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Book Wisdom Podcast
How to Spot and Use Manipulation Wisely
Dive into the nuanced world of persuasion and manipulation in our latest episode, where we explore how understanding the dark triad of personality traits can help you recognize manipulation tactics in others. Through engaging discussions and relatable examples, we unfold the complexities of human behavior, revealing both the sinister and the empowering sides of influence.
Learn about practical techniques for ethical persuasion that you can apply in daily interactions, such as reciprocity, scarcity, and the power of social proof. We discuss the influence of body language on communication and share the five C's to enhance your understanding of non-verbal cues.
Our insights extend to building confidence and resilience, emphasizing the role they play in becoming a persuasive communicator. By cultivating self-awareness and empathy, you’ll be equipped to wield the power of influence responsibly.
Join us for this thought-provoking journey that merges psychology with practical strategies, and be ready to elevate your understanding of interpersonal dynamics. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!
All right, so are you ready to dive into this? Today, we're going to be looking at persuasion and manipulation.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:And you gave me some really, really interesting sources for this one. We've got classic psychology, we've got body language secrets, we've even got some NLP stuff.
Speaker 2:It's a lot. Yeah, it's a lot. We're going to be busy.
Speaker 1:We're going to be busy. Yeah, it's like we're trying to decode human behavior yeah trying to figure out what makes people tick. I like that yeah, and how all of those hidden motivations can be used to influence them for better or for worse, right, yeah, for good or for evil, exactly right.
Speaker 1:So our goal today is to kind of give everyone listening the knowledge to spot those manipulation tactics. But we don't want to stop there. Yeah, we're also gonna look at how we can use this ethically, yes, to become more persuasive ourselves because who doesn't want a little more influence, right? I mean, yeah, wouldn't that be nice? A little bit, yeah, a little bit so influence is a powerful cool.
Speaker 2:It is for sure it is, and I think that's why it's so important to understand the darker side of it as well. You know the manipulation tactics and the personality types that can be used against us.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:That's why one of the sources that you shared, Manipulation and Dark Psychology.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It introduces this idea of the dark triad. Have you heard of that?
Speaker 1:I have heard of the dark triad. Yes, Okay.
Speaker 2:It's a little scary.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it is, it's. I mean, it's like narcissism, machiavellianism and and psychopathy, psychopathy.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And these traits can be pretty alarming.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Especially when they're used to manipulate and exploit others.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a little unnerving to think about.
Speaker 1:It is a bit unsettling.
Speaker 2:Like how these could be used against us.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you know, yeah, out in the world. Yeah, I mean you're right. It is unsettling, but you have to keep in mind that these traits exist on a spectrum.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We all have them to some degree.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:It's when they become dominant and are intentionally used to harm others that they become truly dangerous.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about having these traits, no.
Speaker 1:It's about the intent behind them, yeah.
Speaker 2:Okay, that makes me feel a bit better. Yeah, can you give us some examples of how these dark triad traits might show up like in real life manipulation? Oh, yeah, for sure. Let's say you're dealing with a coworker who's constantly trying to take credit for your ideas or belittling your contributions. You've never had that right, never, never. That could be had. That right, never, never. That could be a sign of narcissism.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:A need to feel superior and inflate their own ego at your expense.
Speaker 1:Okay, so they're putting you down to build themselves up.
Speaker 2:Yeah, basically.
Speaker 1:Okay. Classic office power move right, it is, it is. Yeah, what about Machiavellianism?
Speaker 2:Ah, yes.
Speaker 1:How does that play out differently?
Speaker 2:Well, someone who is high in Machiavellianism is a lot more strategic and calculated in their manipulation. They might use charm and flattery to gain your trust.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Only to use that trust later to manipulate you into doing something that benefits them.
Speaker 1:Oh, so you think that you have like a friend.
Speaker 2:Right or something yeah.
Speaker 1:But they're actually just using you.
Speaker 2:Exactly. You have like a friend right or something, yeah, but they're actually just using you.
Speaker 1:Exactly it's about coldly using others as pawns wow to achieve their own goals that's chilling it's a little bit scary, isn't it yeah? So it's less about emotional outbursts and more about carefully crafted schemes. Yeah, I see yeah, machiavellianism.
