Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
NO, that makes it too easy for the recipient to just respond with something like "you're right, I can't help."
It's more effective to take a more positive attitude that while you're asking for a favor you expect it to be granted/possible rather than being negative about your expectations when you ask.
That is the traditional method of doing it. I know. I'm just saying what has worked for me. And I've never had anybody say "no". The CSR aren't that bad.
In fact, I think by asking if they can help you are in a sense doubting them and they want to see if they can handle this challenge.
If you want to use traditional psychology think of it as telling a person you are going to give them a challenge, versus giving them a challenge without informing them in advance. Which one do people prefer?