How To: Talk your way out of a ticket

Hey all! It has been forever since I wrote a personal post because of a social media class I have been writing weekly posts for that just kinda burned me out! Well I had an adventure last night I sent the following story to my persuasion professor after I was pulled over last night, (for the 6th time) in Logan.  Enjoy! 

Last night I was driving home from the library after studying for my "Persuasion" classes final. I was coming down the hill on 14th North just above 8th East, I moved to the right lane and crossed the intersection in what was apparently a right turn only... not 5 seconds after that there were lights behind me and I was pulled over. 

After the officer got out of his car he asked, "Is everything ok??" 

I replied, "Yes, I'm so sorry but I'm not even sure what I did?" ( I really wasn't sure what I did) 

He told me I had gone straight in a right turn only and I just said "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry I didn't even realize!" very politely and friendly of course.

He then asked if I had been studying for finals and I said I had been all day. 

When he asked what final it was, I replied "Persuasion" and he said  "Oh really? Well how are you going to persuade me to get out of this ticket?" 

I replied chuckling, "Well I really am so sorry I had no idea what I was doing was wrong," and smiled again. He laughed and said he'd be right back with my information. 

He came back a few minutes later and said "Well here's a funny story, have you ever lived in Salt Lake?" I said, "No I haven't but I am planning on moving there this week."

He said, "Well, apparently there is a girl with the name Sarah B. Stephenson who lives in Salt Lake, has the birthday of 2/18 (mine's 2/17) and there is a warrant for her arrest."

I replied, "Oh my gosh I promise that's not me! I wouldn't even know what I would have a warrant for!" 

He laughed and said, "Nope it's not you. There was a different license and social security number for her. Boy are you lucky I checked or you would have missed your final tomorrow if I had to take you to jail." 

I said, "Oh my gosh thank you for making sure it wasn't me!" 

He then said, "Well, you can go to your final tomorrow and tell your persuasion professor that his class helped you get out of a ticket." 

So thank you Prof. Seiter, I think I came to the conclusion that it was a combination of  nonverbal immediacy and maybe even some warmth appeals that did the the trick I suppose I would have to take Advanced Persuasion to find out more haha :)

Thanks again Prof. John Seiter! 

On a side note that was the 6th time I have been pulled over with only 1 ticket ever. (The first time I was pulled over was for speeding in a school zone, there was no getting out of that one) 

Moral of the story: Always be friendly and kind... it pays off :)