No, we're not condoning speeding. But being only human, can you save face after the fact and avoid damage to your pocket? Here's a lesson you can apply to many situations in life.

by Bob Burg

In my booklet, The Success Formula," Principle Number Two is : "Apply the Information Immediately." Why? Because, knowledge without action is the same as having no knowledge at all.

Recently during presentations for Cyberwize/The Hager Marketing Group in Texas, I discussed how to use "Winning Without Intimidation" principles to get out of a speeding ticket. (Note: I do not endorse speeding. What I do endorse is learning from a human mistake you might make without getting a ticket!)

I received the following note from one of the attendees the day after the conference:

" Good morning, Bob. First want to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentations this past week end in San Antonio with the Cyberwize/Hager Marketing Group - truly outstanding.

"I think you know what I'm going to say next. Yes, it happened to me Sunday night on the drive back to Dallas - I got pulled over for speeding.  Text-book example.

"I remembered everything you taught us, and it was the first time I did not get a ticket (40 in a 30 mile an hour zone). Thank you for the information.  I thought I was going to die when the officer said 'Mr. _____, thank you for being so courteous."

Wow - talk about putting information to use right away. Excellent!

Interesting that the officer thanked him. And, why?

Because the driver did not do anything manipulative. Instead, while using some specific wording that I provided, he showed the officer the respect due him.

Amazing what courtesy and a few well-chosen words can accomplish..

The police have a very dangerous job and, like anyone else, they'd like to be acknowledged for the work they do. I've had former and current police officers attending my seminars and/or who have read the book, Winning Without Intimidation tell or write me that, if more people would do this, they'd give out less tickets.

I love it!

It's amazing what sincere courtesy, and a few well-chosen words, can help one accomplish.

But how did he do it? Here's the secret:

First, a key point: If you're going so far over the speed limit that you are a danger to others, this won't work. You'll get the ticket. This will work "most" of the time in most other circumstances.

#1: As soon as you hear the siren or see the "flashing blues", safely pull over, put the car in park, and roll down your window.

#2: Turn on the inside car light (if at night) and place your hands on the "10:00 and 2:00" positions of the wheel, staying still as the officer approaches. (This situation is one of the most dangerous for a police officer, and he or she will appreciate your courtesy of making their job just a bit easier and helping them to feel safer). This is definitely a step in the right direction.

#3: When the officer asks if you realized you were going __ in a __ mile per hour zone, admit it. Don't lie. Don't make excuses.

You might say, "I apologize officer. I didn't realize it until I heard your siren. I looked down, and yes I was going at that speed. I'm absolutely in the wrong." (This right there might get you off the hook, as it will be the most honest and refreshing words that officer has heard all night. Imagine, someone actually taking responsibility for their mistake.)

#4: If you feel you must "make your case", simply say, "Officer, again, I was definitely in the wrong. It's not something I usually do and I'm wondering if, perhaps, I could possibly get off with a warning."

Then, if you believe it necessary, use, what I call, the "Eight Key Words", which are, "If you can't do it, I'll definitely understand."

The combination of your politeness, courtesy and words, will usually get you, at worst, a written warning and, at best, a verbal warning to "make sure you slow down".

And that's darn good advice!

Bob Burg of Burg Communications Inc. is author of Endless Referrals (McGraw-Hill) and Winning Without Intimidation: How to Master the Art of Positive Persuasion in Today's Real World (Samark Publishing). Now you can purchase his brand new booklet: The Success Formula: Three Timeless Principles That Will Turbocharge Your Success And Dramatically Improve Your Life at http://www.TheSuccessFormula.com

Some Related Articles:

How to Persuade Without Persuasion
Responding to Criticism Without Being Defensive
Become a Credible Communicator and Win Respect
How to Tame the Destructive Ego
Labeling is Disabling: Achieving Congruent Communication