How To Use Psychology To Get Ahead

Psychology tells us there are many ways to help mold someone’s perception of you. If you know just a few of these tricks, you can use them to your advantage in your work life, in particular.

Do you want a raise? You can use the head nod to help predispose someone to agreeing with your request.

When you are talking with your boss, begin nodding your head as you detail the good things about yourself and your work product. Research shows that your nodding helps the other person believe that what you are saying is true.

Consequently, they are more likely to agree with your request. But don’t overdo the nodding. You need to appear natural and not like a bobblehead. Interestingly, your head nodding also makes you more of a believer in what you are saying.

Once you have the head nodding down, try to speak a little faster. People who speak at three to five words per second are seen as more persuasive. Quicker speech seems to make listeners think you are confident, which translates to a more influential presentation. Also, add three to four short pauses per minute to your speech. And, a man who uses a lower pitched voice is also considered more convincing.

Got a foe at work who speaks badly about you in meetings? Sit beside the offender at the next meeting. Your proximity deters someone from…