Can You Spin a Conversation Like a Politician?

I think that one of the most amazing professions in the World is Public Relations (Spin Doctors). It is up to these people to handle events or incidents that can possible damage their client’s reputation.  For example, if a celebrity was arrested for drinking and driving, then it would be up to the spin doctor to persuade the public that it wasn’t the celebrity’s fault, it was because of all the pressure from the paparazzi that influenced this celebrity to alcohol addiction.  The celebrity goes to a rehabilitation center and the blame is now turned around to the paparazzi, even thought it was the celebrity who was drinking and driving. For most of you, a spin doctor isn’t necessary, but learning how to spin a conversation around is a powerful technique to fight against all the disasters that may occur during your path toward mastery.

Acknowledge before spinning

It’s up to you to believe what the other person is saying about you or your product/service.  Also it is not wise to just quickly point your finger at someone else. Before you start spinning the conversation, you must verbally acknowledge what they say and then proceed.

• That’s a valid concern
• That’s right
• I agree
• That’s true
• I can appreciate that
• you’re right
• I understand
• you’re absolutely right

Example:
Person A – You have too little experience for me to give this job.
Person B –That’s a valid concern…

So whatever it is the person is accusing you of, acknowledge it, repeat and then continue on with the spin.

Starting your spin

• So what I hear you saying is…
• What I sense….
• So if I understand correctly, you’re saying…
• What I think your feeling is…
• What I’m noticing you say is…
• What it sounds like your saying is…
• What it looks like your saying is…
• I believe that you’re really trying to say…
• Sounds like to me that you’re…
• What I think you’re saying…

Listed above are the phrases you should use to transition from something pointed at you to persuading them to believe their thought is slightly different.

Example:
Person A – You have too little experience for you to get this job.
Person B –That’s a valid concern and it sounds like to me that you’re looking for someone who will get the job done in the time you want it, isn’t it? Most of my clients feel that way too before they CHOOSE ME and give me the chance.  If I can get this job done for you in X days, would that work for you?

So what Person B did here is spin the conversation from having little experience to getting the job done quickly.

Example:
Person A – I’ve never heard of your company before
Person B – I understand and what I think your saying is that you’re looking to find the best deals possible right? As we talk about making this happen, I’m sure you starting to feel comfortable knowing that I’ll save you more money and the get the job done in less time, does that work for you?

Person B spinned the conversation from Person A feeling insecure about the company’s reputation to feeling comfortable knowing that they will be saving money.

My former employer used this technique very unethically which I personally would never condone. You can’t control what other people say about you, but you can control how you react towards it and how it will be portrayed in front of the public.

Have you ever needed this advice before? Do you think it’s important now?