Comments on: I’m Sorry, But I Simply Can’t

By: Five Case Selection Tips For New Plaintiff's Lawyers | Litigation & Trial Lawyer Blog

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:20:37 +0000

[…] Bonus tip: do not try to disabuse them of their notion that they have a “slam dunk” case. The more you try, the more you’ll get sucked into a manipulative conversation. […]

By: Chicago Boyz » Blog Archive » “I’m Sorry, But I Simply Can’t”

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:46:14 +0000

[…] A great post about dealing with manipulative people with agendas: […]

By: Mark Draughn

Mark Draughn — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 00:16:05 +0000

That sounds about right at the start, but toward the end I think you’re beginning to enjoy it a little more than you’re supposed to. I guess that’s why you’re Mad Jack.

By: Mad Jack

Mad Jack — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:27:08 +0000

What – I’m too white for you? Is that it?
:)

I use that one on salespeople a lot, particularly telemarketers. You can draw it out just as long as you like.

“I’m sorry, I can’t help you with that.”
Morphs into:
“You know, I’d really like to help you, but, well, I just can’t.”
And can grow:
“The more I listen to you, the more I’d really like to help you out. This is the kind of thing I truly enjoy – but I just can’t. You understand, don’t you?”
And continues:
“Didn’t you ever have something you really wanted to do but couldn’t? You just couldn’t do it? Well, that’s what I’ve got here. I’d really like to help you but, well, I just can’t.”

Eventually, someone will hang up the phone, walk out of the office, whatever. Remember that the key is to respond to every single question with a non-specific answer – “I just can’t.” with the added clauses of “You understand, right?” or “Sound reasonable?”