5 Simple Psychology Tricks To Influence Others

There are quite a few psychology tricks out there. Some are often used by retail workers, and some are even employed by psychologists as effective approaches to treatment. But what are these influential tricks? Let's explore five simple psychology techniques that can help you influence others.

1. Ask for a Large Request, Then a Smaller One

Imagine you really want a pet goldfish. Simple enough, right? But your parents won't allow it. So, here's the big idea: Ask for a pet dog first. Wait, what? I know you don't actually want a dog; you want that goldfish named Goldie. But if you start with a larger request (like a dog), you might just get a "yes" when you follow up with the smaller one (the goldfish). This psychological technique is called the Door in the Face Technique and can be applied in various situations. Someone asks for a lot, and then, when you decline, they significantly lower their request. Suddenly, that goldfish doesn't seem so bad compared to the initial dog request, right?

2. Paraphrase Others: Reflective Listening

Want others to know you truly understand their feelings? Try paraphrasing what they've shared with you and repeat it back to them. This technique, known as Reflective Listening, is a powerful way to show empathy and build connections. Research studies, including a 2007 publication in the American Journal of Psychotherapy, have supported this theory. Therapists who use reflective listening find that their patients are more likely to disclose deeper emotions and thoughts during therapy sessions.

Remember, understanding and empathy go a long way in influencing and connecting with others.

3. Mirror Someone’s Subtle Behaviors

Mirroring is when you mimic another’s gestures and expressions so they can relate and perceive you more like themselves. If you want someone on your good side, this method might work. You could mirror their subtle gestures, or simply how they hold themselves. This mimicking of others can happen to yourself subconsciously, too. This instance is called the Chameleon Effect and was explored in several studies.

If someone thinks you’re like them they’ll want to be your friend. No, someone could be mirroring you subconsciously or to gain your trust. Likely, they just wanna be your friend, though.

4. Nod Your Head

According to a 1980 study published in the Applied Psychology Journal, psychologists found that when others nod while listening to someone, they’re more likely to agree with them. So remember the chameleon effect and all that mumbo-jumbo about mirroring we just went through? Well, if your new friend keeps nodding at the story you are just telling, that in turn, may make you subconsciously wanna nod in response. And if you nod while trying to get them to agree to something, they might just find themselves nodding in agreement back. 'Still want that pet goldfish? Nod yes.

5. Ask For A Favor When They’re Tired

According to several studies, people are more likely to be influenced to do something they initially didn’t wanna do when tired. Think about it. After a long day of work, you’re mentally exhausted, as well as physically. Do you really wanna be up in the wee hours of the night, discussing a favor? You’d do anything to simply get to.


2022 @Psych2go, "5 Simple Psychology Tricks To Influence Others" @ YouTube-Psych2Go, CC BY 3.0.

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