The PSSA Framework

Goals

Persuasion is the process of influencing others to believe something, take action, or change how they see themselves.

Since effective and ethical persuasion is often challenging, a reliable framework is helpful.

PSSA is perhaps the most useful structure for everyday persuasion. If you’re going to learn one method, this is the one to master.

The PSSA Framework is a 4-part structure for crafting persuasive messages that move people to act.

Problem
Identify a problem your audience cares about. Frame it in their terms, not yours.
Stakes
Show what’s at risk. What will happen if the problem isn’t solved? What are the rewards if it is? Make the consequences vivid and meaningful.
Solution
Present a solution. Explain how it addresses the problem and improves their situation. Keep it simple, clear, and appealing.
Action
End with a clear next step. What exactly do you want them to do? Make it easy and compelling.

Note: PSSA is pronounced “pissa”—Boston slang for awesome. 😄

Problem
Our meetings often go off-track or run long because people come unprepared.
Stakes
When we’re unprepared, we waste time, make slower decisions, and leave feeling frustrated. When we’re prepared, meetings are efficient and productive—saving us time and leading to better outcomes.
Solution
Let’s try a simple prep step: read the agenda and relevant documents before the meeting and jot down 1–2 key points or questions.
Action
Before our next meeting, please review the agenda and come with notes. It’ll make a big difference.

Problem
Many people feel tired, sluggish, or stressed but don’t have a consistent way to recharge or stay healthy.
Stakes
Without exercise, energy drops, health risks go up, and mood suffers. Regular movement can boost energy, reduce stress, and extend life.
Solution
Start small: 10 minutes of walking or stretching a day. It’s simple, proven, and builds momentum.
Action
Choose a time today—maybe after lunch or before dinner—and take a 10-minute walk. Try it for three days and notice how you feel.

Problem
Staying up late makes it hard to feel good the next day—tired at school, grumpy at home.
Stakes
Without enough sleep, your body and brain don’t work well. With good sleep, you’ll feel great, grow stronger, and have more fun tomorrow.
Solution
Let’s build a bedtime routine: brush teeth, choose a bedtime story, and lights out at the right time.
Action
Time to start the routine now—pick your book and let’s make tonight a great sleep night!

Problem
You’ve said weekends are boring and you’re looking for something active and fun.
Stakes
Keep doing nothing and you’ll stay bored. Try golf and you might find a new hobby that’s fun, social, and a good workout.
Solution
Let’s try a casual round at the local short course—no pressure, just fun. I’ll bring extra clubs and show you the basics.
Action
How about Saturday morning? I’ll book a tee time and we’ll just give it a shot—literally.

Problem
You’ve mentioned feeling distracted, overwhelmed, and low-energy—especially after scrolling.
Stakes
Staying hooked means less time for what matters. But cutting back can bring more focus, calm, and time for real connection.
Solution
Try a 7-day challenge: no social media for the first hour after waking and the last hour before bed.
Action
Want to start tomorrow? I’ll do it too and we can check in mid-week to see how it’s going.

Use the Deliberate Practice (DP) cycle to master PSSA:

Apply PSSA to a persuasion task.
Reflect on your experience:
- What worked well? Do that again.
- What didn’t feel right? How could it improve?
- Any new insights about persuasion?
Apply PSSA again—only better.

Repeat the DP cycle until you consistently excel at using PSSA.