How to manipulate people with words? It's simple! You just need to understand the theory.
Communication between people is an integral part of our lives. When you encounter people, you are somehow manipulated. Moreover, you yourself use these techniques in relation to others. Most people mistakenly think that manipulation is always negative. However, methods of manipulation are often used to achieve a positive effect in work, relationships, and communication with people. In today’s article we will take a closer look at the following issues of manipulative communication:
- Manipulation - the psychology of communicating with people
- What types of people are most susceptible to manipulation?
- Psychological portrait of a manipulator
- Types of manipulators in psychology
- Types of manipulations in psychology
- Is it always bad to be a manipulator?
- How to learn to manipulate people
We figure out how to properly manipulate people with words
Manipulation - the psychology of communicating with people
Manipulative communication in psychological theory is aimed at extracting benefits from the interlocutor. This happens through the use of various techniques (flattery, deception, demonstration of kindness, false love, etc.). Everything depends on the personality characteristics of the manipulator and the manipulated person.
Manipulations are a type of monologue communication. These relationships develop when the partners have unequal positions, which can be imperative and manipulative:
- The imperative is an open manifestation of one person's dominance over another. Such communication can be observed between parents and children. For example, when a mother or father tries to influence the child with open pressure (shouting, orders, etc.).
- The manipulative is hidden. That is, when the manipulator does not clearly show the desire to subjugate another person to his will. The manipulator seeks to use his partner in such a way that he does not notice it. For example, manipulation can be observed when one partner instills a false sense of guilt in the other.
The methods and techniques of manipulation are quite extensive. However, it is worth remembering that their main goal is to subjugate another person to their will.
Many manipulators feel how to properly manipulate people with words.
Agree on something
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Every psychologist will say: if you want to increase the confidence of your interlocutor, look him in the eyes. However, if you need to agree on something, it is better to avoid eye contact . Here's why: it doesn't scare people. By lowering your eyes after a request, you will form the impression that you are either very naive or shy.
This trick reduces the other person's vigilance and helps to speak directly to the other person's subconscious. By the end of the day, you will get an unconscious "yes", even if at first there was a firm "no" in their eyes.
What types of people are most susceptible to manipulation?
It is quite difficult to create a single portrait of a person being manipulated. Each of us has vulnerable personality traits that a potential manipulator can put pressure on.
In the science of psychology, there are certain types of people who can become potential victims of manipulation:
- The first type is people for whom their needs are a factor in their safe and comfortable state. At this level, manipulations are carried out. In this case, manipulation can take the form of providing and not providing the needs necessary for a person to achieve the goals of manipulation.
- The second type is neurotic people who spend most of their lives in a stressful state. This type of people is characterized by melancholicity, vulnerability, and the predominance of the emotional part over the rational. Manipulation of such people occurs at the level of their emotions and feelings. Such people are characterized by methods of manipulating feelings (shame, love, affection), gaslighting, and instilling feelings of guilt.
- The third type combines rational people with developed logical thinking. Manipulation at the level of feelings is useless for such people. They are built on the basis of pressure on their self-esteem, conscience, self-esteem.
- The fourth type are people with various psychological disorders who cannot be aware of what is happening around them.
By determining what type of personality you are, you can predict manipulation.
Learning to see how to correctly manipulate people with words
Recognize the location of the interlocutor
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A win-win option is to watch your feet. If the interlocutor only turns his body towards you, and his feet “look” in the other direction , most likely he does not want to talk to you.
The same trick allows you to determine whether other people are interested in your opinion. If you find two people arguing or talking about something, see if they turn in your direction. Again, if only your upper body is looking at you, they probably don't really want you to be involved in the conversation.
Psychological portrait of a manipulator
Every manipulator is a subtle psychologist. Some people who use manipulation in their lives do it unconsciously. At a subconscious level, they determine through what qualities of the manipulated they can achieve their goal. Conscious manipulators are able to determine a person’s personality type. Afterwards, identify weaknesses, character traits through which he can subjugate his will.
As with the portrait of a potential victim, it is quite difficult to determine a specific personality type for a manipulator. It is important to know that these could be:
- Strong personalities who use active manipulative roles
- Weak individuals who control others, being in a position of constant “victim”.
