Mastering Persuasion: Strategies to Get People to Do What You Want
As a digital marketer, one of the key skills I rely on is persuasion. Understanding how to influence others can help drive results for my clients, whether it's driving engagement, completing a task, or achieving a specific goal. In this article, I'll share a comprehensive guide on how to use persuasion effectively in your daily interactions, ensuring your requests are met with a positive response.
Part 1: Giving People What They Want
1. Understand the Psychology
One of the most crucial aspects of persuasion is understanding the psychological needs of others. Giving people what they actually want can make them more likely to help you. This isn't about creating a sense of obligation, but about demonstrating a genuine effort to meet their needs. People are more inclined to have positive feelings towards someone who consistently shows generosity.
2. Listen
Many people find it easier to talk than to listen, but when they do talk, they want to feel heard. Listening can make them feel supported and valued. By allowing someone to express their wants and needs, you are providing a service in itself. Listening also helps you understand their needs better, making it easier to align your request with something they genuinely desire.
3. Attach Your Request to Their Need
To effectively persuade, you need to show how fulfilling your request can satisfy their needs. Bribing or offering something in return might work in the short term, but true persuasion involves aligning your goals with their goals. For example, if you need someone to do a task, offer them something they value, such as a meal you know they love, in exchange for helping you with the task. This makes the task more appealing to them.
4. Choose the Right Environment
The environment in which you make a request can significantly impact its success. People are often less inclined to do something when they feel uncomfortable. Creating a comfortable environment can make them more receptive to your request. Approach someone in an environment that is familiar and comforting to them, such as their own home or office, to increase the chances of their cooperation.
5. Create a Sense of Belonging
Humans are social beings, and many people have a desire to belong and be accepted. When people feel they have a place within a group, they are more likely to agree to help. Collaborating on activities can create a social bond and encourage trust. Make your request in the form of a noun, making it more concrete and less about a personal favor.
6. Present a Challenge
Most people have an innate desire to improve and master their environment. Presenting a reasonable challenge can motivate them to take action. Link this challenge to your request, making it achievable yet not too easy. Provide feedback to keep them motivated, blending praise with constructive criticism.
7. Reward Them
People respond well to rewards, so building a reward system into your request can make it more appealing. Rewards can be as simple as a compliment or as significant as a larger perk once the task is completed. When people know they will receive something valuable in return, they are more likely to be motivated to achieve your goal.
Part 2: Convincing Them to Help You
8. Understand the Benjamin Franklin Effect
The Benjamin Franklin Effect suggests that someone who has done a favor for you is more likely to do another favor for you later. This works because the brain perceives the person who received a favor as more likeable. By giving, you build a positive association, making it easier to ask for more help.
9. Encourage Them to Invest
Building a relationship involves making small investments before asking for a larger one. Ask for a small favor early on to encourage them to care about you. This could be as simple as borrowing something or requesting advice on a topic they are passionate about. This initial investment can lead to a stronger connection and a greater willingness to help.
10. Establish Behavioral Patterns
Habits can be powerful tools in persuasion. Encourage the person to develop a pattern of helping you, starting as early as possible. Small, consistent requests can build a habit of cooperation. However, be mindful of being too pushy; continual demands can quickly lead to a breakdown in the relationship.
11. Approach Them with a Positive Mood
Positivity is contagious. By approaching someone in a positive mood, you can encourage a reciprocal positive response. Spend time building a positive atmosphere before making your request. Greet them with a smile, make them laugh, and discuss topics that make them happy. Once they are in a good mood, make your request more likely to be met with a favorable response.
12. Change the Story
People often view their lives as a story and prefer consistency. If you can understand and align with the narrative they are living, you can influence small changes to benefit your request. Sharing stories or experiences that resonate with theirs can lead to a positive change in their perspective.
13. Play on Instinct
Our brains are hardwired to respond to certain instincts, such as the desire to belong, avoid pain, and achieve a sense of mastery. Understanding these instincts and how to harness them can make your requests more persuasive.
14. Make It Easier to Accept
Sometimes, making something easier to accept can influence someone's decision. Avoiding surprises and providing information that aligns with their beliefs and expectations can reduce resistance. Agree with them initially, then present your perspective to make the change feel more natural.
By mastering these techniques, you can enhance your persuasion skills and improve your ability to get people to do what you want. Whether it's for a business project, personal goal, or simply to improve relationships, these strategies can be incredibly effective in driving results.