I’m in the process of opening a brick and mortar store in my town & we’ve recently been informed that there is some government funding available for new machinery and capital expenditure (cap ex). There is around £15-25k of free money on the table with this grant, which corresponds to 30-50% of our cap ex. So it’s a nice chunk of free money to invest.
Today we finalised all the documentation and it was submitted. Early in the afternoon I received a call from the team who conduct due diligence to make sure we’re not lying about what we want to do etc.
Due to the bank holiday on Monday next week. They are having trouble getting all their work done (it’s always the final weekend in May) and so might not be able to approve our application before we purchase the equipment needed. One of the clauses is that they can’t fund something which has already been paid for.
As we have a fixed opening date in 2 weeks. We need approval in 10 days. So there is the potential to get nothing. It could be easy for me to lose frame here and push back the opening date or beg they do everything they can to help us.
I get a phone call from the person responsible from dealing with my application.
Hi, i’m X from the Local Government (LC) I’m due to review your app for the cap ex. I’m really struggling to see where we can fit you in for a site visit and then I need to complete a report for you. The earliest we could do really is the 2 weeks time. Then it will be a few days more for approval. “
Me : I was made aware that you would be meeting on the 4th for approval/review of my application.
X: Well due to the bank holiday, it’s really thrown out our work schedule.
Me: Silence. (5-10 seconds)
X: Well I don’t know when I could fit you in. The report I need to do takes 2 days, plus a half a day site visit. I’m already meeting other clients. It will really be a push to get it all done by Thursday.
Me: I was informed by my liaison officer that we are solid case with an almost a guaranteed chance of success.
X: Well yes, but you see I have meetings and other applications to look at.
Me: Silence. (5-10 seconds)
X: Ok, well I can come see you on Tuesday and then get the report done on Wednesday to be emailed out on for review Thursday. Before we meet as a panel on Monday (4th).
Me: Excellent, I look forward to showing you the business we do.
End call.
Conclusion; Use silence as a tool to get what you want. Most people hate silence and want to fill it as soon as there is a void. Let them fill it and do what you want them to do. If you can’t keep your mouth shut for 5-10 seconds after someone has spoken, then your frame needs work.
TL:DR; Keep your mouth shut and let people defeat themselves. Use the minimum amount of words possible to express your point. Most people will submit if you just stay silent. Even a short period of silence can be effective.
Alpha_Jedi 5y ago
Silence: The "silent" killer. Nice post. It's very true, if you exercise some strategic silence, people will get uncomfortable and start talking themselves into a corner. Cheers.
1421834L 5y ago
Big Facts. Used this today on my cousin when he complained about something I wanted to show him. He wouldn't stop talking. "Did I say something wrong?" etc. Fire af
d4ng3rz0n3 5y ago
Yep this is called the “power pause” and its SO effective in business when used correctly.
GoldAri7 5y ago
This is impressive. Very nice.
kidwithambition 5y ago
Leave a woman in a silent room without a cellphone and she will go mental.
Bills811 5y ago
You've seen The Wolf Of Wallstreet right? Remember the scene when he first goes over the Sales script and gives the closing line with the price "Whoever speaks first, loses" and the guy buys
I do sales, I started doing that. I wait after my close. It works almost Everytime. Surprisingly, A LOT of the shit he says works for sales. he's a scumbag besides for being good at sales haha
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
I haven't seen it in a few years, might be a good time to have a re-watch. If i recall correctly he became a scumbag because his then wife/LTR ran off with a rich guy.
Bills811 5y ago
No he left his first wife for the hot blonde and marries her. He was (is) just a great salesman but got hooked on money and drugs and stole his then fortune. Created a gecko type scam to steal people’s money (over $150m) basically selling them fake stock.
It’s a shame because he’s such a great salesman too. He teaches big corporations how to sell now
[deleted] 5y ago
this applies to game guys. When a girl tests me and I have absolutely no idea what do, I just stare at her and give her this "really?" look, they squirm, take back what they said and try to get on your good side, it's hilarious
DaNatural_1 5y ago
This is so true, if u don't have a witty response your better off saying nothing at all. People hate silent treatment.
crqze7 5y ago
My dad once told me, "in business, whoever opens their mouth first loses". I have seen him prove that first hand when negotiating and boy is it true.
hb8only 5y ago
but what if 2 alphas are doing business..? who talk first? not many betas in business...
