How To Ask For A Favor

- Ross McCammon

HEY THERE. HI. Nice shirt. Listen, I don’t normally do this, but I was wondering: Could you maybe do me a favor and read this story?

No?

Hang on, let me rework that.  I’d like to ask you for a favor.

I’m hoping you’ll read this story because I think you’ll enjoy it and because it would gratify me deeply. If you don’t have the time or if you’re just not interested, I'll understand, of course, but I think you’ll find it worth your while. Whatever you decide, please take this request as a compliment to your taste in media. 

That first request? No good. For lots of reasons—but mainly because it assumed that the request was a hassle.

But favor requests aren’t hassles. The way we introduce the request is often the hassle. Let’s first acknowledge two surprising truths: People love doing favors. Also: People really love doing favors.

Why People Love Doing Favors.

Studies about favors generally suggest that we want to comply with a request—if only to avoid the awkwardness of not complying. Incentives aren’t needed. A lot of context isn’t necessary.