THESE Simple Psychological Tricks Actually Work – Surprising!
Psychology is a wonderful research discipline, devoted to its most beloved object of study - human beings. It always has amazing insights to offer about our species, and who's to say we can't use some of them for our own purposes? Interpersonal interaction is a vast area that does not automatically become easier even in times of increasing digitalization and better means of communication. Rather, the opposite seems to be the case. Anyone who has a lot to do with other people knows the stumbling blocks and pitfalls. Nevertheless, we have to find ways and means to get along with each other in the best possible way. In this article, we've compiled 15 tips and strategies for you that can serve you well in everyday life.
1. Eyes on your feet
During a conversation, if you want to find out if the person you're talking to is really interested in the conversation or in you, look at their feet. If they are pointing in your direction, all is well. If they are pointing somewhere else, your conversation partner would prefer to be somewhere else already.
2. Those who are silent get answers
An old trick, but one that still works perfectly, is to respond with silence to a person whose answer seems insufficient. The longer we manage to look him in the eye in silence and wait for an answer, the more he feels compelled to add to his meager explanations.
3. Let it rip
On the next date, if you want to increase your chances, you should forgo the dignified meal or the romantic walk. Instead, suggest a horror movie or a ride on a high-wire cable car. If there is a carnival in your city, you can also go on a roller coaster ride. This way you make adrenaline your ally. Your date will associate the exciting moments and tingling emotions of this successful evening with you very directly.
4. Use passive rather than active language.
Instead of saying you didn't finish the presentation on time, use passive construction. The presentation was not completed on time. This takes the edge off any criticism. There is no finger-pointing and the message still gets through to the other end.
5. Small gifts maintain sympathy
There are good reasons why many countries still uphold the custom of giving a hostess gift. If you want someone to have a good or better image of you, give them a small gift. It doesn't have to be expensive or very personal. A nice little gift is often enough to make the other party perceive you as more personable and attractive.
6. Nod and they agree with you
If we want to get the agreement of our interlocutors, we have to make their brain want to respond with that very agreement. Therefore, when we present our arguments, we should nod our heads. Our counterpart agrees and thus already suggests to his brain that a positive answer is the only acceptable one.
7. Make your own choices
You are more likely to get a positive response if you give your contemporaries what appears to be a choice about it. So don't ask them if they would do this or that, but suggest 2 choices that are both within your desired target. Waiters in restaurants, for example, use this tactic. They don't ask if we want a side dish with the main course, but if we prefer potatoes or fries.
8. Call people by their name
This simple trick is basically priceless. Greet the people around you by their name. In a split second, this gets you sympathy points and recognition without really having done anything to earn it.
9. Who laughs with you?
If you want to find out who is on your side within a group, observe these people when they are happily together. If there is general laughter, perhaps because someone has told a joke, observe who is looking in your direction. She or he wants to be on the same wavelength as you and is watching your reaction to what is happening. You'll also recognize another dynamic within that group. Those who look at each other while laughing are especially close.
10. Take the wind out of the jokers' sails
Someone is poking fun at your expense? No problem, but it shouldn't become a habit. If you want to stop this behavior gracefully, ask the prankster to repeat the joke. You can either pretend you didn't hear him or didn't understand. No joke in the world gets better by having to be explained or spread around. For the self-proclaimed prankster, the embarrassment will be remembered and more likely not repeated.
11. Give people affirmation
Each and every one of us wants to be important and socially accepted. Not all people manage on their own to get the much-needed validation from their work, commitment or other areas themselves. If you want to score points in conversation with people, convey to them that you appreciate their work or whatever they say about themselves. Take advantage of this desire for validation to earn passing sympathy points by giving them credit for whatever they did.
12. Ask for help the right way
No one likes to be in someone else's debt or to be seen as incompetent. Admitting that we need help can take quite a toll on our self-esteem. But no one can do everything. It's best to state your request clearly. I need your help, please. On the one hand, this makes your counterpart feel valued and, of course, a little bit superior. On the other hand, the fact that you are not perfect and sometimes need help or support makes you more likable.
13. The power of touch
Granted, not all people are fans of physical contact with strangers. However, in a gathering, touch can build trust and create a closer bond. For example, putting your hand briefly on someone's shoulder or arm while you're having a great conversation will reinforce the positive effect of the conversation.
14. Mirror, Mirror
Mirroring the body language of our counterpart is already a well-known trick. With it, we take advantage of the fact that we automatically find those people more likable who imitate our gestures and facial expressions, whether consciously or unconsciously.
15. Be close to your enemies
This tip is helpful when a discussion or meeting threatens to escalate. If you notice that a person is taking a stand against you, sit near her. She'll calm down and curb her temper in no time, though probably not her counterarguments.
Today’s Conclusion: Smart everyday help for every day
Admittedly, some of these tips border on manipulation by a hair's breadth. Use them wisely and not to start your own personal intrigue network. The interpersonal sphere is sometimes difficult, but manageable and in any case always necessary. We are social beings who still need the protection of the group. If we have to reach into the psychological bag of tricks once in a while for this, it is a small price to pay for things to run smoothly in the world. Or to paraphrase the great general Hannibal, "Either we find a way or we make one." That's it for today.