Social mechanics are always tricky in RPGs. On one hand, if a character's concept is that of a smooth talking con man then something like the Influence skill will let them reflect that. On the other hand, what happens when this skill is used on a PC? Does the GM tell them "Okay, you believe his outrageous lie"?
This system works by encouraging the target, n0t forcing him. To engage in social combat, the player simply does whatever he does - try to intimidate a foe into submission, or convince a guard that you're supposed to be there, or get a young lady's phone number. The Director will call for an Influence + Attribute roll and apply any modifiers. The target of the influence will make a Willpower + Influence roll (It takes one to know one after all) to resist. Exactly what this means depends on what action is being attempted. In most cases it will give an amount of Bad Luck for the scene that applies when the target goes against the influencers wishes. Thus the character is free to do what they please, but there may be a penalty for doing so.