Speaker 2:Okay, that's the one to watch out for. I'm watching out, be careful.
Speaker 1:I am. So the book also dives into some specific Manipulation tactics. Yes, things like Traumatic one trial learning.
Speaker 2:Uh huh.
Speaker 1:Which sounds especially scary.
Speaker 2:That one is a powerful and often disturbing technique. Okay, so Imagine. Okay, good, what is it?
Speaker 1:You have a boss, okay, and they publicly humiliate an employee for a minor mistake. The impact of that is so strong that everyone else in the office is now terrified of making even the slightest error. Wow, that single traumatic experience has effectively controlled everyone's behavior.
Speaker 2:So it's like a psychological shock tactic that creates a lasting impact. Exactly, that's behavior. So it's like a psychological shock tactic. Yes.
Speaker 1:That creates a lasting impact.
Speaker 2:Exactly, that's terrifying. It can be, yeah, but it also makes these concepts more real and relatable, right.
Speaker 1:Well, it does.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because you just when you hear a story. Yeah, exactly it becomes a lot more real.
Speaker 1:You can imagine it happening. It makes you think, oh, I've seen that.
Speaker 2:Yes, for sure I've seen that happen?
Speaker 1:I think we all have. Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2:The source also discusses positive and negative reinforcement as manipulation tactics.
Speaker 1:Okay, so those are kind of like basic learning principles, right yeah, right Like when you're training a dog. Yeah.
Speaker 2:But they can be applied to people as well. Really, yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think of it this way An abusive partner who showers their victim with gifts and affection after an episode of violence. That's positive reinforcement designed to keep the victim trapped in the cycle of abuse. Oh wow, they associate the good times with the bad, making it harder to break free.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's so sad. It's heartbreaking yeah.
Speaker 2:And it really shows how these seemingly simple concepts can be twisted and used to exploit people.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and that one is an example where it's not so obvious. Right, right, yeah, exactly Because you think, oh, that's nice, that they're being so sweet and giving gifts.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you would think that.
Speaker 1:But really it's like this terrible cycle.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I think a lot of manipulation operates on that very subtle level. Okay, you know, the manipulator might not even be consciously aware of what they're doing.
Speaker 1:Oh, so it's not like some evil mastermind.
Speaker 2:No, not always. Okay, it can be more like a pattern of behavior that's become ingrained over time.
Speaker 1:So almost like they've been conditioned in a way Right Themselves.
Speaker 2:And that's why awareness is so crucial. Yeah, the more we understand these patterns.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:The better equipped we are to recognize them in ourselves and others.
Speaker 1:Now, you also mentioned priming theory as a potential manipulation tactic. Ah that one really intrigues me. I don't know if I fully grasp it.
Speaker 2:OK, yeah, can you?
Speaker 1:explain a little more.
Speaker 2:Priming theory is really fascinating because it shows how subtle cues can influence our thoughts and behaviors without us even realizing it.
Speaker 1:So it's almost like subliminal messaging.
Speaker 2:It's kind of like that, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Imagine you're a marketer trying to sell a new energy drink.
Speaker 1:Okay drink.
Speaker 2:Okay, you could subtly prime consumers by placing images of athletes and fitness enthusiasts throughout your advertising campaign. Even if they don't consciously register these images, they might unconsciously associate your drink with athleticism and performance, making them more likely to buy it. So you're planting these seeds in people's minds that influence their decisions, without them even being aware of it.
Speaker 1:Wow, that's.
Speaker 2:Pretty powerful stuff.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and a little unsettling. It is. It's kind of scary actually.
Speaker 2:It is. It raises some interesting ethical questions.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:About how these techniques are used.
Speaker 1:Yeah, because people don't even know Right.
Speaker 2:That Right.
Speaker 1:That they're being influenced.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They can't really defend against it Right, exactly. Yeah, it's like that, saying with great power.
Speaker 2:Comes great responsibility.
Speaker 1:Comes great responsibility. Yeah, that's exactly what I was saying.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and as we delve deeper into this world of persuasion and manipulation, it's important to keep that responsibility in mind For sure.
Speaker 1:Okay, so let's take a break.
Speaker 2:Okay, and then?
Speaker 1:when we come back, we'll talk about.
Speaker 2:How to use all this stuff.
