A Tactical Masterclass
The September 10, 2025, U.S. Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump provided more than just a clash of policy. It offered a strategic lesson in the art of agitation—a skill anyone can use to enhance influence, persuasion, or negotiation. Whether in a debate or daily interactions, knowing how to agitate effectively can shift the dynamics in your favor.
Before diving into the debate details, it's worth mentioning that if political conversations make you uneasy, this is a chance for self-reflection. At Influential U, a non-partisan educational organization focused on influence and persuasion, we teach a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds. Events like this debate provide valuable case studies for anyone interested in mastering influence, regardless of personal beliefs or affiliations.
One key technique we study is “Agitation” or “Agitating Indifference.” During the debate, Kamala Harris used this tactic to disrupt Trump's rhythm, provoke emotional responses, and unbalance him. Media outlets across the spectrum, from BBC to CNN, acknowledged Harris’s strong performance, citing polls that showed voters felt she won the debate. But the question remains: How can you use the same strategy to become more persuasive yourself?
Understanding the Art of Agitation
Agitation may seem counterproductive if you're aiming for a positive outcome, but when used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool. Agitation is about disrupting complacency, driving engagement, and revealing underlying concerns that may otherwise remain hidden. When people are indifferent or passive, they’re less likely to take action. By agitating indifference, you force them to confront the stakes and get involved.
Whether in a business negotiation or leading a team, this tactic helps create urgency. You draw attention to risks or opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked, motivating your counterpart to see the relevance of the issue and act on it.
How to Apply Agitation in Persuasion
In the debate, Harris knew Trump’s sensitivities and tendencies. Her approach was calculated—she pressed on topics like climate change and healthcare, which she knew would evoke strong responses. This tactic isn’t about being unnecessarily provocative; it’s about identifying areas where your opponent or audience feels compelled to respond and steering the conversation in that direction.
For example, in business, if you're negotiating a deal and the other party seems indifferent to a key issue, you might bring up how delays could lead to financial losses or missed opportunities. The goal is to shift their attention and make them realize the consequences of inaction.
Pushing the Right Buttons: Policy, Leadership, and Temperament
Harris’s critique of Trump’s climate change record was a strategic move. Instead of presenting a policy that might seem abstract, she connected it directly to American families’ financial well-being, mentioning natural disasters and insurance costs. This made the issue immediate and personal.
When applying this tactic in your own work, look for ways to frame the conversation around what matters most to the other party. People tend to care more when they see how an issue impacts them directly.
Harris’s calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Trump’s emotional responses. This dynamic is crucial in any persuasion situation. You create an image of steady leadership by staying composed while the other person becomes agitated. The more emotional your opponent becomes, the more authoritative you appear.
Agitation as a Tool for Emotional Engagement
Harris didn’t agitate just to provoke Trump—she used it to engage the audience emotionally. When Trump interrupted, Harris redirected the conversation back to the concerns of the American people, saying, "I’m here to talk about the issues, not engage in personal attacks."
This approach is useful in any field. When an opponent or colleague becomes defensive or emotional, you can elevate the conversation by refocusing on the bigger picture. This diffuses tension and makes your position appear more rational and solution-oriented. By emotionally engaging the audience or counterpart, you can bring them to your side without resorting to aggression.
Using Agitation to Unbalance Your Opponent
Agitation, when used well, exposes your opponent’s tendencies. In the debate, Harris focused on issues that were important to voters—reproductive rights, healthcare, and the economy. In your own field, you want to focus on the issues that matter most to your audience or counterpart. Agitation becomes effective when it highlights the contrast between you and your opponent, showing why your approach or solution is superior.
For example, if you’re negotiating with a colleague who dismisses a critical deadline, you can highlight the risks of missing it, drawing attention to potential losses in revenue or opportunity. By unbalancing them with this urgency, you force them to take the matter seriously, giving you leverage.
Staying Composed: The Key to Effective Agitation
The most important element of agitation is composure. Harris’s ability to remain calm while Trump became visibly frustrated was essential to her success. Agitation isn’t about escalating conflict or getting into a shouting match. It’s about making the other person lose focus while you maintain control.
Staying composed gives you the upper hand in any negotiation or persuasive situation. If the other person becomes emotional, it reflects poorly on them, while your poise makes you appear more trustworthy and in command.
How You Can Use Agitation in Your Own Field
The lessons from Harris’s debate performance apply far beyond the political stage. Strategic agitation can be a powerful tool, whether you’re negotiating a business deal, leading a team, or persuading someone in a personal conversation.
- Disrupt Complacency: If someone isn’t taking action or making a decision, agitate the situation by highlighting the consequences of inaction. Show them what they stand to lose if they don’t engage.
- Focus on What Matters: Frame the conversation around what is most important to your audience. Personalize the stakes so they feel a direct connection to the issue.
- Maintain Your Composure: As you agitate, always stay calm and in control. This will enhance your authority and position you as a rational, solution-focused leader.
- Use Emotion to Engage: Agitation doesn’t mean antagonism. Use it to engage others and connect with their deeper concerns emotionally. This approach ensures the conversation remains productive and focused.
A Masterclass in Persuasion Tactics
The September 10, 2025, Presidential Debate was a masterclass in using agitation as a tool for influence and persuasion. Kamala Harris’s ability to provoke emotional responses from Donald Trump while maintaining her own composure highlights how powerful this tactic can be in any field.
Whether you’re in business, leadership, or personal interactions, this tactic can reveal an opponent’s weaknesses, break through indifference, and push for meaningful action. Strategic agitation helps create momentum and progress toward your goals by surfacing hidden issues and driving engagement.
Harris’s performance was not just about winning a debate; it was a demonstration of leadership under pressure and a model for anyone seeking to become more persuasive. By using agitation with intention and poise, you, too, can turn challenges into opportunities for influence and success.
Author
John Patterson
Cofounder and CEO
INFLUENTIAL U
John Patterson steers the ship at Influential U, boldly challenging the traditional, often myopic views of success in our hyper-individualistic era. He isn’t afraid to poke fun at the archaic obsession with attributing every win or loss to single actors, calling out the industry’s penchant for oversimplified 'transactional' comprehension. Leading a crack team dedicated to innovating businesses and business ecosystems, John is all about integrating the personal with the whole system—because, let’s face it, no one wins alone.
