Persuasion isn’t all about being forceful, manipulative, or pushy, but about using subtle tactics to persuade people to do what you want while wanting to do it themselves. Persuasion is a tool that we use and listen to regularly. It’s used when we listen to ads or people promoting various items for sale, when we try to get a friend to join you on an outing, or even getting yourself to do an unwanted task. Persuasion is about “changing or reforming attitudes, beliefs, opinions, or behaviors toward a predetermined outcome through voluntary compliance” (Mortensen 9) and considering we use it regularly, how does it work and how can we use it to it’s maximum influence? There’s several key features that are used for persuasion. Effective communication,
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People tend to judge a person on first sight, and their judgement influences their decision to be persuaded or manipulated. It also inclines us to label a person as “bad” or “good.”And once we label the person, it tends to stay until you really get to know them. Like if a “bad” looking individual was trying to persuade you to donate money for a good cause, you’d probably say no because a sketchy looking person was asking and call it an act of manipulation. The appearance and behavior of an individual is very important when they attempt to persuade someone. Factors like looking neat and clean, having good posture, or displaying normal behaviors increases the chance that one will be persuaded by this neat looking person that’s giving off a sense of trust compared to an unkept and erratic individual trying to persuade you. Behaviors such as being humorous or smiling creates a connection and gives the individual a friendly and accepting vibe (Dutton). Body language is always being read by us and by others, and even if we aren’t aware of it, our subconscious is constantly interpreting these behaviors (Mortensen 54). Signs like fidgeting means nervousness, or legs pointed away in another direction could mean disinterest. Both persuaders and manipulators make use of their body language. From making enough eye contact to the placement of their hands, and the direction of their legs are …show more content…
“People are persuaded by us based on the words we use. Words affect our perceptions, our attitudes, our beliefs, and our emotions” (Mortensen 84). Using the right word choices, and the right tones helps one communicate with another person. Mastering the power of words can control how one interprets things. For example, a waiter who suggests a dish and can describe it in vivid detail will persuade a customer to order that dish, in comparison to a waiter just saying the dish without describing it at all. Despite the influence of verbal communication, silence is also important. We use silence to allow the other person to talk, to create a tension, or to express our feelings without words. Silence can be nerve wracking especially when you get in trouble. Imagine getting called to the office for no reason at all, and your boss just sits there with their eyes locked onto you, arms and legs crossed, and remaining silent for what feels like a long period of time. You would probably start getting fidgety and answer back to whatever they have to say honestly out of fear and
People tend to judge a person on first sight, and their judgement influences their decision to be persuaded or manipulated. It also inclines us to label a person as “bad” or “good.”And once we label the person, it tends to stay until you really get to know them. Like if a “bad” looking individual was trying to persuade you to donate money for a good cause, you’d probably say no because a sketchy looking person was asking and call it an act of manipulation. The appearance and behavior of an individual is very important when they attempt to persuade someone. Factors like looking neat and clean, having good posture, or displaying normal behaviors increases the chance that one will be persuaded by this neat looking person that’s giving off a sense of trust compared to an unkept and erratic individual trying to persuade you. Behaviors such as being humorous or smiling creates a connection and gives the individual a friendly and accepting vibe (Dutton). Body language is always being read by us and by others, and even if we aren’t aware of it, our subconscious is constantly interpreting these behaviors (Mortensen 54). Signs like fidgeting means nervousness, or legs pointed away in another direction could mean disinterest. Both persuaders and manipulators make use of their body language. From making enough eye contact to the placement of their hands, and the direction of their legs are …show more content…
“People are persuaded by us based on the words we use. Words affect our perceptions, our attitudes, our beliefs, and our emotions” (Mortensen 84). Using the right word choices, and the right tones helps one communicate with another person. Mastering the power of words can control how one interprets things. For example, a waiter who suggests a dish and can describe it in vivid detail will persuade a customer to order that dish, in comparison to a waiter just saying the dish without describing it at all. Despite the influence of verbal communication, silence is also important. We use silence to allow the other person to talk, to create a tension, or to express our feelings without words. Silence can be nerve wracking especially when you get in trouble. Imagine getting called to the office for no reason at all, and your boss just sits there with their eyes locked onto you, arms and legs crossed, and remaining silent for what feels like a long period of time. You would probably start getting fidgety and answer back to whatever they have to say honestly out of fear and