Brainy Dose Presents:
15 Psychology Tricks To Persuade Anyone
Persuasion is a very useful skill that comes in handy in so many circumstances.
In fact, the art of persuasion is one of the most practical skills you could learn.
Maybe you need to close an important sale, or coax your boss into giving you a raise.
Perhaps you want to get your spouse to see your point of view, or you simply want to
persuade someone to do a favour for you.
In situations like these, it’s good to know how to use psychology to your advantage.
Especially, since convincing others (mostly those with strongly opposing views) can be
difficult.
Understanding how and when to use the following tricks will also help you detect when they
are being used on you!
Number 1 - Explain The Reason For Your Request
Have you ever had to stand in line for something important, but you were in a real hurry?
Maybe you even tried to seek permission to cut in line.
It probably didn’t work.
You know… you could have increased your chances, if you had given a compelling reason!
You could have simply said something like: “Can I cut in line?
I only have a few items and I’m in a rush.” or, “Can I cut in line?
I’m about to miss my flight!”
Giving reasons for your request will increase the chances of persuading the other person.
And remember, the bigger your request, the more compelling your reason should be.
Number 2 - Use Polite Expressions
“Please” and “thank you” are magical words that you need to learn to apply when
trying to persuade people.
As humans, we have been generally raised and conditioned to react well to the usage of
these words.
We are more open to requests than instructions - after all, no one likes to be ordered around.
A smiling face and a “please” can work wonders.
So, use polite expressions whenever you’re trying to persuade someone to do something.
You may just get your request granted.
Number 3 - Compliment
Compliments can go a long way.
They are very useful in persuasion, because when you compliment someone, they are instantly
more open to hearing what you have to say.
Also, when you give people compliments, it can change some of the preconceived notions
they might have had about you.
You just have to ensure your compliments are very honest and subtle.
Complimenting people when you don’t really mean it will do the exact opposite of what
you want it to do.
Number 4 - Offer A Drink
Take things a step further.
While talking to the person you’re trying to persuade, offer them a warm beverage such
as a cup of coffee or tea.
Research suggests that a warm drink put in someone’s hands can project feelings of
warmth from you toward them - making them feel that you are a welcoming and likeable
person.
Be careful however, because giving them a cold drink can have the opposite effect!
Number 5 - Be An Active Listener
One of the main qualities of top persuasive people is that they are very good listeners.
Why is listening an important part of persuasion?
In persuasion, you’re trying to sell your ideas, or get consent to your request.
But how do you get people to accept your request?
This is where listening becomes a real benefit.
Listening will help you understand the person you’re trying to persuade.
You will come to discover some of the objections and worries they might have regarding your
request.
And this will, in turn, help you to be able to present your ideas and requests in more
appealing ways.
In the art of persuasion, listening is more important than talking.
Number 6 - Use Fluid Speech
Confidence is key to persuading people.
When you speak with your sentences coloured with hesitant words such as “like” or
“I mean”, it makes you appear less confident and less sure of what you’re talking about.
Often times, people interpret fluidity in speech to mean confidence and validity.
Basically, the more confident you appear in your speech, the easier it will be to persuade
others.
Number 7 - Talk Faster
Talking at a faster pace can also help when you’re trying to persuade people.
How’s that?
When you’re speaking quickly, the person you’re speaking to has to listen quickly
enough to be able to soak in and follow what you’re saying.
They won’t have enough time to pick apart your points.
Talking faster will also make you seem more confident.
When you’re speaking quickly and fluidly, your listeners, either subconsciously or consciously
feel like your confidence indicates that you really know what you’re talking about.
Therefore, they will be more inclined to listen to your arguments and agree to your requests.
Number 8 - Repeat Speech And Action
Another psychology trick in persuading people is to sometimes repeat their words and copy
their actions.
When you repeat what someone has said back to them, it makes them feel like you are listening,
and they will be more compelled to talk, and listen to you.
This can help you establish a bond with them, and they will be more open to your request.
Even therapists and psychologists have been known to use this method in trying to get
their patients to relax in their sessions with them.
However, make sure that you don’t overdo this, because you will come across as weird
or awkward - which is the exact opposite of what you want.
Number 9 - Nodding
If you want people to feel like you’re paying attention and agree with their opinions, then
nod!
