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Chapter 1: Exercising Influence

1.2 Six influence mechanisms by Robert Cialdini




http://hsuuntied.com/rcialdini/

In his book Influence: Science and Practice Robert Cialdini (2008) describes six principles of persuasion that rely on our automatic, evolutionary reactions in certain situations, and can be used to exert influence on us.

#Cialdini #sixprinciples #persuasion

To read about each of the six principles, click on its name.

People prefer to say yes to those who they like. Who do we like?

  • people physically attractive,
  • people who pay us compliments,
  • people who are similar to us,
  • people who cooperate with us towards mutual goals,
  • people who we associate with something pleasant.

People, when in doubts or just taking a decision making shortcut, tend to follow the lead of credible knowledgeable experts or people who they perceive as such. The principle works even if the person is not a real authority but simply makes such an impression, or by stereotype they are recognized as such - for example by using a scientific title or wearing a uniform specific for a group associated with authority (e.g., police, medical doctors).

People want more of the things (physical goods, relationships, information etc.) that are scarce since scarcity makes them more attractive, having more value. Moreover, scarcity deprives us of the freedom of choice and the need to regain it, makes the possibility of choice that was taken from us more attractive. According to Cialdini, the possibility of losing something seems to be a stronger source of motivation than a profit of a similar size.

Often when in doubt or when lost we tend to decide that something is correct, e.g. a specific behaviour, based on what others think or do. This, for example, is the reason for using laughter tracks in sitcoms. People find them funnier when other people laugh, even when the laughter is canned. Uncertainty of how to act in a situation combined with others being similar to us are the factors that increase the effect of social proof.

It is very difficult to change our minds once we have made a decision. We strive to be consistent. Our future decisions are made to justify the earlier, even when the earlier decision was bad. The thing that activates consistency is our commitment. To maximize the effect, the commitment should be voluntary, active, public and in writing. Expressing commitment in public makes a person more obliged to be consistent.

People tend to feel obliged to give back the form of behavior, gift, or service that they have received from others. The system of reciprocation has been so ingrained into our thinking and humanity, that we are conditioned to feel bad when we do not return the favor. The effect is stronger when the favor or gift is personalized and unexpected.

Quick assessment. Read the following example and mark the correct answer.

Quiz

Quiz question /

Receiving a mint from a waiter increased the tip by 3%. The tip increased by 14% when people received two mints and when a single mint was given but after giving the mint the waiter left and then turned back and gave the second mint saying that it is “especially for nice people” – tips increased by 23%.

This is an example of:
In a study conducted in a real estate office, people calling with a request for being connected to an agent were informed by the receptionist about years of experience that the agent had (15 or 20). Due to this introduction the number of appointments increased by 20% and the number of signed contracts – by 20%.

This is an example of:
To avoid difficult questions during a presentation the presenter says: “It is an honor to speak in front of such an audience. I really appreciate that you have come here despite the early hour and ugly weather.”

This is an example of:
To increase the number of people who have joined, signed up, and donated, websites publish names of the people who have already done it.

This is an example of:
Asking the patients to write down appointment details on the appointment card helped to reduce missed appointments at health centers by 18%, compared to a situation when the health center staff wrote down this information on the appointment cards.

This is an example of:
Announcement of Black Friday sales leads to enormous crowds of shoppers hunting for bargains on that one day; shoppers being tempted by enormous savings that supposedly will be available only on that day.

This is an example of:


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