Psychology 01 (Nov 08 - Jan 14)

[winston]

Emotional Manipulation Techniques: Dirty Tricks People Use To Manipulate Others By Michael Lee

A lot of people tend to use emotional manipulation techniques to get their way. Unfortunately, a vast majority of the population doesn’t even realize that they’re being manipulated until it’s too late.

Don’t be lured into this trap. By learning about these emotional manipulation techniques, you can protect yourself from being forced into doing things or saying things that you don’t really want.

Below are some of the sneaky tactics and dirty tricks you have to be careful with.


Emotional Manipulation Technique # 1: It’s Either Me or Him/Her

Some people like to make their friends choose between them and another person. Now you are more pressured to choose the manipulator, for fear of losing their friendship.

But a true friend would never do such a thing. This is an emotional manipulation technique that even little kids use in the playground. To avoid making a decision (and one you would probably regret either way), walk away. Let that person know that you’re not going to take sides.

If they throw a huff, that is no longer your problem. What matters is that you stayed neutral. Frankly, you’ll be a lot safer that way anyway.


Emotional Manipulation Technique # 2: I’ll Do You This Favor, But Don’t Forget You Owe Me.

It’s really difficult to ask someone for a favor, especially when you know they’re going to exploit you right back for it. It’s normal to ask a favor from a friend. But there are people who will do you one favor, and then will milk you for every little thing afterwards.

When you put your foot down, they will go on a tirade about how you have no sense of gratitude and whatnot. To avoid this kind of manipulation, be careful with who you ask favors from. Remember that there is a price for everything.


Emotional Manipulation Technique # 3: If You’re Sick, I’m Dying.

We all know how this goes. Emotional manipulators will always make themselves look more of a victim than you are.

They crave for attention, which is why they’re not always happy when you get the limelight, even if it’s just for a headache. There’s really no getting around to a person like this.

Perhaps with the right timing, a huge and frank outburst might get through to their head. However, it’s easier to just let that person be and avoid commenting anymore.


The truth is, emotional manipulation techniques are often used by cowards. They can’t do direct combat; so they will usually resort to sneaky ways to get you to do what they want. Now that you know what some of these dirty tricks are, hopefully, you’ll be able to avoid getting sucked into them.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/emot ... thers.html

[winston]

How To Tell If Someone Is Lying To You In 3 Simple Steps By Michael Lee

Fairy tales made it easy for people to tell if someone is lying to them through Pinnochio’s ever-growing nose. Every lie makes the wooden boy’s nose grow longer. Unfortunately, real life isn’t that easy. And frankly, spontaneously growing noses can be quite creepy when on a real human person. So, is there any way on how to tell if someone is lying to you?

Obviously, you can’t always subject people to undergo a lie detector test. Besides, telling a person to take the test lets them know that you don’t trust them. And of course, you need to tell if someone is lying to you without that person catching on to your motives.

So, what else is there? Lucky for you, there are other options to know if they’re telling the truth.


1) Unusual Nervousness

One of the reliable ways on how to tell if someone is lying to you is when they are unusually jittery. On a normal day, if you ask your husband where he was for the past three hours, he would then say that he was at work the whole day.

On a day that your husband ditches work for another woman, he would probably stutter or show signs of nervousness when answering your question. It could be sweaty palms, a slightly panicked face, or the way his eyes fail to meet yours.

If you ask him such a question while looking into his eyes, he’ll be more likely to blow his cover.


2) Too Many Gestures

Another proven way on how to tell if someone is lying to you is when they make too many gestures.

It could be as simple as scratching the back of the head or pulling at the nose. It’s these simple gestures that really give people away. Notice if your suspected liar would do these gestures many times over during the conversation.


3) Background Check

Unfortunately, not everybody can get nervous when lying. Some people try their best to appear nonchalant so they wouldn’t be suspected of any foul play.

When you’re dealing with someone very close to you, try doing a little background check. If your husband comes home unusually late with only work as an alibi, check his clothes when you’re certain that he’s asleep.

