In search of a “sweet spot:” Can understanding how language influences intimidation maximize the quality of valued compliance?

Intimidation is often defined, received, and perceived pejoratively. The current study sets out to find a “sweet spot” in situations where intimidation cannot be avoided compliance the goal, one can maximize but keep fear as low possible. This experimental predicted that by lessening mean-spirited speech, moderate amount of intimidation, opposed greater or lesser degrees it, would produce more with request, positive interpersonal attributions, communicative accommodations. results supported idea such implications for authority figures are considered discussed.