7 Principles to Influence Anyone: Compiled by a Psychologist

21.04.2024 21:15

In his book, Influence: The Psychology of Influence, American psychologist Robert Cialdini identified several key principles for influencing other people.

1. The principle of reciprocity

If you give someone a card for New Year or their birthday, they will probably give you a gift in return.

2. The principle of personal sympathy

We tend to agree with those we like and trust.

Notebook
Photo: Pixabay

3. The principle of consistency

People usually try to act consistently. You only need to ask for a favor. The person to whom this request is addressed will probably think like this: "I agreed to help N, so I should do it."

4. The principle of social significance

When trying to persuade someone to do something, say this phrase: "Many people in your position do this."

5. The principle of authority

An example that can illustrate this principle is the expression: “Four out of five doctors say that…”.

6. The principle of scarcity

You've probably seen this principle in action when you hear an advertisement in a home appliance store where a cheerful female voice says, "We only have 10 of these phones!"

7. The principle of community

Try to find something in common with your interlocutor - this could be a place of birth, values, religion, etc. This information will help to win over your opponent.

Previously, we wrote about how to talk about yourself without looking like a braggart.

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources