7 psychology tricks that can make anyone powerful

Time of India

2 days ago

Power doesn't always come from money, titles, or physical strength; it often comes from understanding the people with whom we are in conversation. Psychology is the secret sauce behind influence, confidence, and getting what you want without dishonesty.
Whether it's about negotiating a raise, tackling tricky conversations, or just trying to build better relationships, knowing a few psychological tricks can make a big difference.
These simple yet smart tricks are based on how our brains naturally work, where things like body language, word choice, and timing count a lot. When used wisely, these tricks can help you earn respect, be more impactful, and feel more in control of situations that once made you anxious or unsure.
Here are some smart psychology tricks that you can incorporate to keep yourself one step ahead in life
Use the power of silence
Most people feel the need to fill awkward silences, especially during negotiations or tense talks. But silence can be your secret weapon. After making a point or asking a tough question, pause and let the silence do the work. It puts pressure on the other person to respond, and more often than not, they reveal more than they intended.
Try to copy their body language
Subtly copying someone's gestures, posture, or tone, without being obvious, helps them feel more at ease with you. This is called "mirroring" and it's a natural way to create trust. People tend to like others who are similar to them. So next time, if you want to build a quick connection and image in the eyes of the second person, match their energy just a bit.
Nod while you talk to encourage agreement
Nodding while you're speaking makes people more likely to agree with you.
It's a subconscious signal that tells the brain that, 'This makes sense.' Various instances show that listeners are more likely to nod back, and even agree, when you do it first.
Give choices rather than commands
People don't like being told what to do, but they love feeling in control. Offer options instead of commands. For example, instead of saying 'Do this now,' try, 'Would you rather do this today or tomorrow?' Framing gives people a sense of autonomy while still making them walk through the way for your desired outcome.
Using their name while in conversation
Dale Carnegie, an American writer and teacher of courses in self-improvement coach wasn't wrong when he said that someone's name is the sweetest sound to them. Using people's names in conversation grabs their attention and makes your communication feel more personal. It builds warmth, shows you're paying attention, and makes others more likely to respond positively to what you're saying.
Asking for small favours to increase likability
It might seem awkward, but asking someone to do you a small favour can actually make them like you more.
Known as the Ben Franklin Effect, this psychological trick works because doing something for you makes people justify it by assuming they like you. One can even start by asking for advice or help with something simple.
Repeat back key words to
build trust
When someone is talking, repeat a few of their words back to them naturally, not artificially. This shows you're actively listening and makes people feel understood. For example, if someone says, 'I've been super stressed at work,' reply with, 'Sounds like work's been really stressful lately.' It's a small step that creates a big connection.