Final answer:
The most used verbal strategy in compliance gaining is the Direct Request, but the foot-in-the-door technique is also a well-known method that involves getting someone to agree to a small request to later comply with a larger one. This tactic plays on the human desire for consistency in behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most popular general verbal strategy utilized in compliance gaining and/or persuasion is the Direct Request. However, it's worth noting that there are various strategies employed in different situations, and one such strategy is the foot-in-the-door technique. This method involves persuading a person to agree to a small request, which increases the likelihood that they will agree to a larger request later on. An example of this technique can be seen when a salesperson convinces a customer to purchase a small item or service before suggesting a more expensive product.
The original demonstration of the foot-in-the-door technique was by Freedman and Fraser (1966) where participants were more likely to agree to display a large sign if they had agreed to a smaller request first, such as posting a small sign or signing a petition. This method capitalizes on the principle of consistency, where individuals have a desire to appear consistent in their behaviors and decisions.
An example of how this technique can be used in commerce is when a store owner suggests adding a best data plan when you are buying the latest model smartphone, and once you have agreed to it, they then suggest a more expensive purchase like a three-year extended warranty. This concept is applied because agreeing to the initial request makes a person more likely to agree to subsequent, larger requests.