Want to subtly influence people and situations? You don’t need a Ph.D. in psychology! These 19 tricks are surprisingly simple, yet incredibly effective in everyday life.
While there are complex methods like neuro-linguistic programming, this post focuses on easy-to-use techniques. These tricks can be used in various situations, both personal and professional, from getting a colleague to help you out to acing a job interview.
You’ll learn how to get someone to do a favour, win an argument, and even get out of bed easier. Let’s dive in!
Simple Tricks for Everyday Persuasion
These techniques are easy to learn and even easier to apply. You’ll be surprised how a few small changes in your behaviour can influence how others perceive and react to you. Ready to become a master of persuasion?
Request Reframing: The Power of “Please”
Have you ever noticed how some requests are just ignored? It might be down to how you’re asking.
The phrase “Could you…” can be ineffective. This is because it frames the request as a theoretical question rather than a direct instruction. The other person might simply answer “yes, I could” without actually doing anything.
Example:
- Ineffective: “Could you call the neighbours?”
- Effective: “Please call the neighbours.”
Direct language is key. “Please” isn’t just about politeness; it’s about clearly stating what you want.
To make your request even more effective, use a polite but firm tone in conjunction with the “please” phrasing. People are more likely to respond positively to a direct request that is delivered confidently.
The Forehead Stare: Creating Discomfort
This one’s a bit sneaky. Looking at the middle of someone’s forehead during a conversation can be surprisingly effective.
This makes people feel scrutinised and uncomfortable. It’s a subtle way to increase pressure.
Ethical considerations: This is a powerful technique and should be used sparingly and with careful consideration. It might be appropriate if you suspect someone is lying, but it’s definitely not a way to make friends!
Caution: Think carefully before you use this one!
The Power of Silence: Eliciting Information
Got a feeling someone’s not telling you the whole story? Try the power of silence.
When someone avoids answering a question, pause and maintain eye contact. This creates discomfort, prompting the person to fill the void with more information.
Silence and eye contact can make a liar feel as if you know the truth already, thus making them more inclined to tell the truth. They’ll often start rambling, and you might be surprised what they reveal.
Practice this technique in low-stakes situations to get comfortable with it. It can feel a bit awkward at first, but the results can be worth it.
The Explanation Request: Building Rapport
Want to get on someone’s good side? Ask them to explain something to you, even if you already know the answer.
This makes the other person feel intelligent and helpful, improving their attitude toward you. Everyone likes to feel like an expert.
Examples:
- Asking a coworker to explain a software function you already know.
- Asking a classmate to explain a concept from the lecture.
The request should be genuine and not condescending. People can spot insincerity a mile away.
The Nodding Trick: Securing Agreement
Here’s a simple trick that can increase your chances of getting a “yes”. Subtly nod while asking a question you want an affirmative answer to.
Mirroring behaviour increases the likelihood of agreement. It creates a subconscious connection.
Restaurant employees often use this technique to upsell items. Have you ever noticed a waiter nodding while suggesting a particular dish? It’s not an accident!
The Hand Extension: Subconscious Acceptance
This one’s a little out there, but it can be surprisingly effective. If a person is deeply focused on a task, you can extend your hand to take something from them.
Their focus is elsewhere, so they subconsciously comply without fully registering the action.
It also works the other way around. You can give someone an object while they are talking, and they might not even notice.
Examples:
- Taking a pen from someone on a phone call.
- Giving someone an object while they are talking.
Ethical considerations: Use this trick with caution and avoid exploiting it. Don’t go snatching valuables!
The Reverse Psychology Gambit: Doubting Capabilities
Want to motivate someone? Tell them they probably can’t do something.
People are driven to defy challenges to their abilities. It’s human nature to want to prove someone wrong.
Examples:
- “You probably couldn’t finish this report by tomorrow.”
You can also use a small request before the main request. This establishes a connection, making them more likely to agree to your bigger request later.
Nodding During Conversation: Increasing Attentiveness
Nodding isn’t just for getting a “yes”. Subtly nodding during a conversation, even when you are not asking a question, can make the other person more attentive to your words.
It signals that you’re engaged and interested, encouraging them to pay closer attention to what you’re saying.
The Disappointment Ploy: Getting a Better Deal
Time for some negotiation tactics. Appearing slightly disappointed with an offer during negotiations, even if you like it in general, can yield surprising results.
It signals that you’re not completely satisfied and encourages the other party to improve the offer.
Examples:
- Negotiating a salary.
- Bargaining for a lower price on a product.
The Victory Pose: Conquering Morning Fatigue
Okay, this one’s for you! Immediately after your alarm goes off, sit up and make two fists in the air, like a soccer player who just scored.
The power pose can help you feel refreshed and motivated. It’s a little boost to start your day.
Try it and see if it works for you! Let us know in the comments.
The Absurd Phrase: Preventing Doubts
Do you always worry about whether you locked the door or turned off the iron? Try this: Say an absurd phrase when performing a task you often doubt.
The unusual phrase creates a strong memory association, making it easier to recall whether you performed the task.
Examples:
- “Green rabbit” when turning off the iron.
- “Oppressive crab” when locking the door.
Defusing Conflict: Kindness and Understanding
Conflict is inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference. Here are a few techniques for defusing tense situations:
- Responding to negativity with kindness.
- Remaining calm and silent.
- Trying to see things from the other person’s perspective.
Kindness can disarm an aggressor. Silence can be irritating, but it can also defuse the situation. Empathy can help you understand the other person’s viewpoint and find a compromise.
The “Start With” Tactic: Motivating the Lazy
Got a colleague who’s always dragging their feet? Instead of saying “Do this,” try saying “Start with this.”
It makes the task seem less daunting and encourages the person to begin. After the first task, use “Very good, now continue with this.” Baby steps can lead to big results!
Public Speaking Aids: Water and Honesty
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking. Here are a couple of tricks to help you get through it:
- Bring a bottle of water.
- Admit anxiety to the audience.
Water provides a pause to collect your thoughts. Honesty creates a connection with the audience and reduces your own anxiety.
The Shoe Stare: Unsettling Gazers
Someone staring at you on the train? Make them uncomfortable by looking at their shoes without breaking eye contact.
It makes the person feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, prompting them to stop staring.
Mirroring Worry: Creating Anxiety
Be careful with this one. If you seem really worried each time you see someone, that person will start to feel worried when they see you.
Indirect Accusation: Softening Criticism
Instead of saying “You didn’t close the window,” try saying “The window was left open all night.”
It avoids direct blame, making the person more receptive to the feedback.
The Power of Positive Affirmation: Faking a Good Night’s Sleep
Didn’t get enough sleep? Tell yourself you slept well!
Believing you’re well-rested can improve brain function, even if you’re sleep-deprived.
A study from Colorado College published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that participants who were told they had slept well performed better on cognitive tests, even when they hadn’t.
The Primacy and Recency Effect: Mastering Interviews
People remember the beginning and end of experiences better than the middle. This is known as the primacy and recency effect.
Schedule your interview for the first or last slot of the day. This way, you’ll be more likely to be remembered.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 19 surprisingly simple psychological tricks that can help you in all sorts of situations. From reframing requests to mastering the art of the pause, these techniques can give you a subtle edge in your interactions with others.
Remember, the key to effective persuasion is understanding human psychology and using these tricks ethically and responsibly. Now it’s your turn! What are some other psychological tricks that you’ve found to be effective? Share them in the comments below!
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