Look for any unusual marks or stains that could tell you where he really came from. If you smell his clothes, you might be able to pick out different scents - including his own, smoke, beer or maybe a woman’s perfume. If you’re good at conversations, you might be able to wiggle something out from his officemates or friends, without looking like you’re digging for answers.


Finally, intuition is important in learning how tell if someone is lying to you. If your instinct tells you that something’s not right, then you know it’s time to check for the truthfulness in their statements. Find a balance between your gut and your mind. You might be surprised at how much you’ll uncover with such a combination.


http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/how_ ... steps.html

[winston]

3 Subliminal Persuasion Techniques to Influence Anyone By Michael Lee

A master persuader has the power to communicate with a person’s subconscious using a series of techniques. They use subliminal (or covert) persuasion techniques as they subtly pick at a person’s mind, without said person realizing what is going on.

It’s not about using force to get someone to act a certain way or think certain thoughts. Subliminal persuasion techniques are more like a tap on your back or a nudge on your shoulder. In this article, I will share with you some of these methods so that you, too, can have the power of a master persuader!


Subliminal Persuasion Technique # 1: Rah-rah Rapport

Establishing rapport is one of the most widely used covert persuasion techniques out there. It’s trying to make the other person feel more at ease with your presence and getting them to loosen up.

Once the person lets their guard down, you’ll have an easier time working your way into their subconscious. If you’ve been friends with this person for a long time now, the rapport should already be there. However, it’s a different matter when you’re trying to mesmerize a total stranger.

Most people tend to be suspicious of others in general. The best sales people out there are those who can establish rapport with anybody - even with a person they just met.

As a beginner, use your powers of observation and take in every detail of the person you’re talking to. Match their mood or state. How they walk, talk, dress or even smell will tell you something about their character. From there, you should be able to come up with something appropriate to say to get them to open up to you.


Subliminal Persuasion Technique # 2: A Way With Words

The power of covert persuasion has a lot to do with how skillfully you weave your intentions in conversation.

For example, if you want to convince your partner to visit your parents sometime soon, don’t give them the option of turning you down. Instead of asking, “Do you want to go see my parents,” just ask, “When are we going to visit my parents?”

Asking your question this way makes your partner think that they have already agreed to visit your parents, and that it is only a matter of time before the trip pushes through.


Subliminal Persuasion Technique # 3: The Power Of Suggestion

People are used to routine. They go through each day doing the same things and expecting the same things to happen. However, once something out of the ordinary happens, they become out of balance. They feel out of sorts and desperately cling on to whatever is there.

This is where the power of suggestion comes in. People will be more receptive to new ideas when they feel lost. You have to know when to take advantage of an opportunity when it is presented to you.


These subliminal persuasion techniques can easily be used on a day-to-day basis without the person knowing about them. Having the tools is one thing. Deciding how to use them is another.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/3_su ... nyone.html

[winston]

How to Use Mentalism to Easily Read Minds and Persuade People By Michael Lee

In life, it’s always important to be equipped with free mentalism tricks that could help you overcome obstacles, succeed in certain endeavors, or even get you out of sticky situations. These mind reading techniques are not based on any supernatural mental abilities, but they are backed by science.

Right now, I’m going to offer you free mentalism tricks to guide you through your everyday life. These are not hard to do; in fact, they require only presence of mind and belief in yourself to succeed.


Free Mentalism Trick # 1 Stalling Strategies

People who have something to hide often try to stall for as long as they can. Either they cut you off and talk about another topic entirely, or they do their best to avoid you.

When something like this happens, your mind is more likely to dig out the truth. You might not have been gifted with ESP; but knowing how to spot certain odd behavior is a mentalism trick you can apply anytime, anywhere.


Free Mentalism Trick # 2: I Know What You Did

This mentalism trick is often used by detectives who don’t really have much of a lead on their cases. This is applicable when you know something is up, but don’t really have any information or evidence to back your assumptions.

The best thing to do in this case is fake the information. Let the other person know that you know about the whole thing, what they have done, or what is going to happen.

