Cairo, Egpyt is a fascinating place right now. Actually, Cairo has always been an interesting place, especially for American tourists.
I visited Egypt in 2002 and remember being surprised at how passionate its citizens are about negotiating. I vividly remembering my interpreter haggling with an airport vendor about the price of a refrigerator magnet!
This reminds me of what’s happening in Cairo right now, as citizens struggle to make their voices heard. Passions are running very hot in Egypt, but when is persuasion perceived as aggression? Most world leaders are recommending peaceful negotiations, yet real change seems unlikely without even more drama.
Speaking of persuasion, here’s a fun story about something that happened when I got to ride a camel at the pyramids.
5 Cool Ideas for Being More Persuasive
(inspired by the free newsletter available at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com)
There’s nothing like a trip to a foreign country to learn more about various communication techniques. During a trip to Egypt, I had the opportunity to ride a camel. My encounter with the camel’s keeper inspired me to create 5 Cool Ideas on how to increase your powers of persuasion.
1. Establish desirable expectation.
Remember that persuasion works best when you are communicating with someone who wants to be persuaded. Once I climbed aboard the camel, my guide led the beast about 50 feet. The guide then asked me if I was happy. I could not stop smiling so naturally, I told the man that I was very happy.
2. Use assertive behavior to escort the persuasion.
The camel steward’s objective was to receive a good size tip. He was correct in assuming that if I was happy with his services, that I would give him one. When I admitted that I was happy, he held out his hand and said, “Now would be a good time to show me your appreciation.”
3. Be persistent.
I gave the camel steward some Egyptian pounds and he immediately asked for more. Surprised with his bravado, yet still delighted with his services, I gave him more money. At this point, I had only been seated on the camel for about two minutes. The camel then continued his stroll
4. Make it a win/win.
Having received an extra tip, my Egyptian friend gave me lots of extra attention. He provided props for photographs and arranged some special poses. He even made the camel smile!
5. Gratitude is a great pacifier.
After the ride, my guide told me it was a pleasure being with me and to ask for him the next time I am going camel riding in Cairo. The man’s nice words helped minimize any ill effects of the persuasion and set the stage for future persuasion. He asked me for another tip, which I gladly provided since I always tip at the conclusion of good service. Gratitude takes the edge off of unwanted persuasion.