To identify a manipulator, it is important to know his behavioral traits:
- Non-acceptance of criticism, accompanied by a sharp reaction to it;
- Criticism and condemnation of others, indications of incompetence, lack of necessary skills and abilities;
- Denial of one's guilt and mistakes;
- Confidence in one's own rightness;
- Non-acceptance of someone else's opinion that goes against the opinion of the manipulator;
- Shifting responsibility;
- Forcing relationships, which is also accompanied by erasing personal boundaries;
- Active manifestation of dominance in communication;
- Frequent flattery, false and excessive displays of kindness and friendliness;
- Using techniques to put pressure on a person, including instilling a false sense of guilt;
- Constantly maintaining tension in relationships. This is typical for passive manipulators. They use gaslighting techniques, being in the “victim” position.
A manipulator in relationships with people will one way or another exhibit some of these listed signs. If you see this type of behavior, be on your guard!
Now you roughly understand how to learn to manipulate people
Increase your attractiveness
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When you meet someone for the first time and rush to shake their hand, make sure your hand is warm: this will make a better impression on the other person.
see also
20 psychological tricks that will help you in everyday life
Types of manipulators
In psychology, manipulators are conventionally divided into active and passive. This division has to do with the roles they take on in the relationship.
- Active manipulators
This type is characterized by the use of active techniques of influence and domination over a person. For example, a type of such manipulation may be the establishment of total control over another person. The following types of active manipulators are distinguished:
- Dictator. This is a person who uses his position in society to achieve his goals. He often points out his authority;
- Prosecutor. A person who perceives himself as a leader and the people around him as dependent on him. Uses tactics of accusation and humiliation of others for his own self-affirmation;
- Rebel. A person with open or passive aggressive behavior, accompanied by rudeness and harshness;
- Businessman. A person who evaluates the weaknesses and strengths of other people. He uses them for his own benefit. This type of manipulator is characterized by calmness, concentration and deceit. Such people are characterized by the use of flattery techniques in relation to others.
- Passive manipulators
This type of manipulator builds their relationships with people, initially placing themselves in a position of subordination. In conflict situations, acting as a “victim”, putting pressure on the partner’s feelings of guilt. This type of manipulator is divided into the following types:
- Weakling. The person acts as a person incapable of performing certain social actions. Is the complete antipode of a dictator, as an active manipulator;
- Threatening. When building a relationship with a person, the manipulator takes a position of constant apology and obedience;
- Virtuous. Such a person consciously shows boundless care, goodwill, and “suffocating love.” Such individuals are characterized by instilling feelings of guilt in others. There is also an instillation of a sense of duty for the excessive love, care, and help shown by the manipulator;
- Defender. A person who positively perceives the mistakes of others, expressing support and sympathy for others. But at the same time, the defender does not admit his own mistakes;
- Indifferent. The face shows complete detachment from business. This type of manipulator often blames other people for their own bad actions.
Some people know what it means to manipulate a person
How to win a girl if she is older or younger than you
How to make a girl fall in love with you if there is an age difference. Let's consider several options:
- If she's younger. In this case, problems should not arise, because any young ladies always give preference to older young men. With them, almost any of the above pickup techniques work easily. You don’t have to use any techniques at all, just offer your chosen one what her peers are unable to give her - and the job is done! You can impress any young lady with almost no effort.
- If she's older. Will it be possible to win over an adult lady? In this case, you will have to work hard, because charming an experienced girl is much more difficult: you will have to use all your charm, prove that you are in many ways superior to her peers, constantly shine with your intelligence and, of course, show your financial capabilities. Remember that nothing is impossible, and a girl older than you will, in any case, be flattered by the attention of a young admirer.
It is believed that in a relationship the man should be older. These are just prejudices. There are many examples when a couple has a slightly or even much older girl, and this does not in the least prevent the partners from living happily. Therefore, do not focus on age and remember - everything is in your hands! Use pickup techniques and you will achieve your goal very quickly.
Types of manipulation in psychology - 14 Methods
The range of manipulator techniques is quite wide and it is almost impossible to list everything. The use of each is determined by the personality of the manipulator himself and the person being directly manipulated.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a way of controlling a person's will. It calls into question the correctness of the partner’s thoughts. This directly affects his confidence in himself and in his actions. The goal of the manipulator in this case is to convince the other that his perception of the current situation is incorrect. This may be accompanied by instilling a false sense of guilt.
An example of gaslighting would be a situation where your partner constantly convinces you that your problems are imaginary and insignificant. At the same time, he will question the adequacy of your behavior, pointing to a violation of mental health. Such manipulations can be accompanied by phrases:
- "You imagined it"
- "You have mental problems"
- “It’s all in your head”, etc.
When gaslighting, do not let the manipulator make you believe that he is biased and wrong.
