How do I get coworkers to spend quality time with me? I am starting a new gig as a business analyst, and will be trying to convince strangers that they should meet with me to tell me about their jobs, needs, and requirements. After that I have to also get them to review the documentation I will create. What tactics have / would you use to get quality results from people who are busy and don't know you from Adam?
posted by jasondigitized on Aug 11, 2009 - 15 answers

Who gave the most powerful, most persuasive, and most memorable endorsement of John McCain in this election? [more inside]
posted by josh on Dec 9, 2008 - 10 answers

Thursday I went to the ER with sudden sharp pains, which turned out to be a large ovarian cyst. The Dr said I might need emergency surgery to remove it. After getting some tests back he wants to "wait and see" about a month before approving their removal. I'm still in a lot of pain and want to try convince him to please just take them out... but not sure how I can talk him into it. [more inside]
posted by wowbobwow on Oct 31, 2008 - 21 answers

I'm doing my undergraduate thesis on the rhetorical technique known as Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. What should go on my reading list? [more inside]
posted by ifranzen on Sep 20, 2007 - 10 answers

It's become apparent that in my personal, work and social life, I need to get people to do what I want them to do naturally. Without having to justify every little incident. How do I do that and become more assertive? [more inside]
posted by aprivateperson on Jul 24, 2007 - 32 answers

When I look at the amazingly eloquent, sophisticated speeches of the past (think those of Milton, Lincoln, Churchill, Gandhi, and many more), I wonder: who are the towering orators of our generation -- the combined profound thinkers, moving speakers, and verbal artists of exquisite capacity?
posted by shivohum on Jun 3, 2007 - 46 answers

What was Anne Elliot's dowry? What if Sir Walter couldn't pay? [more inside]
posted by Methylviolet on Apr 25, 2007 - 6 answers

What do I do when I've applied for a promotion at work, but my boss doesn't want to give me that position because I'm "the best" at the job I currently do? [more inside]
posted by Verdandi on Jan 8, 2007 - 21 answers

What pick-up lines have you used, witnessed, or been the victim of that actually worked? Please include context.
posted by Mach3avelli on Dec 15, 2006 - 38 answers

Do we live in a natural world or a supernatural world? [more inside]
posted by iced_borsch on Jan 8, 2006 - 61 answers

“People are persuaded more by the depth of your conviction than by the height of your logic--more by your own enthusiasm than by any proof you offer.”

Really?
posted by BlueTrain on Aug 9, 2004 - 20 answers