Communication psychology is seen in all areas of life. Pay attention to what happens when a telemarketer starts picking your brain.
The ability to convey messages to one another is overrated. We tend to forget about this powerful yet basic human interaction. It’s not just about speaking or telling stories, it’s also about communication psychology, the ability to convince others to do what we want them to do.
It’s really not as hard as you think it is. Just ask a salesman.
Communication psychology is more than marketing
So, the idea of communication psychology is more than a suggestion. This technique, what is now become almost a science, can be used in promotional activities by marketers and salesmen.
This action can be used to sell products and services simply by manipulating guilt emotions. But more than that, this technique can be a full-blown form of mind control. This is how that works!
Honestly, It’s just advance persuasion…
For whatever reason you want to know, here are a few of those communication psychology hacks. Learn how to use them or avoid them, whatever your pleasure.
Your needs
Let’s start with child’s play – let’s take a look at a simple communication hack that has proven useful. One of the simplest ways to persuade someone to do something or buy something is by proving that you can fulfill a certain need.
Understanding someone’s needs will help you convince them of whatever you want, basically. Of course, it has to pertain to the need and how it will be filled after taking action.
Loaded images and words
One technique considered to be effective is the use of loaded information. Loaded means words or images that trigger a plethora of other words and images in the mind of the one being persuaded.
For instance, when salesmen wish to make you purchase a food product, they may utilize the loaded words, “organic”, “New and improved”, or even “all-natural”. These words cause the customer to visualize healthy and delicious foods which can improve their well-being.
As far as loaded images are concerned, a picture of a cute puppy can cause the audience to want to adopt a pet, simply because of the emotions triggered by how lonely the puppy appears. These are only a few examples. There are so many ways that loaded information can take root in the mind.
“Foot in the door”
This is a familiar tactic in communication psychology. Getting your “foot in the door” simply means finding a small way to influence a situation. Whether it’s an influence to get a job, sell a product or a personal endeavor, using this technique can be pretty effective if timed right.
The first step is to ask for a small favor, then ask for a bigger one. When it comes to getting a job, you can accept a menial position with plans to move up in the business.
It’s a sort of scheme that can get you to the goal without ever leaving you rejected. If you manage to get your “foot in the door” then this gives you time to formulate the best plan to move ahead while you are already in your goal location. In other words, you are already playing on home turf.
Go HUGE then go small
A rather tricky technique involves going big at first, only to get immediately rejected, then countering with a smaller job offer, or purchase request, that makes the customer comply. This seems ridiculous, doesn’t it?
Although it might seem strange, going big and getting rejected will make the customer feel obligated to accept the smaller offer. Whether it’s guilt or just manipulation that makes them feel like the smaller offer is easy, it works!
Here’s an example: The neighbors ask you to babysit all five of their children for the whole week. This seems preposterous to you and you slam the door in their face.
So, they try again and ask if you will babysit them for a few hours today, and this is a much smaller job. You are more likely to say yes because of the drastic reduction in responsibility. Amazing, isn’t it?
Reciprocity
Communication psychology also includes the law of reciprocity. This law says that when someone does something nice for you, it leaves a feeling of obligation.
If you are offered 2 free days and nights in a hotel and 2 free tickets to an amusement park, you are more than likely going to pay the other taxes and fees associated with the promotion. This usually includes purchasing a future vacation as well. (Been there/done that, by the way).
Many people fall for this scheme easily enough, with deep feelings of obligation to the salesman. This can also be seen in gifts given by family members and how a return gift is expected. The law of reciprocity is powerful unless you have a strong will against its wooing.
Limited time
This is so genius that it makes me want to scream and cringe at the same time, and yet, it’s so simple. One of the easiest forms of persuasion is convincing your target that an opportunity can only be utilized for a limited time.
This triggers feelings of responsibility and urgency causing the need to take action. See, it’s so simple, but also quite effective!
Communication psychology and the will to act
So, what side of the coin do you operate? Are you the salesman or are you the target fighting to avoid all forms of psychological manipulation?
Not to say that this form of communication is always bad, but it can be. Whether you’re trying to “Sell” your idea or you’re trying to stay firm, these techniques can keep you aware at all times.
Sorry salesmen, I’ve let your secrets out! And sorry telemarketers, you’re just going to have to one-up your game.
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