing voice: But Maria said she would turn the music off.

The manager turned the music off. 

Michael says he teaches the technique as part of his assertiveness training in his private practice

-RW
 

3 comments:

  1. For a communication technique to be effective, shouldn't it be useful to both parties to the conversation? Had the manager employed the same strategy, it is unlikely either would get his way.

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  2. I'm sorry, Sir, maria is not empowered to make that decision, I feel terrible, and I will have a serious word with maria about policy, she should have known better but the music stays on, here is a complimentary coke for your trouble. Seriously, this guy gets paid for this training? On the other hand, he is dealing with nearly brain-dead Californians.

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  3. Good article. Be firm.
    No government will not pay for your healthcare. No government will not pay for your healthcare. No government will not pay for your healthcare. Is it working? =P

    ReplyDelete