Speaker 1:Yeah, how to use it ethically For good To get what we want.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:All right, we'll be back in a minute.
Speaker 2:Sounds good. It's like we're holding this magnifying glass up to human behavior.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Examining these intricate workings.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Of influence and persuasion.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've looked at the dark side.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:All the manipulation tactics.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The personality types that can be used against us. But what about flipping the script? Okay, how can we use this knowledge?
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:To become more persuasive ourselves.
Speaker 2:That is the question, isn't it?
Speaker 1:It is yeah.
Speaker 2:That's where it gets really interesting. One of the sources that you shared Principles of Persuasion outlines some fascinating techniques that can be used to influence others in a positive way.
Speaker 1:Okay, I like that. Yeah, Ethically.
Speaker 2:Ethically? Yes. For example, there's the principle of reciprocity, okay, the idea that people are more likely to do something for you if you've done something for them first.
Speaker 1:So you're creating a sense of obligation, exactly Like if I give you a gift, you feel like you need to give me a gift back.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a deeply ingrained social norm.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think about those free samples at the grocery store. They're not just being generous, they're subtly leveraging that principle of reciprocity to make you more likely to buy the product.
Speaker 1:I never thought about it that way. But yeah, you're right.
Speaker 2:I've definitely fallen for that one before.
Speaker 1:I know me too Like those little orange chicken samples at the mall.
Speaker 2:It gets you every time.
Speaker 1:Every time, and then I feel bad if I don't buy something.
Speaker 2:You kind of got to buy something.
Speaker 1:I do Yep.
Speaker 2:And then there's the principle of scarcity.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Things seem more desirable when they're in limited supply.
Speaker 1:Okay, yeah, so it's that limited time offer. Exactly that makes you feel like you got to act now.
Speaker 2:Yes, exactly.
Speaker 1:Or you can miss out.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the classic FOMO.
Speaker 1:The FOMO.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 1:Fear of missing out.
Speaker 2:Fear of missing out. Marketers are masters at that one.
Speaker 1:Oh, they are masters of that. Yeah, it really taps into that primal instinct to secure resources.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You know, even if we don't logically need the product.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The idea that it might become unavailable makes us want it more.
Speaker 2:Oh, so it's like that sense of urgency that kind of like bypasses our rational decision making process Exactly. Wow, these are some powerful techniques.
Speaker 1:They are.
Speaker 2:But how do we use them ethically?
Speaker 1:Ah, that's the question, isn't it?
Speaker 2:It is because it feels kind of manipulative.
Speaker 1:It does.
Speaker 2:If we're intentionally trying to trigger these psychological responses.
Speaker 1:It's a valid concern.
Speaker 2:I think the key is to use these principles in a way that's authentic.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And transparent.
Speaker 1:Okay, you know, so don't be sneaky about it. Yeah, don't be sneaky Okay.
Speaker 2:For example, instead of using scarcity to create artificial pressure, you can highlight the unique benefits of your product or service.
Speaker 1:Right. So really focus on the genuine value yeah. Not just trying to create FOMO.
Speaker 2:Right, just really highlight what makes it special and why people would genuinely benefit from it.
Speaker 1:I like that. What about social proof? Ah yes, I heard that that's a really powerful one.
Speaker 2:Social proof is the idea that we're more likely to do something if we see other people doing it.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's like that feeling of well, if everyone else is doing it, it must be good, right, right?
Speaker 1:It must be okay.
Speaker 2:Think about online reviews.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:If a product has hundreds of five star reviews.
Speaker 1:I'm more likely to buy it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you're more likely to trust it and buy it yourself.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I look at those all the time.
Speaker 2:We all do. Yeah, we're social creatures. You know we look to others for cues on how to behave especially when we're not sure especially when we're uncertain. Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:Is this a good product? I don't know Right. Let me see what other people think.
Speaker 2:Let's see what the reviews say. Product I don't know Right. Let me see what other people think. Let's see what the reviews say.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and marketers know this.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's why influencer marketing is so effective.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, they're leveraging the principle of social proof.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they get someone that you already like.
Speaker 1:Yes, and trust Exactly To tell you to buy something.
Speaker 2:To endorse a product.
Speaker 1:It works, it works yeah.
Speaker 2:So it's all about creating that sense of trust and validation.
