31 Persuasion Tips That I Learned From Scott Adams

Here are 31 persuasion tips that I learned reading Scott Adams fantastic book, Win Bigly (Amazon)

Because, well, we all need a few more tips on persuasion.

Drink them up:

#1.
People will usually act like the group they want to identify with.

• If people see themselves as smart. Showing them what smart people do can get them to behave in a similar way.

#2.
Reciprocity is a force of nature – give gifts.

• Giving a gift puts an obligation on the recipient. People are hardwired for complementary actions.

#3.
Persuasion works, even if people see it.

• Giving me a nice gift creates reciprocity in me, even if I know all about point number two above.

#4.
The more you mentally focus on something, the more you will inflate its importance.

• Focus is a funny thing. If all I can think about is wanting a new car, the idea can quietly become the most important thing in my life.

#5.
An intentional mistake can cause people to focus on something – see #4.

• Not every political gaffe is an accident, if you want to know the truth.

#6.
There is a perfect middle ground between never apologizing and apologizing too much.

• The line between weakness and no conscience can be a thin one.

#7.
Reality can predict.

• Think your version of the future is correct? We only know after it manifests.

#8.
Direction matters more than the state.

• Show things improving. People are much less concerned about where things actually are.

#9.
Confidence works.

• People who act confident look confident. And people are naturally drawn to this.

#10.
A credible person is more persuasive than a non-credible one.

• Individuals with lots of degrees tend to hang them everywhere. You know why? It shows credibility.

#11.
If you guess what someone is thinking, it will make them think that you both reason in the same way.

• Now I know what you are thinking. Does that really work? You bet it does. It is quite easy to fall for, actually.

#12.
Leave out details.

• A broad stroke idea with three key points is easier to agree on than getting everyone bogged down in the details.

#13.
Focus on what people agree on.

• “Better Education” is a great broad stroke idea. We can get input and expert advice on the particulars later.

#14.
Do not attack personal beliefs.

• Try this in your next conflict: Don’t disagree. You can add to a point, but don’t disagree with it.

#15.
Unpredictable rewards are more addictive.

• Slot machines have this figured out. This is not an accident.

#16.
You are more persuasive if people think you are persuasive.

• Not everyone is open to persuasion. It’s easier if people think you are persuasive from the beginning.

#17.
Certainty is more persuasive than uncertainty.

• This point ties back to number nine. The more you are certain, the more others will be too.

#18.
Visual persuasion is better than non-visual.

• Visuals work. They override your brain. Don’t believe me? See the McGurk Effect.

#19.
Visual words are better than non-visual words.

• If you don’t have a visual, create one.

#20.
Contrasts are persuasive.

• This point is a continuation of number 19. You need to show the differences people are choosing between.

#21.
Association works over time.

• If you are Frank – and I call you “Frazzled Frank” every time you walk by – guess how people will start to see you.

#22.
People tend to get over the small things that drive them crazy.

• You might be surprised what you can get used to.

#23.
What people think you mean is more important than what you say.

• Marketing is about perception.

#24.
Frame choices as win-win.

• The optimal path to “Better Education” might be more parental control or more efficient spending. Few will want less of either.

#25.
Ask for the sale.

• After all 31 points, just ask for what you want. Clarity is attractive.

#26.
Repetition is persuasive.

• Repetition is persuasive. Repetition is persuasive. Repetition is persuasive.

#27.
Talk like your audience.

• Some people talk with small and simple ideas for a reason.

#28.
Simple is better than the complex.

• Again, simple ideas are more attractive than complicated ones.

#29.
Simple ideas are more memorable.

• Simple things are also easier to remember. And being remembered is half the battle.

#30.
Be ambiguous if necessary.

• The less specificity, the more people will think you are talking directly to them.

#31.
Give people a reason to decide.

• To someone who already wants to agree, the simple use of the word “because” can work like magic.

Seriously, go read Win Bigly (Amazon)

[More? Here are: 20 Techniques Of Persuasion]

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