Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you want to make someone do something but you don’t know how? Do you wish to know how to persuade someone?
Let me tell you something first, making someone do something is not wrong. Making someone do something that will harm him or make him unhappy, for your benefit, that is what’s wrong. Learning the art of persuasion may benefit you and the people around you if you know how to use it properly.
It is like having a hammer. It can be used to build something or to destroy something! The tool is not what’s wrong, the one that holds it is responsible for its use! Here is a simple guide that will teach you the secrets of persuasion.
Reciprocity
Our Human Nature tends to “even the numbers” when we owe something. This is because we are uncomfortable owing something, it makes the path to our goals unclear. The thing that makes us most uncomfortable is not the debt but the action of returning the favor.
We tend to finish as much as possible just so we are free to do the things we really want to do. Having a favor to return creates a feeling of “unfinished business” which kills the pleasure of freedom.
You can use this to persuade someone by making him return the favor he owes you with accepting your offer. The person will accept your proposal just so he clears his debts.
Scarcity
You all know the story of the forbidden fruit. Adam and Eve were able to eat from every tree in the Garden of Eden, except from the tree of knowledge. This made the fruit from the tree of knowledge more desirable.
It is the same with everything in life, if we choose between something that everyone can have and something that only few can have our desire will focus on the thing that is not available for everyone.
You can use this to persuade someone by limiting his chances to have or experience something. This will create a stronger desire to accept your proposal.
Authority
Let’s say you have to buy supplements. Your friend tells you to buy, let’s say “BioSup”, your doctor tells you to buy “VitaSup”. What will you choose? Of course, you will choose your doctor’s opinion because he has the diploma and you trust him Better With Your Health.
But why do you trust him more? Is it the diploma that gives you more faith in your doctor? The short answer is yes, his diploma gives him the authority which has influence over your decisions.
You can use this to persuade someone by making your authority on the subject visible. That will make others believe in your opinions and accept your offers about the subject.