Speaker 1:It is yeah.
Speaker 2:And when it comes to ethical persuasion, ok, social proof can be a really powerful tool.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:For showcasing the positive impact of your product or service.
Speaker 1:So how would you do that?
Speaker 2:Well, you could share testimonials.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:From satisfied customers.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You could highlight positive media coverage Okay, you know or showcase how your work is making a difference in the world.
Speaker 1:Okay, so it's not just about blindly following the crowd.
Speaker 2:No, it's about.
Speaker 1:It's about using social proof to build credibility Okay, and trust.
Speaker 2:I like that. So instead of trying to manufacture that, yes, you're actually showing real results. Real results yeah that you're actually showing real results, real results. Yeah, I like that. Now, another key principle that emerges from several of the sources is the importance of empathy in persuasion.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:So can you explain a little bit more about that?
Speaker 1:Sure Empathy is really about understanding the other person's perspective, their needs and their motivations.
Speaker 2:So the more that you understand your audience, the better you can kind of tailor your message to resonate with them.
Speaker 1:Yes, and this also ties into the concept of active listening.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:You know, it's not just about waiting for your turn to speak. It's about genuinely engaging with what the other person is saying.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Asking, clarifying questions and reflecting back their thoughts and feelings.
Speaker 2:So it's really about creating a dialogue. Yeah, a space for genuine connection.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I like that.
Speaker 1:And understand, and that's where body language comes in again. Ah yes, bod One of the sources highlights the five C's of body language.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:Context clusters congruence, consistency and culture.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's a lot of Cs.
Speaker 1:It is a lot of Cs, but I think if we break it down it'll be easier to understand.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So context seems pretty straightforward.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You have to consider the situation, environment when you're interpreting body language cues.
Speaker 2:Exactly A clenched fist might mean anger in one context, but excitement in another.
Speaker 1:Yeah, or like a yawn.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Could mean you're bored, or it could mean you're tired.
Speaker 2:Exactly, yeah, it depends.
Speaker 1:It does.
Speaker 2:Okay, and then clusters. Yes, we've talked about this before, but it's about looking for multiple signals.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Not just isolated gestures.
Speaker 1:So if someone is avoiding eye contact, but their body is relaxed, yeah. And they sound friendly.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They're probably just shy.
Speaker 2:Yeah, probably Not deceptive Okay. And then there's congruence.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about making sure your body language aligns with your words. Oh, fantastic If you're saying yes, but shaking your head no.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You're sending mixed signals.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and that can be really confusing it can create confusion and distrust. Exactly.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And then consistency. That's about looking for patterns in someone's behavior over time.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:So if they're usually really outgoing and then all of a sudden they're withdrawn, something might be up.
Speaker 2:Something's going on. Yeah, it could be a sign of stress, deception or just a change in mood.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay, so it doesn't necessarily mean anything bad.
Speaker 2:No, not necessarily it's just something to be aware of. And finally, culture. We have to be aware that different cultures have different norms for body language.
Speaker 1:What's considered polite in one culture could be rude in another.
Speaker 2:Exactly, yeah, okay, so we have to be mindful of cultural differences when we're interpreting those nonverbal cues.
Speaker 1:That's a good point. Okay, so those five C's are a really good framework for understanding the complexities of body language.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. They really highlight how much more there is to communication than just the words we speak, our tone of voice, our posture, our facial expressions.
Speaker 1:All of it.
Speaker 2:It all plays a role in conveying meaning.
Speaker 1:And that's why self-awareness is so crucial. It is.
Speaker 2:We have to be mindful of the signals that we're sending, both verbally and non-verbally.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Okay so this has been a lot of information.
Speaker 2:I know.
Speaker 1:To digest.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:So we're going to take a little break.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And then when we come back, yes. We're going to dive into even more.
Speaker 2:I'm ready.
Speaker 1:Specific techniques.
Speaker 2:I know me too.
Speaker 1:For ethical persuasion.
Speaker 2:Can't wait. All right, we'll be back in a important to remember that manipulation can take many forms from those subtle psychological tactics to outright coercion.
Speaker 1:So we've looked at the dark side all those manipulation tactics, the personality types, even the psychology of cults.
Speaker 2:It's been a lot.