You have to be a little vague with your phrases, and let your tone of voice and facial expression work this mind reeading trick. In most situations, the person cracks under pressure and lets the cat out of the bag.


Free Mentalism Trick # 3 Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Repeating words, ideas and concepts over and over again can be very powerful.

If you keep talk to a person about the goodness of donating to charity for a certain period of time, they are more likely to donate to charity when the time comes for them to make that decision.

You don’t have to repeat the exact same words. You could reword your statement or come up with a different way of communicating the same concept. For example, another way of implying to give to charity is to tell them that one of the secrets of the world’s richest people is their willingness to share their blessings.

By focusing your energy to get them used to the idea of being generous, you are already setting them up for the future you have envisioned.


Free mentalism tricks aren’t always about reading a person’s mind or predicting a person’s actions on the spot. Sometimes, the tricks might take you some time before a person makes a decision. It’s all up to you which way you choose to take. The most important thing is believing in your own mind and letting it do what it does best.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/How_ ... eople.html

[winston]

3 Powerful Persuasion Techniques You Can Easily Apply By Michael Lee

Persuasion techniques can come in handy in everyday routines and in the most unexpected situations. At work, I often have to deal with a wide range of personalities. Some of them aren’t the most pleasant, but I was able to get along with them successfully.

Persuasion techniques can have a huge impact on your life. Even if your work doesn’t require you to have any human contact, you’re going to find many good uses for it when you’re outside the work environment.

Here are 3 methods you may easily use in your everyday activities:


Persuasion Technique # 1: Believe in yourself first.

Believing in yourself first is vital. After all, you can’t expect people to buy your idea if you yourself are not convinced. The way you deliver yourself, your tone of voice and the amount of conviction in your words all give away how much you trust your idea.

If you want to persuade other people to see things your way, you’d better stand up straighter, sound more confident and smile more often (unless the topic doesn’t call for it).


Persuasion Technique # 2: Superlatives are your friends.

Master persuaders love superlatives. They have a way of making things bigger than they really are. They give hype and new meaning to an idea.

If you want to convince somebody about a certain project or concept, don’t be afraid of superlatives. Use words like extreme, super, the most, one of the world’s leading, greatest impact, etc.

These are just some of the words you can insert in your presentation every now and then. Just make sure that you use words that are appropriate to what you’re selling, and that you don’t overdo it.


Persuasion Technique # 3: Be a leader in facts and numbers.

It’s normal for people to have more faith in facts and numbers than in unsupported data. If you’re out to prove something, using statistics is a good strategy.

Statistics, despite their tendency to become boring, wield mighty persuasive powers. They could convince everyone from a young elementary student to a CEO of a company.

Let’s face it. People bow down to facts and numbers. It is up to you to make use of them properly.


Persuasion techniques are not sneaky, underhanded ways of taking advantage of people. It has more to do with boosting your own confidence, having more faith in yourself, and becoming a leader. The rest are all natural tendencies of a human person. By using these techniques, you are merely confirming the truth about basic human instinct.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/3_Po ... Apply.html

[winston]

3 Powerful Conversational Hypnosis Techniques You Can Easily Apply By Michael Lee

Conversational hypnosis techniques have been used by many influential speakers and public figures all over the world. These tactics have been around for many years, but it is only now that such coveted information is being shared with the rest of society.

These conversational hypnosis techniques have helped organizations launch successful campaigns, elected presidents, and raised millions of dollars for charity. These have been used for the greater good and sometimes, one’s personal gain. If you want to know more about these effective methods of persuasion, read on!


Conversational Hypnosis Technique # 1: Repetition Makes It Right.

When a new idea is introduced in society, people are less likely to support it. A new idea might even pose as a threat to those who are more than comfortable with the usual standards.

However, with enough repetition, people get used to it and it no longer becomes a new idea. If you say something often enough, it will eventually worm its way into a person’s subconscious and become accepted.


Conversational Hypnosis Technique # 2: Stay On the Positive Side.

