Did you know that you can manipulate people and avoid being tricked all at the same time? It sounds like a plot from a bad sci-fi movie, but apparently, many people are using these psychological tricks already. You don’t even have to be a Jedi to do it! These simple neuro-linguistic programming tricks work so well, you’ll be able to add master manipulator as a skill on your resume.
The Negotiation Trick
Say you’re in the middle of a negotiation, and the other person is rushing you to make up your mind already. There’s a strong probability that they’re doing this because you’re getting a bad deal. So, in this instance, simply say “no thanks” and leave.
The Office Politics Trick
To avoid office politics, try saying something positive about your co-workers behind their backs. Saying nice things about other people instead of openly discussing what you hate about them will cut through the negativity at work like a hot knife on butter.
The Annoyance Removal Trick
If someone at work is talking to you in your office or at your workstation, print something, and get them to escort you to the printer. Then walk them to their workspace. They’ll sit at their desk without realizing you manipulated them into getting back to work. Now that’s what we call playing it smoothª
Put Someone Off Their Stroke Trick
If you really want to make someone feel uncomfortable or awkward during a conversation, try staring at the middle of their forehead. They’ll get so paranoid they’ll lose focus and start wondering if they’ve got something up there.
The Popularity Checking Trick
Next time you’re with a group, take notice of who gets the most looks when everyone’s laughing. Most people tend to focus on the individual they like more. And that’s how you’ll know who’s Mr. or Ms. Popular among you.
Please-A-Friend Trick
Whenever a friend tries sharing something with you by showing or telling you about it, let them. Pretend to be shocked or fascinated even if you already knew about it. They feel good sharing something that’s personal about them, but if you tell them you already knew that or you’d seen it already, they’ll instantly close off.
The Quieting Trick
If you have a friend or a co-worker who is really loud during a conversation, try this quieting trick. All you have to do is start whispering and talking in a very soft voice. Eventually, they’ll start whispering back without even realizing what’s happening.
The “Accomplish Something Small” Trick
If you’re feeling like you’re not accomplishing anything, try doing a simple task that won’t take long to finish, like washing dishes or tidying up your desk. Once you’re done, you’ll feel like you actually accomplished something. That will give you the motivation to continue working on your other tasks. So remember, always start small!
The Physical Trick
Next time you need a friend or a co-worker to say yes to something, make physical contact with them. Shake their hand when you meet them. Give them a hug. Wrap an arm over their shoulder. They’re more likely to say yes this way. Just don’t do anything that HR wouldn’t approve of, obs!
The Soothing Trick
Next time someone has an anxiety attack, start breathing loudly yet regularly. The person having the panic attack will eventually sync their breathing pattern with yours, even though they won’t realize they’re doing it.
