PERSUASION TRICKS (Contd. from last issue)

 

11. Social proof: despite all protestations of individuality, people love conformity. So tell them which way the flock is going because people want to be in the majority.

 

12. Attention: if the audience isn't paying attention, they can't think about your arguments, so attitudes can't change.

 

13. Minimize distraction: if you've got a strong message then audiences are more swayed if they pay attention. If the arguments are weak then it's better if they're distracted.

 

14. Positively framed: messages with a positive frame can be more persuasive.

 

16. Confidence: not only your confidence, but theirs. The audience should feel confident about attitude change. Audience confidence in their own thoughts is boosted by a credible source and when they feel happy (clue: happy audiences are laughing).

 

17. Be powerful: a powerful orator influences the audience, but making the audience themselves feel powerful increases their confidence in attitude change. An audience has to feel powerful enough to change.