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
I've done this in contract negotiations. You talk around the subject. So there is some noise but nothing has been said. The first one to put the deal on the table sets the "anchor" point for the negotiation.
uebermacht 5y ago
Good reminder!
Law 4: Always Say Less than Necessary
Silence is Golden
Geckobird 5y ago
Law 4 was one of those things I subconsciously understood at a very young age, and it’s gotten me out of so much trouble and turned me into a smart, sneaky bastard.
maheeprg 5y ago
Could you provide a reference to these laws.
DrHolz 5y ago
Read the book 48 laws of power. It's an absolute essential in TRP learning
AshyLarry27 5y ago
Believe it or not . . . wait for it . . . it's in the sidebar
hb8only 5y ago
don't.. just don't make us wait! :D
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MadSparty 5y ago
The cadence of your interaction reminds me of Atlas Shrugged whenever Dagny Taggart or Hank Rearden interact with the moochers and parasites in the story. Awesome post!
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Never read it. Is it worth the time?
MadSparty 5y ago
Yea. It's very much a red pilled book, and my vote for most important novel to read for high schoolers. Although pacing is horrible at parts, so I recommend The Fountainhead for those dipping their feet in. It's the superior story, while Atlas Shrugged is more important to the world.
187oddfuture 5y ago
You're on some Lyndon B. Johnson level manipulation and I fucking love it. Good advice!
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Never read anything on Pres. Johnson. Just bought his biography. Thanks for the info.
187oddfuture 5y ago
Yeah he gets a weird rap. Ultimately he’s known as one of the most manipulative presidents ever because whenever a staffer or cabinet member told him no, or made some excuse, he’d just stand over them, look down, and ask again.(he was really tall) worked every time. Motherfucker had FRAME
kalashnick 5y ago
Yeah. "The Johnson Treatment" it was called.
DeChef2 5y ago
Just finished APUSH, apparently he had a rep for standing super close to people and breathing down on them.
Thunder__Fuck 5y ago
95% of people hate silence. Our world is so fast paced and chaotic that people, especially women, will fill the void with anything because silence makes them uncomfortable. I have a theory this is because they have to deal with their own thoughts, but that's a way different topic.
As you did, you can exploit this feeling. People will tend to continue speaking if there is an extended period of silence, not because they want to continue speaking, but because they feel the silence is too awkward.
This can also be used to make you seem different, more mysterious for a lack of a better term. How many guys ramble all day, talking fast without pausing? By slowing down and creating silence in your speech, it can really differentiate yourself when applying for a job or, in your case, a grant.
hb8only 5y ago
one trick from older pua days - when she asks you something, repeat her question in your mind to add time before answering her :)
[deleted] 5y ago
Walking around the room after sex, silent, makes my girl go wild and usually leads to a second session after me being silent and grinning
nofilmynofucky 5y ago
Adding to your thoughts, insecure people hate silence. It gives them time to pause and doubt themselves, so they'll then seek to be more accommodating to your desires if you can just keep your mouth shut for a bit
[deleted] 5y ago
I'm the type of person who can't shut the fuck up. It's really hard. I feel like I have to somehow coherently say something in order to win. How can I change this mentality?
hb8only 5y ago
great question! source: I'm the same :/
try to repeat question in your mind before answering - it adds a little time buffer...
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Concentrate on your breathing and count to 10 in your head. Think about what the other person has said and respond accordingly.
Thunder__Fuck 5y ago
It just requires recognition. I used to talk too loud, to the point where people complained around me. Once I started taking loudly, I recognized it happened and then brought it in over time.
bobaisdope 5y ago
Sorry bro I was chuckling a little bit, but this is female trait, you can get rid of this habit by reminding that you're a fucking MAN, you don't need to prove anything to anybody unless it's necessary.
hb8only 5y ago
it is female trait but I have it too - sensitive men have it and it really sucks but we are good actors or entertainers...
TRPDigesting 5y ago
I'm interested in hearing your other theory, because I've suspected the same myself. Not even just women, but some men who hate it too.
When there's a silence, then they're left to deal with their inner monologue. It's why you hear about people "leaving Netflix on in the background" while they do stuff. I even slept with a girl a couple times who insisted on having a TV show on while she fell asleep because she "couldn't sleep without background noise."