Speaker 1:It has been a lot yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But now I'm really eager to shift gears and talk about how we can use this knowledge to become more persuasive ourselves.
Speaker 2:I like it Ethically, of course.
Speaker 1:Of course ethically.
Speaker 2:Because you know there are ways to use this stuff that aren't so good.
Speaker 1:Yes, definitely.
Speaker 2:But we want to focus on the good.
Speaker 1:The good stuff.
Speaker 2:Yes, the good stuff.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's do it.
Speaker 2:Okay, so one of the sources that you gave me dives into the power of framing.
Speaker 1:Oh yes, framing In persuasion, framing is so powerful.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's basically about how the way we present information can influence people's perceptions and decisions.
Speaker 1:It really can. Yeah, it can completely change how people see things.
Speaker 2:Like I've heard about this a lot with political campaigns. Oh yeah, how?
Speaker 1:people see things.
Speaker 2:Like I've heard about this a lot with political campaigns, oh yeah, when you know a candidate can spin a negative issue into a positive one just by choosing the right words. Exactly, it's all about using language to evoke a specific emotional response. Okay, or reinforce a particular perspective.
Speaker 1:Okay, you know. So instead of saying like this product is expensive.
Speaker 2:Right, you could say this product is an investment. Exactly, you're highlighting the value the long-term benefits right, rather than focusing on that upfront cost see, I see. So the source gives a lot of different examples yes, it does how framing is used in like marketing advertising everyday conversations, even to shape our perceptions and influence our choices.
Speaker 1:So it's like we're all living in this.
Speaker 2:It is a little bit Matrix of carefully crafted narratives. Yeah, it's a powerful concept, isn't it?
Speaker 1:Yeah, it is, it is, and so the more we understand the power of framing yes, the better we can critically evaluate information.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 1:And make our own choices. So it's not just about being persuasive ourselves, but it's about being smart consumers of information and recognizing when other people are trying to manipulate us.
Speaker 2:That's right. Don't let them get away with it.
Speaker 1:Don't let them. Okay Now, another source that you gave me talked about nonverbal communication, specifically in the context of persuasion.
Speaker 2:Body language. It can be just Another source that you gave me. Talked about nonverbal communication. Yes.
Speaker 1:Specifically in the context of persuasion.
Speaker 2:Body language.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It can be just as influential as our words.
Speaker 1:I've definitely noticed that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think we all have.
Speaker 1:Sometimes you can just sense someone's sincerity or lack thereof.
Speaker 2:Just from their body language.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Even if their words are saying something different Totally from their body language, even if their words are saying something different Totally. That's because our nonverbal cues, our posture, our gestures, our facial expressions. They often convey our true feelings and intentions, even when we're trying to mask them.
Speaker 1:So how can we use body language? That is the question To our advantage when we're trying to be persuasive.
Speaker 2:Well, the source suggests that the key is congruence.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Making sure our nonverbal cues are aligned with our verbal message.
Speaker 1:Okay, so like if I'm trying to convey confidence. Yes, I need to have good posture.
Speaker 2:Yes, stand up straight.
Speaker 1:Shoulders back.
Speaker 2:Shoulders back. Make eye contact. Eye contact Okay, yes.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about saying the right words.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's about embodying, yes, the message.
Speaker 2:Embodying the message. I like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And the source also highlights the importance of mirroring. Ah yes, Fuddly matching the other person's body language to create that sense of connection and rapport.
Speaker 1:We talked about that a little bit with NLP.
Speaker 2:We did.
Speaker 1:It's kind of like creating that subconscious sense of harmony, harmony and understanding. Yeah.
Speaker 2:And when it comes to persuasion, I can make all the difference.
Speaker 1:It can.
Speaker 2:Because when we feel like someone is on the same wavelength as us, we're naturally more inclined to trust them and be open to their message.
Speaker 1:So if they're leaning forward, yes. I should lean forward a little bit Subtly.
Speaker 2:You don't want to be too obvious.
Speaker 1:Right right.
Speaker 2:But just a little bit.
Speaker 1:Yeah, okay.
Speaker 2:And if they're speaking softly, you might lower your voice slightly.
Speaker 1:Okay, so just kind of match their energy.
