Psychology of Persuassion

The Psychology of Persuasion

When we think of persuasion what comes to mind? Some may think of a sales man trying to convince you to buy his product, or advertising messages that urge people to buy a particular product or the way a politician tries to persuade voters to choose his name on the ballot box, THE SCENARIOS ARE ENDLESS. Sometimes we regard persuasion as a negative force, as ways people try to manipulate the minds of others and influence their decisions. This is not always the case, persuasion can also be used as a positive force.

Some people like to believe they are immune to persuasion and they naturally know when someone is trying to influence their decisions. This may sometimes be true but persuasion goes beyond a tireless salesman trying to sell you a car, or a little girl trying to sway her mum to buy her chocolates. Persuasion occurs in a subtle manner and the way we respond to it depends on different factors depending on the situation as the case may be.

Every day we are confronted by persuasive messages in one way or another, we see movie adverts in cinemas and purchase tickets to watch them, food marketers want us to buy their newest products, telecommunication industries are constantly competing and giving their customers new and exciting offers and opportunities. Persuasion has become a natural part of our everyday life and it happens so subtly we hardly realized its influence on us.

Beyond marketers and advertisements that we see, we also indulge in the art of persuasion as we try to bring others (friends, family, work colleagues, potential employers or strangers) around to our view points, ideas, and actions, influencing them to some degree.

WAYS TO PERSUADE (THE ART OF PERSUASSION)

Persuasion is an art, it is a product of human creativity and there are various ways to successfully influence others through the art of persuasion.

1. Be friendly – it is easier to influence someone who likes you, flatter and give complements in...