That one was kind of disturbing.
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Vuurisheelwarm 5y ago
It’s true: https://instagram.com/p/BjQGz9PlZ6G/
[deleted] 5y ago
I'd like to hear it too.
But, like OP said 95% of people hate silence. I believe that number is greater than 95% because, i'm a pretty silent person in general. Again like OP said people will take note of something like that, because the whole world is constantly babbling about nothing and if you're not doing what everyone else is doing then it's weird or different.
Definitely a good tool to use, but like everything else it takes time and experience
AloofusMaximus 5y ago
Haha this is definitely true. I'm naturally an introvert and can definitely come across as being "quiet". While I do banter with people I don't ever feel the "need" to do so, and can definitely almost see some people start to get fidgety when there's no talking.
I'm actually the opposite of the above, I almost can't sleep with any kind of noise
ReformSociety 5y ago
Have you considered leaving "Haha" out of your comment? It may add a more serious tone to your comment.
AloofusMaximus 5y ago
Doesn't really matter much to me. I find it amusing that people get uncomfortable about something as trivial as a little silence.
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AloofusMaximus 5y ago
I have tinnitus too, but have for most of my life. I remember trying to describe it to the school nurse when I had my first hearing test.
I've also read about people using white noise to help with it, but it's never really been a huge distraction to me. The same article also talked about people basically starting to have mental problems as a result of it. Maybe because I've always had it, I'm kind of used to it.
TRPDigesting 5y ago
Hey man, I get that — I was like that for a phase with binaural beats. You're using white noise with nature sounds to circumvent an actual issue with your ears. THAT sort of behavior is common enough.
She was using re-runs of 30 Rock on Netflix with a glowing laptop facing her on the night stand. She'd stare at it until she dozed off. I can't comfortably call that common behavior, or even recommended.
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[deleted] 5y ago
I wonder If we've slept with the same girl
VickVaseline 5y ago
...plus one.
My LTR has to have the TV on all the time -- all day, during dinner, all night while she is sleeping. If we check into a hotel somewhere, the first thing she does is throw on the TV, and it stays on. It doesn't matter what it is: news, movies, nature programs. She just needs it on. Honestly, I think she's trying to drown out whatever is going on in her head.
Sakarabru 5y ago
She probably is. Silence speaks and many do not like what it has to say.
TRPDigesting 5y ago
Yikes man. All the time? That signifies a problem.
Tell me this — if you ever commented on it, was she at all defensive? If so, I'd really place a wager on the fact that she NEEDED it on in order to function "correctly."
Sometimes it's actually just nice to have silence. Even though I'm very much in the habit of bumping music in the car, there are times on long drives where I would just rather listen to the road noise and let my monkey-mind do its thing.
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BuddhistSC 5y ago
It's just because silence is awkward, the same way body language can be awkward. It indicates social incohesion, or disapproval on the part of the one who is silent.
Probably has nothing to do with their own thoughts.
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
People have been conditioned to believe that we need to always be communicating. We don't, silence is incredible & you need it from time to time. Even if you're just sat in a room with others. Now if you're in a social setting and no one is talking, then yes it can be awkward. But this is where you get a chance to become the socialiser of the group.
BuddhistSC 5y ago
I'm not debating that. I'm debating the idea that it makes people uncomfortable because they have to deal with their own thoughts. I think it has nothing to do with that for 99% of people, and everything to do with the fact that silence usually communicates something negative. It's pretty obvious that people are going to want to avoid a negative social signal.
Treanwreck 5y ago
Literally how I "fight" with my girlfriend. Still never lost, just let her beat herself.
HannibalBacara 5y ago
In the words of Bill Burr, “lean on the ropes and let her punch herself out. You’ve won”
DeepFilm5 5y ago
What bit is that from? Is that from Bill's "Gold Digging Whores" routine?
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PaulAJK 5y ago
I do this all the time in selling, it's a really useful tool to get the close. Just lay out your final proposition and then say NOTHING. Then they'll talk themselves into buying. You have to get over the awkwardness, but it's a handy tool.
BrolecopterPilot 5y ago
I mean yeah. But I’ve been in sales and I’ve also been a customer. This works sometimes, but if you’re a customer who has any sort of self worth it probably won’t. Let’s be real here. Most (confident) customers will be like “this guy’s just gonna sit here and stare at me after pitching some bullshit? Ok see ya.”
