A Method Behind the Madness?
Introduction
President Donald Trump Recently issued a memo to North Korea stating they are walking away from the table until further notice. This action seems ridiculious, outlandish. Yet almost immediately North Korea responded that they are willing to continue negotiations.
So what exactly did this letter say? Is it Persuasive? Was it effective?
This will answer those questions.
This piece will refer to the concepts of Persuasion and “Presuasion” several times. Presuasion also known as “setting the table” is building an environemt for persuasion to occur.
Authors Note: This breakdown will go roughly line by line, so the letter will be repeated continuously side by side; so you the reader can follow along more easily.
Official White House Seal:
Signals, Authority, Power; begins presuasion process.
Formal Title Address:
Respect of the other part, conveys goodwill.
Opening Statement:
“We greatly respect your time, patience and effort… Long Sought” Presuasion, seeing the other side as human.
Meeting Requested:
Acknowledging their actions, poses duality makes them look and feel hypocritical with the next line. “anger and open hostility, of recent statement”
I was looking forward, Sadly:
Coveys emotion, hope about situation resolution. deescalates future threat.
Best for Both Parties:
No one loses face. Since no one won or lost, there is no vindictiveness. Negotiations can, or fail, both can claim victory.
Detriment of the World:
Positions North Korea as equals with the United States in solving World issues.
Nuclear Capabilities
Threat is made showing United States position of strength.
Pray to God
Shows humanity and humility. By “relinquishing power” to a higher being. A rational actor who will only use force unless absolutely necessary. Invokes other sides religiosity if any.
Wonderful Dialogue Building:
Reaffairm presuasion and perceptions of previous gains made. Building suggests ongoing nature not static.
Only dialogue that matters:
Subtlely discounts threats and media about situation. Focus on formal negotiations.
Some day:
Thinking past the sale, to future engagements
Meeting and Thanking You:
Reaffirms previous statements, willingness to continue. Humanizes hostages.
Gesture of Goodwill
Reaffairms their decision to release hostages.
Do not Hesitate to Call or Write
Shows humility, no hostility or animosity. Puts “power” or ownership onto North Korea.
Missed Opportunity, Sad Moment in History:
Plays to idealism and legacy aspirations. Glory for the Country, Family name and take centerstage in World Affairs.
Coda
This was a very quick and brief breakdown of the Trump North Korea Memo. The memo is quite persuasive for the points listed above. However the memo alone would not have been as effective. Rather the Memo built upon the months of back and forths, of varying circumstances between these two countries.
Imagine a World with peace on the peninsula. Untold levels of prosperity and abundance await. It would be a historic moment, one which you would remember forever. Hopefully this will resolve shortly, for the safety and security of the World.
If you wish to learn more about Persuasion I would recommend reading:
Influence ~ Robert Cialdini
Win Bigly ~ Scott Adams
For more on the ideas of Presuasion I would recommend reading:
Presuasion ~ Robert Cialdini
Predictably Irrational ~ Dan Ariely