The Impact of Timing and Patience on Persuasion

Timing and patience are two fundamental persuasion elements that play significant roles in personal development and professional fields alike. Good timing means delivering a message when the recipient is most receptive, while patience involves respecting the decision-making process and not rushing. Both elements are recognized as critical pillars in persuasion across psychological theories and practical experiences.

1. The Importance of Good Timing

Effective persuasion often depends on presenting the message at the right moment, when the recipient is most open. Timing relates directly to one’s readiness. For instance, presenting an idea to someone who is stressed or indecisive can result in resistance, whereas waiting for a more relaxed or mentally open moment is likely to yield a positive response. This principle is widely seen in business interactions, where offering solutions to clients at the right time — often when they’re facing a problem or need — enhances their openness to being persuaded.

Research Example:

In one study on sales representatives, it was observed that conducting client meetings after lunch hours increased sales by 20%, as clients were found to be more mentally open during this time (Cialdini, 2006).