Robert Cialdini: The Six Principles Of Persuasion

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According to psychologist Robert Cialdini the best way to succeed while persuading an audience is to follow six principles, which we are going to discuss this week. The six powerful and effective principles of persuasion are reciprocity, scarcity, authority, commitment and consistency, consensus, and liking. (McLean, 2010, 538) The principle of reciprocity is an act of giving back to others the same form of behavior, gift or services that was received. That is, if my friend invites me for Christmas party this year, I am obliged to invite him or her for my future party or if my colleague renders me a favor when I needed it most, it is my duty to render my colleague a favor in the future. The principle of reciprocity therefore builds trust, relationships …show more content…

It is activated by looking and asking for minute voluntary, active and public initial written commitments. For example, a health centre who writes down future appointment detail on the appointment card for their patients will be able to reduce their patient missed appointment by 18% or more. In addition, when people look at the action and behaviors of other people to determine their own actions and behavior especially when they are not sure, they are practicing the principle of consensus. This principle can be used to earn customer’s loyalty by simply using a statement or an identity to ask customers to start from little actions, and then gradually encourage them to commit to the action and reward them for committing to the action. Finally, the principle of liking is the act of looking for areas of similarity that one share with others and giving realistic compliments before getting down to business. This simply means that it is possible for one to say yes to the people they are similar to, people who compliments them, and who cooperate with them towards mutual objectives. This principle includes the perception of safety and belonging in interaction. (McLean,

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