It's a very frustrating process and you can never tell how much effect you have.
I try to say stuff that I know they know already but prefer not to think about. It's hard to win a fight by punching in a different place every time.
I try to find different ways of hitting the same soft spot. Like boxers, they try not to show when it hurts.
If you want some outright blackmail.....
..... Once he's dunked, the Elders will take a dim view of him paddock bashing in your paddock. Just happen to find something suitable on eBay.