6 unethical Psychological tricks that should be illegal //Robert Cialdini - PRE - suasion

Summary

This video delves into the psychology of persuasion, revealing subtle tactics that can influence behavior without conscious awareness. It discusses various experiments, such as the impact of a flower store on giving out phone numbers and the effect of carrying a guitar case on dating success. The video also explores how visual cues and words can subconsciously alter decisions, like the use of 'million dollars' to make a $75,000 price seem reasonable. It emphasizes ethical applications of these principles, providing practical tips for persuasion while warning against their misuse.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The subconscious mind is highly susceptible to persuasion tactics that can influence behavior without conscious awareness.
• 💐 Context and environmental cues, such as being in front of a flower store, can subconsciously impact decision-making, making people more likely to take risks like giving out their phone number.
• 🎸 Objects like a guitar case can serve as powerful subconscious signals, making people more receptive to requests like going on a date.
• 🛋️ Visual cues in e-commerce can direct consumer behavior; for example, images of clouds can lead buyers to focus on comfort, while images of coins can make them focus on price.
• 💬 The strategic use of language, such as mentioning an extreme price before stating the actual price, can reset expectations and reduce price negotiation.
• 🏃‍♂️ Asking people if they consider themselves adventurous before introducing a new product can increase their willingness to try it, tapping into their self-image.
• 🤝 The principle of unity, or shared identity, can significantly increase trust and compliance, as demonstrated by using familial language to persuade.
• 🌱 The analogy of planting a seed emphasizes the importance of 'preparing the soil' (setting the right context) before delivering a message for maximum impact.
• 🔑 Practical tips for applying persuasion include giving products to family members, asking for advice instead of opinions, and aligning the timing of requests with positive feedback or achievements.
• 🛠️ The environment and mindset can be manipulated through decor, music, and preparatory conversation to make people more receptive to certain messages or actions.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the book 'Persuasion' discussed in the video?

The main theme of the book 'Persuasion' is the ease with which people can be subconsciously manipulated using psychological tactics, often without their conscious awareness.

How does the video illustrate the power of subconscious influence using the flower store example?

The video shows that when a handsome man approached women in front of a flower store, they were more likely to give out their phone numbers, suggesting that the association of flowers with romance subconsciously influenced their decision.

What role does the object a person is carrying play in persuasion according to the video?

The video demonstrates that carrying a guitar case, as opposed to other objects, significantly increased the likelihood of women agreeing to a date, implying that certain objects can subconsciously influence people's perceptions and decisions.

How did the background images on an online furniture store's landing page affect customers' choices?

Customers shown a background with clouds focused on comfort and softness, while those shown coins focused on price, indicating that visual cues can subconsciously direct decision-making.

What is the 'Unity' principle mentioned in the video, and how does it work?

The 'Unity' principle refers to the shared identity between the persuader and the person being persuaded. It suggests that people are more likely to agree with or cooperate with someone they perceive as part of their group or sharing a common identity.

How did Warren Buffett use the 'Unity' principle in his communication with shareholders?

Buffett used the 'Unity' principle by framing his advice to shareholders as if he were advising his own family, which made his message more convincing and relatable.

What is the significance of the experiment involving 18-month-old children and the background images of people?

The experiment showed that even 18-month-old children, who lack logical reasoning, were more likely to help when shown a background image of people standing close together, demonstrating the primitive and fundamental nature of subconscious influence.

What are the six practical tips for persuasion shared in the video?

The tips include: 1) Giving products to family members instead of the target person, 2) Using the word 'advice' to create unity, 3) Asking for a raise after receiving positive feedback, 4) Identifying with the group you're persuading, 5) Decorating your environment to match your goals, and 6) Bringing the person to the right mindset before delivering your message.

Why is it important to use persuasion tactics ethically according to the video?

Using persuasion tactics ethically is important because unethical use can lead to a negative work environment and potential backlash. It can also influence employees to adopt similar tactics, which can harm the company and customers in the long run.

How can the concept of 'preparing the soil' be applied to effective persuasion?

The concept of 'preparing the soil' in persuasion refers to setting the right context or mindset before delivering a message. This can involve using visual cues, words, or actions that subconsciously influence the recipient to be more receptive to the message.