Tactic 65 of 99
The Public Pledge
Say it out loud, or write it down, and you’ll fight to make it true.
What it is
Commitments made in public, or written down, stick better than private intentions. We want to look consistent in front of others. Classic research by Morton Deutsch and Harold Gerard found people stuck to judgments more firmly when they’d stated them publicly.
Spot it
Someone gets you to say a commitment out loud in front of others, especially before you’ve thought it through. “Say it so everyone can hear!”
Counter it
Keep big decisions private until you’re sure. You’re allowed to change your mind after a pledge. Saying “I’ve thought about it more, and I’ve changed my mind” is a strength, not a weakness.