This article was last updated on December 29, 2015
We all have experienced tough times when trying to socialise with other people. Socialising is even harder these days with all these smartphones. But there are actually some cool tricks that can help you influence people, which are not hard to master at all and might help you on a daily basis.
15 Ways You Can Use To Influence People
1. Make an unusual request before your real request. Another way to ask someone to do something for you is to make an unusual request that throws the person off guard so much that he can’t think to say no. If you ask for the usual request right away—money, a ride, help with homework—people will be more likely to say no because their minds have been conditioned to avoid these tasks.
- For example, if you want to ask someone on the street to sign a petition, you can first ask that person to help you tie your shoe because you sprained your back and can’t bend down. This will establish a relationship with the person and will make him less likely to turn you down when you ask him to sign the petition.
2. Whenever someone is angry and confrontational, stand next to them instead of in front of them. You won’t appear as so much of a threat, and they eventually calm down.
3. Open with “I need your help.” People don’t like the guilt of not helping someone out. When asking for a favor from someone, begin your request by saying “I need your help.” It greatly increases your chances of getting that favor done.
4. Rephrase what the other person says and repeat it back to them. This makes them think you’re listening and really interested in what they’re saying. It makes them feel validated. Obviously, you don’t want to overdo this.
6. Chew gum when you’re approaching a situation that would make you nervous like public speaking or bungee jumping. I can’t remember where I heard it but apparently if we are ‘eating’ something in our brains trip and it reasons ‘I would not be eating if I were danger. So I’m not in danger’. Has helped calm me a few times.
7. If someone doesn’t like you, ask to borrow a pencil. It is a small enough favor that they won’t say no, and it gets them to like you more.
8. If you ask someone a question and they only partially answer just wait. If you stay silent and keep eye contact they will usually continue talking.
9. Fold your arms to determine interest. If someone is observing you, they will likely mimic you. Fold your arms, and see if they do it, too.
10. Ask for more than you want. If you need something done, ask for a big favor. When they say no, ask for a little less and you’ll get what you want. They feel guilty about rejecting you twice, and the second favor seems relatively reasonable after hearing the first
11. Use their name. People love nothing more than to hear the sound of their own name. Use their name and use it often.
13. Mirror their body language. It indicates rapport with the other person. They will become more relaxed and open up. Read more at Wiki.
14. Start with something they agree with. Even if what they agree with has nothing to do with what you want from them, get them thinking you’re on the same page.
15. If you want people to listen to your advice, start with the phrase “my father once told me.” We think of fathers as wise and experienced, even if they aren’t.
I want you to test these and tell me if they helped you. Share your thoughts in the comments afterwards. And don’t share this article because your friends might use these tricks on you!
Featured photo credit: Peter T
