Say Thank You and Shut Up. English Word Plays That Make You Sound Strong at Work

A few years back I worked in a brokerage firm. A sales tactic we were taught was after making an ask, keep your mouth shut until the other person speaks even if there is an awkward silence, similar to how in the movie "Wolf of Wall Street" there is a scene where DiCaprio's character says "whoever speaks first loses."

This tactic came in handy several times in later jobs. I remember once when I asked me boss for vacation time, he started with "oh but this is a busy time for business," to which I just said "ok" and stared at him blankly while an awkward silence ensued before he eventually caved and said "well I guess it won't make too much of a difference" and approved my vacation request.

Definitely going to try these plays and see their effects.

As always, if you aren't afraid of building a reputation of being an asshole it's much easier to get what you want.