Changing Other People Scale (COPS)
7th March 2010
Persuasion and sex have this in common: Everyone thinks they are better at both than they are at either. We tend to take an optimistic view of our efforts – who aims sex or persuasion toward failure? Thus, we think we’re pretty good, yes, indeedydo, thank you Sir and Madam, when we’re not.
We clearly suspect our weaknesses at sex. Look at the magazine covers you read. All of them offer quizzes and tests, tips and hints from your Uncle Irv or Aunt Shirley although never with those names but rather something like Amir Rastar or Mamimi LaZimi even though the advice is the same. So, you admit your weaknesses in bed if only to yourself. Why not admit them about persuasion? That’s the first step on the journey of recovery.
So, how good are you?
Take this quiz. Respond to each statement with your agreement or disagreement on this 5 point scale.
1 = Strongly disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Neither agree nor disagree
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly agree
1. When I try to persuade, the Other Guy changes in the direction I seek.
2. I have a variety of tactics.
3. I observe the Other Guy to size up opportunities.
4. I think about persuasion.
5. I read persuasion sources to learn more.
6. The Other Guy rarely realizes when I’m trying to persuade.
7. Most people probably don’t think I’m very good at persuasion.
8. I can control my thoughts and feelings as needed when I’m trying to persuade someone.
9. Given a choice between persuasion and power, I’ll take persuasion.
10. Machiavelli is a misunderstood genius.
Interpreting your score.
Score under 35: You’re normal.
Score 35 to 40: You’re effective.
Score 40 to 45: I’d hire you.
Score over 45: Who are you fooling?
At some level would an effective persuader even take this quiz? All bad persuasion is sincere, after all.