In one study, saying, "Excuse me$,$ I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I$\text{'}$m in a rush?" led to the same level of compliance from the person ahead in line as did saying, "Excuse me$,$ I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I have to make some copies?" The use of the word$($s$)$ served as a trigger feature.

because

may I

five pages

excuse me