Have you ever wished you could understand people better or even influence their behavior? There are some simple psychological tricks that can help you do just that! You don’t need to be a psychologist to use these techniques; they’re easy enough for anyone to try. Here are 19 tricks that can make your everyday interactions more effective and fun.
When you want someone to do something, avoid starting your request with “Could you…?” This might make them think it’s just a theoretical question. Instead, be direct and say, “Please call the neighbors,” to ensure your request is taken seriously.
If you ever need to make someone feel uncomfortable, look at the middle of their forehead during a conversation. This can make them feel like they’re being scrutinized, which isn’t very relaxing!
If someone is avoiding a question, try pausing the conversation while maintaining eye contact. This silence can make them feel uneasy, prompting them to reveal more details or even the truth.
When you’re new at a job or school, ask someone to explain something to you. Even if you already know the answer, this can improve their attitude towards you and help you make friends.
When you want someone to agree with you, nod subtly as you speak. This trick is often used by restaurant staff to encourage customers to order more, and it works surprisingly well!
If someone is focused on a task, you can hand them something or take something from them without them noticing. This can be handy when you’re cleaning up or moving things around.
If you want someone to do something, suggest that they might not be able to do it. Most people will try hard to prove you wrong, which can work in your favor.
Nodding slightly during a conversation can make the other person more attentive to what you’re saying, even if they don’t realize why.
In negotiations, if you like an offer but want better terms, express mild disappointment. This can encourage the other person to improve their offer.
When your alarm goes off, sit up and make two fists like a soccer player who just scored. It sounds odd, but it can help you wake up feeling refreshed.
If you often forget whether you locked the door or turned off the iron, say a silly phrase while doing it, like “green rabbit.” This will help you remember later.
If someone tries to argue with you, respond with kindness or stay silent. This can stop the argument in its tracks. If it’s a friend or partner, try to see things from their perspective.
For a team member who is slow, ask them to “start with this” instead of giving them a big task. Once they start, encourage them to continue until the job is done.
Bring a bottle of water when speaking in public. It helps with dry mouth and gives you a moment to pause and remember your speech. If you’re nervous, admit it to the audience to lighten the mood.
If someone is staring at you, look at their shoes. Keep looking, and it’ll likely make them uncomfortable enough to stop.
If you act worried every time you see someone, they’ll start to feel worried too. Use this information wisely!
If someone made a mistake, phrase your feedback to avoid sounding accusatory. Instead of saying, “You left the window open,” say, “The window was left open.” This helps them learn without feeling blamed.
If you didn’t sleep well, tell yourself you did. Believing you’re well-rested can actually improve your brain function, according to a study from Colorado College.
Schedule job interviews at the beginning or end of the day. People tend to remember what happens at these times better than what occurs in the middle of the day.
These psychological tricks can be surprisingly effective in everyday life. Try them out and see how they work for you!
Pair up with a classmate and take turns practicing the psychological tricks in role-playing scenarios. For example, one of you can practice making a direct request while the other responds. Discuss how these techniques affect your interactions.
Keep a journal for a week where you note instances when you or others use any of the psychological tricks mentioned in the article. Reflect on the outcomes and share your observations with the class.
Join a group discussion where each member picks one psychological trick from the article and explains how they would use it in a real-life situation. Discuss the potential effectiveness and ethical considerations of each trick.
Work in small groups to create and perform a short skit that incorporates several psychological tricks from the article. Focus on how these tricks can be used in a fun and ethical manner to improve communication.
Write a reflection essay on how understanding and using psychological tricks can impact your personal and academic life. Consider both the positive and negative aspects of using these techniques.
Psychological – Relating to the mind or mental processes. – Understanding the psychological effects of stress can help us manage it better.
Behavior – The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others. – Observing animal behavior can provide insights into human psychology.
Request – An act of asking politely or formally for something. – The psychologist made a request for more information to better understand the patient’s needs.
Discomfort – A feeling of unease or mild pain. – The patient expressed discomfort when discussing past traumatic events.
Truthfulness – The quality of being honest and not containing or telling any lies. – Truthfulness is essential in therapy to ensure effective treatment.
Rapport – A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well. – Building rapport with clients is crucial for a successful counseling session.
Attention – The act or state of applying the mind to something. – Paying close attention to details can improve critical thinking skills.
Negotiate – To try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with others. – In conflict resolution, it is important to negotiate effectively to find a solution that satisfies all parties.
Kindness – The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. – Acts of kindness can improve mental well-being and foster positive relationships.
Memory – The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information. – Techniques like visualization can enhance memory retention and recall.
