Ever wanted to be more persuasive or have people actually listen when you talk? Harness these 10 proven psychology methods to effectively influence and persuade others.

10. Do Someone a Favor

The Trick: Whether it’s lending a hand, showering compliments, or expressing small acts of kindness, such behaviors may invite reciprocation. 

How it works: This principle, bearing similarities to a friendly game of toss, necessitates action for reciprocation. We, as humans, naturally respond in kind when we find ourselves on the receiving end of a gesture. The implication here is the potency of initiating goodwill. Scientists attribute the very nature of humans to reciprocity. They claim humans survived because our ancestors learned to share goods and services.

9. Leverage the Power of Mirroring

The trick: When you mirror someone, you are essentially imitating their gestures, speech patterns, attitudes and/or facial expressions. Remember, it’s essential to be subtle and avoid appearing like you’re blatantly copying them. 

How it works: Interestingly, this method can enhance your likability and credibility as it allows the other person to feel more connected with you. Though mirroring usually occurs subconsciously, doing it intentionally (and subtly) may produce the same effects. So, when you’re casually hanging out with someone and want to influence their opinion, experiment with some subtle mirroring. You might be surprised by its effectiveness.

8. Start Small

The Trick: Known as the foot-in-the-door technique, it begins with making a small, hardly noticeable request. Once consent for this is received, introduce your main ask. 

How it works: Individuals who agree to minor suggestions tend to approve of bigger ones later. The person agreeing feels like they are obligated to keep agreeing to larger requests in order stay consistent with their original decision of agreeing. Therefore, if you have a substantial proposition, start subtly. This approach could possibly tilt the balance towards your benefit.

7. Make Eye Contact

The Trick: It’s a simple but effective tactic – maintain eye contact. During your next conversation, look directly into the other person’s eyes. This isn’t about creating discomfort, but about exhibiting natural, relaxed eye contact. 

How it works: This silent gesture conveys confidence and reliability, leading people to listen more closely to those who project self-assuredness. You can even take this trick a step further by looking into the persons left eye, specifically, in order to strengthen emotional connection, according to neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart. Because this specific right eye to left eye contact is one of the earliest interactions that a baby has with its mother, it is thought to be the most bonding eye contact you can have with another person.

6. Use the “Door-in-the-Face” Technique

The Trick: Initially, you propose a substantial request, akin to a grand favor which is expected to be declined. Immediately following, you propose your actual request. It is essentially the counter to the previously discussed “foot-in-the-door” strategy. After experiencing the initial grand ask, your genuine request will seem effortless in comparison.

How it works: Researchers theorize that this may work because of the concept of reciprocal concessions. People will feel the need to comply with the smaller request because of their rejection of the first request. 

5. Say Their Name, Say Their Name

The Trick: Indeed, it’s rather straightforward – incorporate the individual’s name into your conversation. Ensure it feels natural, subtly integrating it into your dialogue. For instance, “So, Dominique, what’s your opinion on this?” or “Absolutely correct, Jordan.” 

How it works: This may seem inconsequential, but it’s exceptionally powerful. People relish hearing their own name. It confers recognition and significance. If people feel valued, they are more receptive to your views. Thus, using their name when persuading someone could prove to be remarkably effective. It may surprise you just how beneficial this technique can be.

4. Use the Scarcity Principle

The Trick: The idea here is to make whatever you’re peddling seem like it’s in short supply or super exclusive. The harder it is to get, the more people are gonna want it. 

How it works: People tend place a higher value on things that are perceived as rare while devaluing things that are seen as common or abundant. It’s like when there’s only one slice of pizza left and suddenly everyone wants it, ya know? This is because humans are generally more motivated by fear of loss than want of gain.

3. Get Them to Do You a Favor

The trick: Request a small favor that’s not burdensome – for instance, borrowing a book or asking their expertise on a certain topic. Once they’ve obliged, voila! Their affinity towards you increases. 

How it works: This phenomenon is known as the Ben Franklin Effect. Named after — you guessed it — Benjamin Franklin, who documented his observation of the phenomenon, it works like this: when you assist someone, your mind rationalizes that you must admire or have high regard for this person because you’ve helped them. Your brain strives for internal consistency, so it creates a mental dialogue such as, “I helped them because they’re worth it.” You can employ this trick when you want to build rapport with someone.

2. Establish Social Proof

The trick: If you’re persuading someone, illustrate that others have already embraced whatever it is that you’re asking for or asserting. 

How it works: Have you ever been in a situation where everyone is hesitating to be the first to dance, but as soon as a few bold individuals start, everyone else follows suit? That, in essence, is social proof. It revolves around the concept of demonstrating to people that what you’re advocating for is already in trend. The sentiment goes, “Look, everyone’s are already participating!” When people notice others taking part, they’re more inclined to join as well. It’s much easier to board a moving train than to initiate one, wouldn’t you agree?

1. Utilize the Anchoring Effect

The Trick: When you are presenting your argument, it is crucial that your first statement is memorable and substantial. Think of it as laying the groundwork for the entire conversation. The goal is to begin robustly and ensure that the point stays with them, effectively anchoring your audience. 

How it works: This effect explains that people’s judgements and/or decisions are influenced by a reference point or “anchor”. A good example of this is a car dealership. An individual is more likely to purchase a car if its placed alongside a more expensive car. As long as the price of the car is lower than the anchor, the prices will seem more reasonable to the buyer, even if said price is higher than the market price.