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Frame Battle Analysis
Hi Lucio,
I just read and took notes on your most recent post: 10 Frame Control Techniques to Out-Frame Anyone.
I came across this video not too long ago, which shows a frame battle at the 1:45 mark.
"Robinson: Get out of the way of my car! (honks horn repeatedly)
Watterson: That's right buddy, honk if you think I'm tonk. (begins flexing muscles)
I would like your feedback on what type of frame control technique Watterson (the rabbit) is using here. My first thought was that he used a "frame flip" because he flipped the meaning of the honking and in doing so flipped the power dynamics. I then referred to my notes and realized this may also be a "frame reshape" because Watterson was able to creatively think on his feet and transform the story that Robinson (the puppet in the car) had created by honking his horn.
I'd love to know your thoughts on what category this frame control technique would fall under. I'm in the process of moving through your Social Power course and I love it so far.
Thanks,
Ali
Hi Ali!
I would classify that as frame dominance as a first category.
Every time you see someone being shoved on their throat something they don't agree upon, it's almost always a frame dominance.
If the receiver is also getting angry, frustrated, or very submissive -like in the article's example, the journalist is getting submissive-, those are also clear signs of frame dominance.
To support his frame domination attempt, he also uses frame reshaping, as you correctly noted in the beginning, delivered with a humorous frame.
I wouldn't consider it a frame flipping.
In a frame flipping, you take a negative and turn into a positive.
Frame flipping, in this case, would have been something like this:
Robinson: Get out of the way of my car! (honks horn repeatedly)
Frame is that Watterson is being abusive and holding him from doing what he wants to do
Watterson: I'm doing you a favor, you don't wanna go to work! Your job sucks! And if you don't have the courage to admit it, I'm gonna help you do that. This is the day your new life begins, my friend!
Reframes his action as a favor he is doing to him
P.S.:
If you're going through the course, keep the lesson as your reference point because it's more in-depth and with more examples.
Hi Lucio,
Thanks for your feedback and input as well as your quick response, it's most appreciated.
The rules to the "Framing Buffet Technique" are that you should not laugh and never use the word "I" when being attacked (unless you want to take ownership of the issue and lose power). I found myself in a position where I had to use this frame control technique and couldn't help but wonder if I am also taking ownership of the issue by using the word "me".
Another great tip you provided which I had already learned from one of Dan Lok's videos on persuasion was to not say "thank you" to someone when you are both receiving value. Instead, say something along the lines of "Congratulations on your good choice".
I prefer to keep my circle of friends small. Therefore, I find myself working with the same people quite often and wind up in a lot of win-win situations with these same individuals. Repeatedly using the word "congratulations" in these daily situations makes me feel like I'm coming off as cocky since it's not a very common thing to say more than once or twice outside of an event where someone is opening presents or having a baby. I looked on Google for alternatives and the closest replacement I could find was "cheers", which doesn't help me retain power as effectively as the word "congratulations".
I'd love to hear your thoughts on my above comments, I look forward to hearing back from you soon!
Thanks,
Ali
I think that your feeling is right, Ali.
If you've known each other for a while, it can make you come across as weird, or as if you're playing games.
When I said that at the beginning of the course, I was mostly referring to first-time deals and/or to deals where some buyers might feel like they're only giving.
in those cases, at the beginning, you might want to be more careful in making sure that people know you're also giving and that it's a win-win.
This mindset is also useful for when people do it to you, as you want to say "well done" back to them as well.
When I bought my flat for example, the seller, which was also the condominium administrator, told me "congratulations". To which I instinctively replied, "thank you, and congratulations to you on having found a good buyer".
Might have not been the perfect reply, but it was good enough to make sure I wasn't gonna accept that frame of me "winning" and them doing me a favor.
But once the relationship is built, then there is less of a need to remind people.
Constantly remind people might rub people off the wrong way, and for good reasons.
It's the same in relationships.
At the beginning, you want to be more attentive as to who is giving and who is taking.
But once you're together, then keeping track is the hallmark of a poor relationship.
If you still want to use the "congratulations", you might add something around it that also highlights the common good that is coming out of the transaction.
For example:
Congratulations, you are a valued friend/business partner for me, and I am happy we can keep this good partnership going.
