As part of a French study, researchers wanted to know if…
““As part of a French study, researchers wanted to know if they could influence how much money people handed to a total stranger asking for bus fare by using just a few specially encoded words. They discovered a technique so simple and effective it doubled the amount people gave. The turn of phrase has not only proven to increase how much bus fare people give, but has also been effective in boosting charitable donations and participation in voluntary surveys. In fact, a recent meta-analysis of 42 studies involving over 22,000 participants concluded that these few words, placed at the end of a request, are a highly-effective way to gain compliance, doubling the likelihood of people saying “yes.”[xcii] The magic words the researchers discovered? The phrase, “but you are free to accept or refuse.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Using the phrase “but you are free to accept or refuse” at the end of a request greatly increases compliance.
In simple terms: A polite, freedom‑granting phrase boosts agreement.
Key Takeaway
Add a freedom‑granting clause to requests.
Themes
persuasion
compliance
communication
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
instructional
informative
When to use this quote
- sales pitches
- charitable appeals
- survey invitations
- fundraising emails
Key Concepts
psychology
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does perceived freedom affect willingness to comply?
- When is this phrase most effective?
A Different Perspective
Some may perceive the phrasing as manipulative.