Persuasion Analysis of "The One Where Everyone Finds Out"...

The purpose of this COMM 333 blog is to analyze persuasion found in the Friends episode, "The One Where Everyone Finds Out." The main story line pits the Friends against each other is a battle of persuasion. In a winner takes all style; Phoebe, Rachel and Joey take advantage of their knowledge of Monica and Chandler's romantic relationship. Their main persuasion goal is to get Monica and Chandler to publicly declare their relationship. Joey's experience with persuasion was explained using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Phoebe's attempts to seduce Chandler was analyzed with emphasis on the gender and audience aspects of traits and characteristics. The Social Judgement Theory (STJ) explained Chandler's behavior during his date with Phoebe. Starting from the beginning, Phoebe and Rachel persuaded Joey to go along with their plan to exploit Monica and Chandler's relationship

Theory of Reasoned Action

Joey's behavior was explained through his attitude and subjective norms. His beliefs and evaluations of outcomes established his attitude. Gass and Seiter (2014) defined subjective norms as "a person's perception of what others...think about the behavior" (p. 52). Joey's subjective norms derived from his normative beliefs and motivation to comply. "Normative beliefs are based on perceived social pressure by relevant others to engage in the behavior" (Gass and Seiter, 2014, p. 52). Joey's behavior was explained using TRA.

Joey's attitude was not favorable. The requirement for him to lie went against his beliefs. His evaluation of the outcome established that it would be difficult for him to keep multiple secrets. Joey's normative beliefs were influenced by Phoebe and Rachel. They attempted to change his perception from the idea that he would not be lying to that he would not be telling Monica and Chandler the truth. Joey embodied the motivation to comply when he agreed to their plan.

The stamina of actual behavior depends on consistency between one's attitude and subjective norms.

Joey was engaged in a state of cognitive dissonance because his actions and behaviors did not align with his beliefs and attitudes (Gass and Seiter, 2014). This meant his investment in the plan was not stable. When the direct influence of the subjective norm was removed by the lack of Phoebe and Rachel's presence, Joey reverted to his behavior being driven by his attitude. As a result, Joey chose not to lie to the couple.

Traits and Characteristics

Phoebe utilized the sexuality component of her gender to persuade Chandler into thinking that she was attracted to him. Chandler accepted that Phoebe was attracted to him. Gass and Seiter (2014) would state that this had nothing to do with Phoebe's persuasive abilities, yet everything to do with Chandler's perception of her behaviors. Chandler's acceptance of Phoebe's message parallels the reinforcement expectancy theory (RET). In accordance with RET, if the message is perceived to be appropriate, then it can influence future behaviors (Gass and Seiter, 2014). Once Chandler assumed Phoebe's message, his behavior was altered. He scrutinized their following interactions and even let Monica know that he thought Phoebe was hitting on him. To effectively deliver her message, Phoebe paid close attention to her audience.

Gass and Seiter (2014) iterated the importance of understanding both the situation and the audience's mind. Phoebe knew that Chandler was sexually attracted to women. Historically, Chandler has not dealt well with sexual situations. This added another component of tension that she coupled with her sexuality. She also knew that he perceived her as being quirky. This gave her erratic communication behaviors an aspect of credibility. Additionally, he was unaware of her knowledge and would not suspect that she was merely trying to deceive him. She successfully convinced Chandler that she was sexually attracted to him.

Social Judgement Theory

Phoebe, Rachel and Joey's ultimate persuasive goal did not happen in a single interpersonal persuasion event. STJ suggests that "persuasion may have to occur over time" (Gass and Seiter, 2014, p. 107). Initially, Phoebe had to persuade Chandler into thinking that she was attracted to him. Phoebe continued her deception in several interpersonal communication events. Eventually, Chandler and Monica reciprocated their challenge and Phoebe had to ramp up her persuasive messages.

Phoebe had to challenge Chandler to the brink of physical sexual relations. This was caused by the anchor that Monica imposed upon Chandler. Gass and Seiter (2014) explained that the anchor is the "most preferred position" (p. 105). Monica's competitive natured caused her to be the most concerned with being victorious by causing Phoebe to break first. This meant that she wanted Chandler to do anything necessary. It created a large range of behaviors in Chandler's latitude of acceptance.

Chandler's latitude of acceptance and latitude of rejection were tested in the final interpersonal persuasion event. Gass and Seiter (2014) defined the latitude of acceptance as positions that one finds adequate. Chandler's latitude of acceptance involved behaviors that did not compromise his relationship and love for Monica. He engaged in the following behaviors – verbal messages that confirmed his intentions, mood setting, physical touching and a brief kiss. To establish an appropriate latitude of rejection, Chandler directly asked Monica at what point he should admit defeat and give in to Phoebe.

There were two instances in which Chandler's behaviors were guided by his latitude of rejection. Gass and Seiter (2014) defined the latitude of rejection as "positions that a person would reject" (p. 106). During their physical contact, Chandler went to place his hand on Phoebe's body. He hesitated as he decided that placing his hand on her breast was within his latitude of rejection. Instead, he placed his hand on her shoulder. The culmination of the episode was the second instance. As Chandler and Phoebe kissed, he quickly progressed from his latitude of acceptance into his latitude of rejection. His latitude of rejection was realized when he ended the kiss and publicly declared his love for Monica. This also reflected that Phoebe, Rachel and Joey had obtained their persuasion goal.

Reflection

One takeaway from this for me is that persuasion is present in so many facets of our lives. We are constantly bombarded by messages that are aimed at influencing our attitudes and behaviors. Even in between of friends there are instances of persuasion. Watching persuasion can make the viewer more aware of how it affects the behaviors of those involved. It also made me more aware of how media portrays persuasion. In this case, it had an inferred comedic characteristic which implies that persuasion among friends is harmless. This could lead the viewer to be less analytical of persuasion from friends that may have negative intentions. Which is caused by the media normalizing this type of persuasion. Understanding how the media might depict persuasion for this purpose can help the viewer be more analytical of what they observe. When they are more informed, they can better protect themselves. Even our friends do not always have our best interests in mind.

References

Crane, D. (Writer), Kauffman, M. (Writer), & Lembeck, M. (Director). (1999). The one where everyone finds out [Television series episode]. In K. Bright (Producer), Friends. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. Television

Gass, R. H., & Seiter, J. S. (2014). Persuasion: Social influence and compliance gaining. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.