Discover 19 simple yet effective psychological tricks that can improve your interactions, boost your confidence, and help you navigate social situations like a pro.
19 Psychological Tricks That Actually Work to Transform Your Daily Interactions
Introduction
Human behaviour is fascinating, and understanding a few psychological tricks can be incredibly useful in daily life. From negotiating better to improving relationships, these strategies are simple, actionable, and supported by behavioural insights. Here are 19 psychological hacks you can use to positively influence others and handle situations more effectively.
1. Avoid Starting Requests with “Could You”
When making a request, avoid starting with phrases like “could you.” It sounds polite but can make your request seem hypothetical. For example, instead of asking, “Could you call the neighbours?”, say, “Please call the neighbours.” The direct phrasing makes it more likely your request will be fulfilled.
2. Make Someone Uncomfortable by Staring at Their Forehead
In conversations, staring at the middle of someone’s forehead can make them feel scrutinised and uncomfortable. While this might not be for everyday use, it can come in handy if you want to assert authority or regain control of a conversation.
3. Use Silence to Get the Truth
If someone avoids answering your question, pause and maintain eye contact. Silence makes people uncomfortable, often prompting them to reveal more than they intended, sometimes even the truth if they were withholding it.
4. Build Rapport by Asking for Help
When you’re new to a job or social setting, ask someone to explain something to you, even if you already know the answer. This fosters a sense of importance in the other person and creates a positive connection.
5. Subtle Nods for Affirmative Answers
Nodding subtly while asking a question can subconsciously prompt the other person to agree. This non-verbal cue is widely used in sales and hospitality to influence decisions.
6. Distract Busy People to Gain Cooperation
If someone is deeply focused, you can hand them an object or take one from them, and they’ll comply without noticing. This is particularly useful in situations like decluttering or organising.
7. Motivate with Reverse Psychology
If you need someone to do something, suggest that they might not be capable of it. People often feel compelled to prove others wrong, which can work in your favour.
8. Keep People Engaged with Subtle Gestures
While speaking, nodding slightly makes others more attentive to your words. This subtle trick can improve your ability to persuade or maintain attention in conversations.
9. Negotiate by Showing Disappointment
If you want better terms in negotiations, express mild disappointment with the initial offer. This can prompt the other party to adjust their offer to win your approval.
10. Wake Up Refreshed with a Winning Gesture
When your alarm rings, sit up immediately and make two fists like a victorious athlete. This simple movement energises your mind and body, helping you start the day with a positive mindset.
11. Remember Important Tasks with Absurd Phrases
Tie mundane tasks like locking the door or turning off appliances to an unusual phrase like “green rabbit.” This helps your brain associate the action with the phrase, ensuring you’ll remember it later.
12. Defuse Arguments with Kindness
If someone tries to argue, reply with a kind or positive remark. For example, if they’re angry, compliment something unrelated. This “kill them with kindness” approach can diffuse tension and redirect the conversation.
13. Encourage Lazier Team Members to Take Action
Instead of telling someone, “Do this,” say, “Start with this.” This phrasing makes tasks seem smaller and more manageable, encouraging even the most reluctant individuals to begin.
14. Tackle Public Speaking Anxiety with Water and Honesty
Carry a bottle of water during public speaking. If you forget a part of your speech, pause to sip and recollect your thoughts. Additionally, acknowledging your nervousness upfront can build empathy with your audience, making them more receptive.
15. Handle Uncomfortable Stares
If someone stares at you in public, look at their shoes without breaking eye contact. This simple gesture often makes them uneasy and stops their intrusive gaze.
16. Project Worry to Influence Others
Appearing worried when you meet someone will eventually cause them to associate you with unease. Use this with caution, as it can impact their perception of you.
17. Criticise Without Sounding Harsh
Frame criticisms in neutral language. Instead of saying, “You left the window open,” say, “The window was left open all night.” This phrasing avoids direct blame, making the feedback easier to accept.
18. Trick Your Brain into Feeling Rested
If you had a poor night’s sleep, convince yourself that you’re well-rested. Studies from Colorado College show that believing you’ve slept well improves cognitive function, even if you haven’t.
19. Schedule Job Interviews Strategically Book interviews either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. These are the times when interviewers are most likely to remember you among a sea of candidates.