Using positive sentences is an effective communication technique. People don’t really like hearing negative things; negative sentences can sometimes even have an effect on their mind.

Besides, positive sentences sound better and are generally more convincing than negative ones. Give people what they want to hear. Or at least phrase it in such a way that seems pleasing, and you’ll have this in the bag.


Conversational Hypnosis Technique # 3: Be a Little More Personal.

A lot of people also try to make their messages seem more appealing by being more personal. Companies actually do this a lot.

When sending emails that are usually sent in millions of batches, companies make sure to address the recipient by their name and not by a “To whom it might concern” heading. People appreciate it when they feel like you’re dealing with them one-on-one.

I can think of many situations where conversational hypnosis techniques like those mentioned above could be useful. If you’re working for a company, you might be able to increase your sales or clients by employing technique # 3. If you’re trying to win a speech competition, it’s wise to make use of technique # 2.


The decision is really up to you. All I’m giving you are the tools to make your journey through life more exciting and successful.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/3_Po ... Apply.html

[winston]

3 Powerful Laws of Persuasion By Michael Lee

How much are your words worth? Do people take you seriously or do they take your advice with a grain of salt? In today’s world, people are so much harder to convince. And sometimes, your very job depends on how well you use persuasion techniques.

Whether it’s asking for a raise or suggesting a new idea, you need persuasion techniques to help get you going. One way to do that is by using the laws of persuasion to your advantage. Check out some of these techniques below.


Persuasion Technique # 1: The Law Of Friends

For some reason, people are shy about asking help from friends. They say that they don’t want to take advantage of the friendship; but then, what kind of friend would leave another friend in trouble? This is where one of the most powerful persuasion techniques is based on.

When you’re friends with someone, he/she will be more likely to be persuaded by you. For example, if you say that coffee at a certain cafe is ten times better than your local coffee place, your friend will be easily persuaded into trying your recommended coffee out. You’re not taking advantage of anybody here. That is just the natural play of friendship.


Persuasion Technique # 2: The Law Of Reciprocity

This particular persuasion technique goes by many names. In one of Paulo Coelho’s novels, he calls it the favor bank. So what is the favor bank exactly? Easy. When you do something nice for a person, that person is inclined to return the favor. It’s basically an I-help-you-you-help-me situation.

This persuasion technique is actually one of my favorites because it’s simple and direct. You don’t have to play mind games or involve other people into the set up to make it work.


Persuasion Technique # 3: The Law Of Consistency

Consistency is very important in the workplace. You can be judged pretty harshly for saying one thing today and saying another tomorrow. This is one of the sensitive persuasion techniques that require you to be observant and a good listener.

Take note of what your colleagues are saying about a certain project or a certain idea. People who proclaim their position on an issue will be more likely to defend their side until the end. If you are clever enough, you can use such commitment to your advantage.


These persuasion techniques have been tried and tested many, many times over. They are based on natural human reactions and will generally be effective anywhere.


http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/3_Po ... asion.html

[winston]

Persuasion Techniques: Social Needs and Chosen Words By Michael Lee

Some people go about life, blissfully unaware of the subtle influences that other people may be trying to show them. But the art of persuasion is being used everywhere. While some people may be using persuasion techniques in order to sell you a product, others may be trying to get a date or trying to get you to join their religion.

Common persuasion techniques include creating needs in others, which can be basic or social needs. Others can include the use of certain powerfully persuasive words.

Perhaps one of the most important persuasion techniques is creating a social need. An example of a social need is the need to be popular and have everyone like you. Many would say that this is not an important factor in life; however, it drives many people to do certain behaviors.

In the area of television, a commercial might use the example of a need to be popular by convincing you that you need a product in order to fit in. Let’s say you are a teenager suffering from acne. A commercial comes on and shows a picture of someone all alone with acne. Then they skip to the same person with a clear face surrounded by friends. The teenager may then wish to purchase the product so that they can get rid of their acne and acquire more friends.

