Have you ever bought something that you don’t really want?
Or bagi donation to orang NGO that stopped you on the street?
How did they manage to persuade you?
It’s very likely that they were using one of these principles of persuasion
- Reciprocity: People are more likely to say yes to a request if they feel they have been given something first.
- Scarcity: People are more likely to want something if they believe it is scarce or in limited supply.
- Liking: People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they like.
- Authority: People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they perceive as an authority figure.
- Social proof: People are more likely to be persuaded by something if they see that others are doing it.
- Commitment and consistency: People are more likely to stick with a decision they have already made, even if it is not the best decision.
- Unity: People are more likely to be persuaded by someone who has a similar background for example from the same kampung.
It is explained more in this book ‘Psychology of Persuasion’ by Robert Cialdini.
It’s a must read.
