Milton Model
Soften the instruction
Create it
Conversational Postulate Lab
Turn a direct command into a respectful indirect question.
If you would not accept “no”, the question is not honest. Say it directly instead.
1 / 5· coaching statement
Self-assessment
Create it
Direct: “Sit up straight.”
Use: Conversational Postulate
Rewrite it as a conversational postulate you would genuinely accept “no” to.
Client autonomy
If “no thanks” would annoy you, ask directly instead.