Speaker 2:Yeah, match their energy. But, do it genuinely. Don't be fake.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's not about being fake. It's about creating a space for a deeper connection.
Speaker 1:Okay, so I'm curious about touch.
Speaker 2:Yes, touch.
Speaker 1:Because I've heard that a well-placed touch can create a sense of intimacy and trust.
Speaker 2:It can, but it's also a very delicate area. Yes, it is.
Speaker 1:You have to be very mindful of social norms and personal boundaries.
Speaker 2:You can't just go around touching everyone. No, you can't, so what's okay and what's not okay.
Speaker 1:Well, a light touch on the arm or shoulder can convey warmth and connection.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:But anything more intimate could be perceived as inappropriate or even threatening.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so it's really about.
Speaker 1:It's about using touch judiciously and respectfully.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And always being attuned to the other person's nonverbal cues.
Speaker 2:Right, because if they're like recoiling, yeah, exactly, you need to back off. Yeah, yeah, step back, yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, right, because if they're like recoiling. Yeah exactly you need to back off. Yeah, yeah, okay, okay. So another source you gave me. Yes, talked about the connection between our mindset.
Speaker 2:Oh yes.
Speaker 1:And our ability to influence others.
Speaker 2:That's an important one.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it basically said that our beliefs about ourselves.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And our abilities can impact how persuasive we are.
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1:And I've noticed that in my own life.
Speaker 2:Oh really.
Speaker 1:Like when I feel confident, I'm way more persuasive.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But when I'm feeling like Insecure. Insecure.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a lot harder to get your message across.
Speaker 1:It is, it is.
Speaker 2:That's because our inner state is reflected in our outward behavior.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know when we believe in ourselves? Yeah, it shows.
Speaker 1:It does.
Speaker 2:In our body language, our tone of voice yeah. Our overall demeanor.
Speaker 1:So it's not about just like. Faking it, faking it till you make it Till you make it.
Speaker 2:No, it has to be genuine.
Speaker 1:It does.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you have to cultivate genuine self-belief. Okay, so how do we do that?
Speaker 1:Well, the source offers some practical tips for building self-confidence. Okay, like setting realistic goals.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Celebrating your accomplishments.
Speaker 2:Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:And surrounding yourself with supportive people.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so it's like creating this positive feedback loop. Yes, that reinforces that sense of self-worth, exactly, and then that allows us to show up more confidently. With greater confidence and influence, and the source also talked about resilience. Ah, resilience it was that ability to bounce back from setbacks yes, Because the path to success is rarely smooth.
Speaker 1:Very rarely, right.
Speaker 2:Yes, there are always going to be setbacks.
Speaker 1:It's about how you handle those setbacks.
Speaker 2:So it's not about avoiding failure. No, it's about.
Speaker 1:It's about developing the mental and emotional fortitude to persevere through difficult times and come out stronger on the other side.
Speaker 2:I like that. Yeah, because we're all going to challenge us. We are.
Speaker 1:It's part of life, but it's how we respond Exactly that determines whether we succeed or fail.
Speaker 2:Yeah Wow, this has been quite the journey. It has been a fail. Yeah Wow, this has been quite the journey.
Speaker 1:It has been a journey.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:From like the dark arts of manipulation.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:To like these empowering principles of ethical persuasion. Yeah, we talked about personality types.
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:Body language storytelling.
Speaker 2:The whole shebang. Yeah, the whole shebang.
Speaker 1:Yeah, psychology of cults.
Speaker 2:Yeah, self-esteem no-transcript.
Speaker 1:Importantly yes to build that self-awareness that's so important emotional intelligence as the foundation yeah. Authentic and fulfilling relationship yes, absolutely so knowledge is power. It is.
Speaker 2:But it's how we choose to use that power Exactly that truly matters.
Speaker 1:So go forth and use these insights wisely.
Speaker 2:Yes, ethically, ethically.
Speaker 1:And always with the intention.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Of creating a more positive and empowering world.
Speaker 2:I love that. That's a great place to end it.
Speaker 1:I think so too. All right Well.
Speaker 2:An empowering world. I love that. That's a great place to end it. I think so too.
Speaker 1:All right, well thanks so much for joining me on this deep dive. This has been fun. Yeah, it has. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2:All right, we'll see you next time.
Speaker 1:See you later.