Persuasion is an immensely useful tool to have in a world full of complex conflicts and competing interests. We all have some kind of success that we are aiming for and the ability to influence others to support our cause or buy into our ideas gives us a big advantage. Unfortunately, the art of positive manipulation has gone largely forgotten in our society. In this article, we will uncover effective strategies for not only gaining the support of those around us, but also doing it in a way that wins true respect and admiration from those we influence. By embracing this method of manipulation, you can get the most out of your interactions and successfully navigate even the most delicate situations.

Avoid Forced Decisions

When it comes to successful persuasion, it’s important to remember that it is best to avoid trying to manipulate an individual or group into a decision or agreement. Forced decisions rarely work out in the long term and can often bring about a mutually negative result.

The Art of Positive Manipulation

Many people think of manipulation as having a negative connotation, and although it’s true that there are often agendas behind it, there is also a brightly-shining side to manipulation techniques — if used in the right way. The art of positive manipulation, often referred to as “influencing”, is a powerful tool to achieve a desired result without any negative repercussions. Whether it’s in business, personal relationships, marketing campaigns, or elsewhere, there are certain mental tactics that can be used in every situation to drastically increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Influential Tactics

Below are a few influential tactics to consider when trying to influence someone else:

• Make them feel important: One of the best ways to influence someone is to make them feel valued and appreciated. A simple compliment or positive body language can go a long way in persuading someone.
• Appeal to their emotions: When making an argument or trying to win someone’s support, it’s essential to tap into their emotions. Show them how your idea or product would benefit them emotionally, rather than just trying to logically explain it.
• Play on their fears: Fear is a powerful tool of manipulation — it can make people act rashly or turn quickly into fear of failure. When trying to persuade someone, try to tap into their fears, but make sure it’s done in a positive way.
• Create a sense of exclusivity: People often want to be a part of something exclusive and special, especially when it comes to products or services. Try to make your target feel like they’re getting something they cannot get anywhere else.
• Use hard data: Sometimes an argument is best won with hard facts and statistics. Try to provide data with evidence, statistics, and other source materials that gives credence to your argument.
• Connect on an intellectual level: People can be easily persuaded when they feel like they can understand and relate to the message. Speak to their intelligence and try to find ways to get them to think on a deeper level.
• Focus on the benefits: Emphasizing the positive outcomes of any situation is key to successful persuasion. It’s important to focus on what’s in it for them, rather than what may be lost.
• Be generous: Don’t be too stingy. People can be easily swayed by incentives and bonuses that may come in the form of money or other forms of currency.
• Establish trust: Establishing trust is essential to successful persuasion. People are more likely to agree to your terms or support your ideas when they feel like you can be trusted.
• Listen more than you talk: Listening to their argument or opinion is crucial in the process of persuasion. Don’t talk too much, but rather focus on what they’re saying and adjust your argument to fit their needs.
• Give them a choice: A great way to make someone feel like they have control over the situation is to give them a choice. Allow them to choose between two or more options that you have deemed acceptable. This will make them feel important and in control.
• Establish a timeline: Establishing deadlines or creating a timeline of events can also be a great way to influence someone. People like having a predetermined schedule and if a deadline is nearing, your target may be more likely to agree to any given proposal.

Having the ability to influence and positively manipulate the people around you can be very powerful in many different situations. Keep the tactics mentioned above in mind the next time your trying to persuade someone and achieving a positive outcome may be much easier than you think.

Conclusion

In this article, we have focused on the art of successful and compassionate manipulation without any negative effects. As always, it is important to remember that although manipulative techniques can be used to gain the support of those around us, it should be done in a way that earns respect — both for ourselves and those we seek to influence.