We can learn a thing or two from our children. The book The Power of Focus list these five ways of to ensure asking will get results. Looking at my children, I think we all know how to ask but lose it as we get older.

Ask clearly.
“Daddy, can we watch TV until Rolie Olie Polie (a cartoon program in the Disney Playhouse channel)?”
They know what they want.

Ask with confidence.
As they ask me, they are already positioning themselves cozily on the sofa, ready to watch.

Ask consistently.
I say no the first time, almost always, they will ask a second time. And a third time.

Ask creatively.
They ask with smiles on their faces, coupled with hugs. At other times, they do not ask it outright but declare in an unmistakable tone “Gusto ko Disney Channel.” Or while I change channels, they say “nope” until I come to their favorite channel, to which they enthusiastically say “Yes” accompanied by clapping.

Ask sincerely.
For children this comes out naturally. No guile. No pretenses. They mean what they say. “Daddy, I reeeeallly like Little Einstein. Can we finish it before taking a bath?”

Note: Though my example is about watching TV, I am an advocate of less TV, whether for kids or adults. As a rule, my kids can only watch TV when there is no school the following day, which means weekends, only after taking a bath or a nap. And they can only watch programs that my wife and I approve of.