PaulAJK 5y ago
It's situation specific, but I find it a useful tool.
[deleted] 5y ago
When you're quiet and mysterious, people care. They're interested. When you're an open book, nobody gives a shit. There's no interest
uwey 5y ago
Always say less. Silent is power.
TheBigForklift 5y ago
I had a mentor who told me two words a few years back that have been extremely powerful in my life and apply to most situations. Doesn’t matter if its women, police/government, parents, anything.
“Say less.”
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Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Make sure to give some form of sound over the phone in this case. Yes, ok, hmm etc.
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IndividualEvent 5y ago
You Limeys sure take a lot of bank holidays lol. It makes us Yanks jealous. I was just in the UK two weeks ago and you had just had a bank holiday then!
But I digress. Awesome post! A valuable lesson I learned in sales is quite similar to what you demonstrated: use silence to your advantage and do not volunteer information.
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
We have the least ammount of bank holidays in Europe. Bavaria in Germany have 13.
I'm still amazed you Yanks don't even get paid holiday etc. But thats a topic for a different day.
Expectations1 5y ago
I love the rush hour quote: Not being able to speak is not the same as not speaking. You seem as if you like to talk. I like to let people talk who like to talk. It makes it easier to find out how full of shit they are.
djl8699 5y ago
What the hell did you just say?
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jgoforth2 5y ago
Wolf of wallstreet didn’t lie my friend
youngzari 5y ago
It's just like sales. The first one who speaks ... loses.
screwston281 5y ago
One red pill a day keeps the money flowing towards your way.
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Need to rewatch it then. I loved the bit about the pen at the end. That was genius.
[deleted] 5y ago
I agree with your post although I have a friend who does this. constant periods of waiting during conversation. hes one of my best mates and I love the guy but hes got a reputation as being a bit of a weird bloke.
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
As with anything it's subjective. I find myself not entering or engagging in conversations for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's because the topic is idiotic (gossip etc) sometimes I just want to listen and then will engage if i feel it's worth it.
One of my key lines (which can piss people off) is "If you want me to have a conversation with you, speak about something worthy of my time" It usually drags the conversation into a better realm.
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[deleted] 5y ago
Nice one. It can be too easy to bend to other people if you are easy and “don’t mind waiting.” 9/10 times you’re simply enabling their laziness.
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Correct, I wanted to tell the guy to do his job. But direct confrontation won't get the result I wanted.
This is one of the big differences between driven people and those that aren't.
MrH0rseman 5y ago
“I’m disappointed in you” or “you’re a piece of shit” look works when you hold your ground in face 2 face scenarios.
Guardian_of_Justice 5y ago
Sometimes it works wonders. Other times, it sets you back in the relationship so far that a person will feel discomfort every time he sees you. Don't do it if you value the relationship with the person.
Isbjornsolo 5y ago
Silence is a great tool even if you value the relationship. It can the other person a chance to think and reivew thier position. It also gives you time to do the same. If anything the end result is that in my experience. You have the opportunity to improve the relationship. Because people think you're considering their position.
Again this was done in a specific business setting. Where he has targets as he's employed by the local council. He has targets to hit etc. I don't
ItPutsLotionOnItSkin 5y ago
That is how police get people to incriminate themselves. Even little shit like "Why did you run that stop sign?" A few seconds of silence and a person will come up with a lame ass excuse or just confess hoping for leniency.
dix2long 5y ago
Most people love the sound of their voices SO MUCH, they end up saying nothing while trying to say everything. Use your words like rifle ammo, and you'll have less of a chance of talking yourself out of a good thing. Like booty!
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PenIsMightier0 5y ago
Silence is indeed excellent to make them re-evaluate. If it is ever not enough, reciprocity also works. In this example, if he had remained on the fence after the silence, you can offer to give him a good review for working extra hard to whatever system/boss he cares about. Offering him a free meal and building rapport might also work, and even if he doesn't take you up on it he'll appreciate the gesture and be more likely to comply.
Same with a woman. Let's say she is on the fence about sex. If the silence isn't enough, just take action. After the silence, I lift her off her feet, compliment her light weight (she may in turn comment on my strength), carry her to bed, give her a little massage, then you know the rest.