Psychological tricks

Today, I will provide a concise summary of a psychology book called "Persuasion." Reading numerous books on psychology has left me feeling increasingly apprehensive, as they reveal the ease with which people can be manipulated. What's truly disconcerting is that many of these manipulation tactics are so subtle that our conscious minds fail to detect them; they operate on a subconscious level, akin to a hidden magic pill. When applied, these tactics make individuals believe or behave differently, all while feeling that they remain in control and have made a conscious decision.

For instance, in one experiment, an attractive male model approached random women at a shopping mall to ask for their phone numbers for a date. Unsurprisingly, this approach garnered mixed responses, with many women declining. However, interestingly, when he approached women near a flower store, more of them agreed to share their numbers. This phenomenon was observed because flowers are subconsciously associated with romance, influencing their behavior without them realizing it. When questioned afterward, participants denied any connection between the store and their decision.

Another experiment explored the impact of visual cues on decision-making. A man approached women on the street, varying the object he carried in his hand. When he held a guitar case, he received more positive responses. These subtle cues can significantly affect our choices without our conscious awareness.

In the business world, an online furniture store conducted an experiment by directing buyers to different landing pages with contrasting background images—some featured soft clouds, while others displayed coins. Customers exposed to cloud backgrounds focused on comfort and softness in their furniture choices, while those seeing coins prioritized price. When questioned afterward, they dismissed any influence from the background images.

Words can also be powerful tools of persuasion. A salesperson altered his approach by humorously mentioning an exorbitant price before stating the actual cost of $75,000. This seemingly unrelated comment led potential clients to view $75,000 as a reasonable amount, resulting in fewer negotiations and objections.

In another example, marketers persuade customers to try a new energy drink by first asking if they considered themselves adventurous. Many respondents, desiring to align with this trait, agreed to try the product. This tactic tapped into the unity principle, which influences people to say yes when they share an identity with the influencer.

Unity, as Robert Cialdini describes, is a powerful persuasion principle. For instance, Warren Buffett successfully used this principle by advising shareholders as he would his family. This invoked a sense of unity and trust among investors.

Unity can be harnessed even when influencing people outside your immediate family. For instance, a college class survey saw a significant increase in parent response rates by offering students a small incentive tied to helping their family members, invoking a sense of unity.

These experiments highlight the profound impact of subtle cues and unity in persuasion. They demonstrate that by directing attention to specific traits, such as helpfulness, fairness, or romance, before delivering a message, individuals can be influenced to change their identities and perceptions temporarily.

An experiment with 18-month-old children showed how deeply ingrained these subconscious influences are. Simply altering a background image could prompt these children to act more cooperatively.

So, how can we apply these lessons in real life? Here are six practical tips:

1. Offer free products to your clients' family members instead of the clients themselves.

2. Use the word "advice" rather than "opinion" or "feedback" to create a sense of unity and togetherness.

3. Request a salary raise when your achievements and positive feedback are in the spotlight.

4. Mention your status as a student to fellow students when seeking donations for a cause to invoke unity.

5. Decorate your environment to align with your goals, using motivational phrases and visuals.

6. Set the right mindset by saying or doing things that prepare the recipient to be more receptive to your message, aligning their identity with your desired outcome.

However, it's crucial to apply these tactics ethically, as using them unethically can backfire. Remember, you are not immune to such tactics and can be influenced as well. So, take your time to evaluate requests and make informed decisions.

In summary, persuasion is a subtle art, and by understanding the principles of unity and subtle cues, we can ethically influence others and even change their identities temporarily. These lessons underscore the importance of preparing the "soil" before delivering your message, ensuring it is receptive to the seeds of persuasion.