{"id":4596,"date":"2020-11-23T17:39:37","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T17:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/?p=4596"},"modified":"2022-05-11T07:11:33","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T07:11:33","slug":"persuasion-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/persuasion-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Science-Based Persuasion Steps to Exert Influence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
There are two ways to exert influence; through force or persuasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody enjoys commands, so even if they comply, the result will be inferior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, getting someone to want what you want is not only preferable, but also pleasant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unsurprisingly, the best communicators<\/a> are often also the most persuasive, able to align someone to their way of thinking and convince them to perform a particular action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, it’s a skill worth learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it may seem like a dark art, there are fortunately three persuasion steps we can employ (sourced from Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion<\/a> by Robert Cialdini).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s probably obvious that the more likable you are, the more persuasive you’ll be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why do you think we’re more willing to help friends than respond to random requests from strangers? <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is human interaction 101. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I was always fascinated by a physiotherapist I used to work with, who technically wasn’t the best at the job, but nevertheless achieved astounding clinical results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I don’t think it was a coincidence that he was also incredibly engaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Becoming likable might seem like a completely abstract and unlearnable step in gaining influence, but it’s foundational and actually easy if we employ basic conversation skills<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply ask questions, find common ground, and pay genuine compliments where they’re deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be a decent human being and people will want to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At its inception in the late 1960’s, the Hare Krishna organization faced a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While they were extremely effective at capturing attention through public dancing and chanting, they weren’t able to capitalize on it by collecting donations from wary strangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Until they utilized the law of reciprocity, that is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In his fantastic book, Cialdini<\/a> says that the group employed a unique solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In airports, a common stomping ground, they began handing out flowers to prospects, framing them as free gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was only after the flower had been accepted that a donation was requested, sending fundraising numbers through the roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same way that giving someone a birthday gift makes it more likely that they’ll reciprocate, we’re evolutionarily primed to return favors to form cohesive groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a persuasion step, consider what you can do for someone before asking for something in return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research has found that when we make a commitment, we become easier to influence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This taps into a psychological principle called consistency theory<\/a>, in which we strive to act in congruence with our previous behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An interesting study demonstrates this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers asked a series of homeowners to erect an unsightly ‘drive safely’ billboard on their front lawn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unsurprisingly uptake was low. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, compliance was increased by 450% in a test group that had been given an unobtrusive driver safety sign four weeks earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This provided a smaller but psychologically vital commitment, encouraging these homeowners to maintain their self-image as conscientious local residents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can secure a voluntary pre-commitment, ideally in public or in writing, you’re better placed for a bigger future request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no denying that these persuasion steps are integral leadership skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many successful people have wielded these principles effectively, encouraging others to do their bidding or champion their cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, the game of influence is everywhere, funded by companies who know the value of tapping into our psychological biases and atavistic instincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it needn’t be a spammy tactic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to improve your interaction with others, learning how the human mind works is imperative. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPersuasion steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Increase our likability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Utilise the law of reciprocity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Secure a micro-commitment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The art of influence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n