Franklins Persuasion Method
Benjamin Franklin was among the Founding Fathers of the United States of America and a renowned polymath who achieved greatness in a variety of fields. During his lifetime, Franklin developed numerous strategies and tactics to appeal to people’s feelings regarding matters of import. His method of persuasion, often referred to as the Franklin Method, is one of his most notable contributions to society.
Franklin believed that successful persuasion came from the ability to appeal to a person’s self-interest, emotions, and reason. By doing so, the persuader can court the individual on the basis of their individual preferences and desires. To achieve this, Franklin proposed a six-step plan for persuasive negotiation:
1. Establish a mutual desire for an agreement
2. Clarify the interests of both parties
3. Analyze shared interests
4. Generate a variety of solutions
5. Negotiate to a solution
6. Verify and solidify the agreement by written form
The first step in Franklin’s Method is to establish a mutual desire to reach an agreement. This is the foundation of all successful persuasion. If there is no common ground between the two parties, further dialogue can be counter-productive. Thus, the key is to establish a shared goal and frame of reference amongst the two parties.
The following steps all seek to build on that initial foundation. By clarifying the interests of both parties, the parties can then identify common ground that may lead to mutually beneficial solutions. Once this is done, it is then possible to analyze shared interests and design creative solutions that address them.
Once creative solutions are generated, the parties can begin to negotiate. They can work to match their interests and trade off any disagreements. During the negotiation phase, it is important for all parties to remain focused on identifying the best possible solution and resolving the issue in the least amount of time.
The last step is to verify and solidify the agreement. This is a critical step because this is when the agreement is officially and finally concluded. Writing down the agreement helps to avoid any confusion and confusion and also serves to create a binding, unified consensus.
Franklin’s method of persuasion was a groundbreaking innovation for its time, and much of its appeal still applies today. It recognizes that persuasion is a two-way street and requires a mutual understanding of both parties’ interests and goals. By advocating creative solutions and the implementation of a legally binding consensus, it also provides a foundation of trust between all parties involved.