The art of using powerful words is also one of the top persuasion techniques. You will find these examples on television as well or maybe on labels and in print advertisements. Advertisers will use words such as new, natural and free. These three words have been known to get the consumer’s attention and that is exactly what the advertisers want!

Persuasive words can also be used by pretty much anyone who is trying to elicit a certain behavior out of another individual or group. Some more of the most influential words include: discover, proven, guaranteed, save, good and easy.

Gaining an awareness of the many persuasion techniques going on around you can prove to be one of your biggest assets. It can help you when dealing with strangers, your personal life and your work life. Learning the art of persuasion can be the difference between meeting your life goals and falling short.

It can also help you to gain an understanding of when other people and companies are using persuasion on you. You will then be able to keep a clear head and only allow yourself to be persuaded in situations where you would like to be.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Pers ... Words.html

[winston]

3 Persuasion Techniques to Eliminate Doubts and Skepticism By Michael Lee

It’s harder to find ways to persuade somebody today because of their inner skeptic. We’ve all been equipped with our own uncertainties and suspicions; and with times like these, it’s no wonder the inner skeptic is having more say in the matter.

However, there are a few key ways to persuade somebody regardless of their skepticism. It’s all in the way you deliver your argument and position yourself.


1) Credibility

One of the ways to persuade somebody is by citing a credible source. If you’re talking about golf, then who better to use a source than golf legend Tiger Woods?

Of course, you have to make sure that your argument agrees with the said source’s point of view. If it doesn’t, you can always look for other sources like your coach or a professional article about your niche. People always find themselves trusting the experts more than their own friends or gut feelings.


2) Positives

Another one of the many ways to persuade somebody is by concentrating on the positives. People don’t really want to hear about the negative stuff so you can simply stress on the positives and benefits more. Don’t be too good to be true though (unless you have proof), because then the inner skeptic will cancel out your arguments.


3) Concrete evidence

In times like today, people need to be given concrete proof of whatever it is you’re selling. If you’re trying to persuade your friend that rice mixed with hot chocolate is delicious, you’ll have to let them experience it. Or if you’re trying to persuade somebody to build a franchise, you have to show them copies of the percentage of such a venture’s success.

It’s also helpful to stay with the facts. Like credible sources, people tend to feel more secure with facts than with gut feelings.


Learning the various ways to persuade somebody is important. Whether it’s for work or for everyday matters, you need these persuasion tools to get what you want.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/3_Pe ... icism.html

[winston]

What Does Your Body Do When You Tell A Lie? By Michael Lee

Ever thought about what does your body do when you tell a lie? If not, then you should pay closer attention to it since it can be valid indicators of lying.

Body language effectively communicates what your lips are trying to cover up. Some people are very good detectors of physical manifestations shown by those who are lying, especially those who are not very comfortable with the fact that they had to lie.

Exactly, what does your body do when you tell a lie? This article shows some nonverbal indicators considered as red alert signs for potential liars. Here's a few telling indicators:


1) Limited physical movement to the point of becoming stiff, thus causing the liar to take up minimal space.

2) They tend to make unnecessary gestures such as touching the face, hair, mouth, or some other body parts, which is uncharacteristic of them.

3) You will notice that they cannot produce an open hand.

4) If the person is standing up, you will notice their uneasiness. Also, they cannot stand straight up and always transferring their body's weight from one side to another.

5) Expressions made during a conversation are limited to the mouth instead of the entire face.


Interactions and Responses

When a person is required to speak or respond, then this is your opportunity to assess any behaviors previously exhibited by the person in question.

For example, when they are asked about a given scenario, they tend to become defensive instead of explaining things offensively. And when they are speaking, they might tend to look away from you.

Meanwhile, a few others will subconsciously place objects in between you and the liar such that they create some sort of barrier between the two of you.


When using these indicators though, you need to be extra careful. You have to make sure that these aren't a person's innate mannerism, so you can avoid misinterpreting the signs on what does your body do when you tell a lie, and you won’t arrive at an immature judgment of the situation.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/what ... a_lie.html