Nodding is another psychological trick that is often used by people when they’re trying
to persuade someone.
While having a conversation with someone, nod occasionally to affirm what the other
person is saying.
When you do this while you’re talking, it will be difficult for the listener not to
nod too.
They will eventually become more accommodating and agreeable subconsciously to what you’re
saying.
Number 10 - Use Reciprocation To Create An Obligation
Imagine a scenario where your neighbour lends you their lawnmower or a colleague at work
unexpectedly passes you a lead.
How would you feel?
I can tell you how you’ll feel.
You’ll feel very grateful and feel like you owe them something in return.
Often times, when you do someone a favour, they feel obligated to return it; especially
when they weren’t expecting it at all.
You should learn to use this psychological trick to help make your relationships buoyant.
The feeling of indebtedness in people will trigger an obligation to reciprocate, and
when you make your requests, they’ll be far less likely to reject you.
Number 11 - Use The Contrasting Technique
The contrasting technique is a very effective tool that is commonly used in bargaining.
What is it all about?
The contrasting technique is mainly a method in which you make demands which are much higher
than what you actually want, and then you gradually bargain back down to what you really
desired.
This method works on people because of the huge contrast between the first demand and
the bargained one.
In the other person’s mind, they think the much lower price is relatively more ideal.
Number 12 - Use Timing To Your Advantage
Another key trick is learning to use timing to your advantage.
If you study people closely, you will discover that some people tend to be more agreeable
when they are mentally fatigued.
Whenever you have a request that someone might not quickly consent to, watch the person closely
and make the request just after they’ve done a mentally daunting task.
Even if you don’t get their response immediately, you will at least be able to get the person
to listen to your demands.
You should note that there is no guarantee though.
The success of this technique actually depends on the person, but trying never hurts.
Number 13 - Use Balanced Arguments
The best concepts often have flaws in them—even if very minimal.
While many people think the best way to persuade others to buy an idea or perspective is to
focus on all the positives and totally avoid all the negatives, research has proven otherwise.
It is actually proven that presenting a balanced argument is the best way to convince someone.
Don’t completely focus on the positives of your ideas and ignore the negatives.
Some people will see it as deceptive if you don’t talk about the obvious negatives that
might come with your plans.
Even if they can’t find any flaws, they will feel your ideas are too good to be true
and try to avoid having anything to do with it.
It is easier to persuade people when you present both sides of an argument.
They tend to deem you more trustworthy, and will likely be more open to what you have
to say.
When someone trusts you, they are much easier to persuade.
Number 14 - Use Congruence To Obtain A Wanted Outcome
In your pursuit of the desired response, you can get people to act even before they make
up their minds.
Let’s assume you are out with a friend, and you want to watch a movie at the cinema
but your friend is not sure if they want to go.
Here’s what you can do…
Start moving toward the cinema as your friend is trying to decide what to do.
They will be more likely to agree with you and go see the movie.
This is the same method salespeople apply when closing a deal.
Because handshakes are often attached to cementing deals, a salesperson will shake your hand
while you’re trying to make up your mind.
By doing this, they are more likely to close the deal.
Number 15 - The Power of Repetition
The power of repetition should never be understated or underrated.
I’m sure you know a song that you didn’t like the first time you heard, but eventually
it grew on you after hearing it multiple times.
That is how powerful repetition can be.
Our brains like patterns and repetition in establishing familiarity.
Many times, we like ideas and plans better after we have been repeatedly exposed to them.
Whatever idea or argument you’re trying to sell, the crucial information should be
repeated in different ways over the course of your conversation.
You shouldn’t repeat them more than three times though.
Because saying the same thing too often can make the person resistant to it.
Too much of anything is bad.
Persuasion is key to getting others to agree to your requests, but you should know where
to draw the line.
There is persuasion and there is manipulation.
They are both vastly different concepts.
Good intentions are always the mindset behind persuasion, while manipulation always has
bad intentions.
A manipulator does not respect boundaries.
He or she will do anything to get someone to agree with them - even if they have to
lie.
When lies and half-truths are involved, you’ve crossed boundaries into manipulation and nothing
good ever comes from that.
So be sure to keep this in mind if you decide to use any of these psychological tricks!
Have you ever used these tricks before?
Or, have you noticed others using them on you in order to get you to do something?
Let us know in the comments below!
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