Do you consider yourself a bit of a trickster?
Do you like to think that you’re smarter than the average bear?
Well, we’re gonna see how you measure up to the people below…
What psychological trick (or tricks) do you like to use?
Here’s what AskReddit users had to say about this.
1. Pro tip.
“Under promising and over delivering at work.
I also work at a mental hospital and it works with the people I work with.”
2. Keep your mouth shut.
“Sometimes staying silent in a negotiation works in your favor. Silence often feels uncomfortable so the other party will offer up something by filling the quiet space with words.
I used it once to negotiate something with my boss. I stated my case. He hmm and ummed for a bit to himself. I remained silent and he relented.
Had I filled that silence with more words it could’ve given him time to think of a way to say no.”
3. Cut to the chase.
“When asking a stranger for help, just cut right to the chase with your question/request, then exchange some pleasantries after. What people tend to do usually is “Hi, how are you doing, I’m so-and-so, hey can I ask you for…”.
It makes the introduction seem less genuine, like it was only to ease your way into something you want/need. Switching the order makes you come across more honest, and then shows you’re actually interested in getting to know them or talking to them past whatever favor their doing for you.”
4. Good one!
“I’ve noticed that people will let me do nice things for them if they think I’m doing it for selfish reasons.
“No, let me cook for you! I need to practice making this dish!””
5. I’m listening…
“Whenever someone is showing you around or demonstrating something to you, open your mouth ever so slightly.
Doesn’t have to be much, barely a centimeter is enough. It makes you look intrigued and fascinated by whatever it is you’re been shown.
Bill Clinton is an absolute master at this.”
6. Get that info.
“Listening to someone without giving advice or pushing for more information typically nets me more information than being pushy for it.”
7. It works!
“I tell my toddler that I really want to eat her dinner myself.
“This is broccoli. It’s only for adults and big kids. You are too little.””
8. All about me.
“”I” statements rather than “you” statements. People generally feel on the offensive when you put something on them, especially when there’s an issue.
For example, “You did this wrong, can you try it again a different way?” Putting the blame on them, makes them feel like you’re accusing them. Consider “I’m not sure if this is right, can we try this again a different way?” Lacks the assumed accusation and shows that you’re in it together, not just criticizing them and then leaving.
I try to implement it even when it’s not a problem statement. Instead of “let me know if you need help with anything else” I usually say “let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.” Symbolically takes the burden off of.”
9. Let’s be friends!
“I always smile when I see/approach/get approached by anyone so they immediately think I’m happy to see them.
Makes me a lot of friends and helps conversations start better too!”
10. Dealing with customers.
“If a customer is angry just let them talk until they finish, don’t interrupt but do occasionally say things like “ok” and “I understand” so they know you are listening.
Make notes, and then once they’re finished summarise what they said. Most angry customers just want an affirmation that you actually paid attention to the reasons they were pi**ed off, once they get that off their chest they’re much more willing to work with you to resolve whatever issue they’re having.
If we have a follow up call I’ll usually ask again about the things they were upset about on the previous call and they’re usually pleasantly surprised to know I actually remembered.”
11. Deep conversation.
“When I’m having a deep/intense conversation with someone, and they’re divulging things to me, I make sure my face doesn’t react and just listen.
I ask questions based on the information, many of them leading questions, and let them come to their “own” conclusions as to what to do about the situation.
I also refrain from providing judgment about someone that person is talking about. At least until the story is over.
My friends tell me I’m a great listener and that makes me happy that they feel they can come to me and not be judged, schooled, scolded, etc.”
12. A nice trick.
“Ask people for things they want to do/don’t mind doing as if they’re favours to you. As if you’ll owe them after this.
I think it has to do with :
1. People like feeling useful. People like feeling like they’ve helped people – not necessarily because they’re nice, but because “ability to help” implies some sort of power.
2. You give them opportunity to be nice. They’ll feel more comfortable to converse with you because they did something for you. Like you’re “technically indebted to them”.
Like if you’re very shy you might feel like you don’t deserve interaction or attention from the person – complex. When you’ve done them a favour you’re kinda equal.
It’s a nice trick to get people to like you.”
Do you have any good psych tricks that you like to use?
Tell us all about them in the comments!
Thanks a lot!