The art of manipulating people in the form of gaslighting
Projection
Projection is a method of manipulation when a person shifts the blame onto another, constantly looking for justification for his actions. In this case, the manipulator perceives the partner as a “victim” who is constantly being blamed.
For example, a pathological liar may accuse his partner of lying. An employee who does not put in the necessary effort to complete his or her tasks may perceive the boss as ineffective. This is necessary to disagree with the fact that there is not enough effort to get the job done.
Let's figure out why people's minds can be manipulated
Pointless conversation
This method of manipulation is typical for selfish and destructive individuals. The goal of the manipulator is to focus the partner’s attention on himself.
Pointless conversation can also be expressed in conflicts “from scratch.” That is, when the techniques of gaslighting, projection, and substitution of concepts are used in combination. When using this method, the manipulated person does not understand exactly how he got involved in the conversation and why he continues it for so long.
What can you do to prevent this manipulation from working for you? Stay away from open and heated discussions with the provocateur.
The art of manipulating people can also be expressed in meaningless conversations
Unsubstantiated statements
Unsubstantiated statements represent the manipulator’s reluctance to understand the details of your argument. For example, in a generalization based on individual words taken out of context. The goal of the manipulator is to devalue the phenomena and opinions of another person.
With unfounded statements, any aspect of the problem can be exaggerated so much that a serious conversation becomes impossible. For example, you tell a person that their behavior is unacceptable. In response, he immediately makes an unfounded statement about your hypersensitivity.
“You are always dissatisfied with everything” or “Nothing suits you at all.”
We answer what it means to manipulate a person
Substitution of concepts
Such manipulation is based on turning facts from head to toe. That is, using loud expressions and phrases, taking words out of the context of the conversation. The manipulator in this case makes hasty conclusions. That is, he is based on his own emotional reactions, without listening to you in the conversation to the end.
This manipulation is most often characteristic of conflict situations. For example, you express to your partner your worries that he raised his voice at you. Without listening to your arguments to the end, the manipulator begins to say similar phrases: “Does that mean I’m bad for you?”, “Are you ideal?”, “Well, since I’m so disgusting to you.”
Protection against substitution of concepts lies in building clear boundaries with such a person by being confident in your own position. Also the possibility of proving it and stopping the conversation with the manipulator. After all, as a rule, he never stops accusing you for no reason of what you didn’t say.
The highest art of manipulating people is professionally replacing concepts
Changing the topic
This method is used to retreat from the topic being discussed. It is undesirable for the manipulator and his goal is to transfer your attention to a completely different issue.
To prevent this from working for you, repeat your question or statement and don't stray from the original topic.
What does it mean to manipulate a person? Let’s find out
Threats
Such manipulation is typical of active manipulators who use ultimatums and threats. The goal of the manipulator is to conditionally punish the partner for disagreeing with him. This type of manipulator does not accept compromises and can sometimes make threats in the form of a joke.
To protect against such manipulation, respond to the threat by refusing to comply in a similar humorous form. If the manipulator continues to threaten and set conditions, end the conversation.
Why is it possible to manipulate people's minds?
Insults
The most common manipulation using words is insults. It is also typical for active manipulators. Their goal is to provoke a response from their partner through insults and unjustified criticism.
The main thing when using this method against you is not to react to insults.
Why is it possible to manipulate people's minds - Answer
Training
Training is used by a manipulator to subjugate a person, devaluing his desires and opinions. The goal of the manipulator is complete control over the actions of the other by developing the behavior necessary for the manipulator in the partner.
Why is it possible to manipulate people's consciousness - a complex question
Gossip
Vulnerable people, dependent on the opinions of others, are most often subject to such manipulation. The goal of the manipulator is to destroy the partner’s reputation and self-esteem through gossip, slander and rumors.
How to understand that a person is manipulating you - it’s simple!
From love to hate
This method is based on the zoom-out technique. The goal of the manipulator is to erase the personal boundaries of the victim, causing the manipulated person to become dependent on the relationship.
It is quite easy to recognize it. The manipulator demonstrates contradictory behavior: from boundless love to complete hatred and ignorance.
With this type of manipulation, the main way to protect yourself is to stop any contact with such a person.
Let's see how to properly manipulate people with words
Triangulation
Manipulation is based on confirming that one is right by involving an outsider in the dispute. The manipulator has one goal - to provoke the partner’s uncertainty in his own opinion.
To counter triangulation, respond to the manipulator with a “triangulation” of your own. Find support from a third party outside of his control. And don't forget that your position has value too.
What does it mean to manipulate a person?
Shame manipulation
The method is based on emphasizing your shortcomings and instilling a feeling of guilt for them.
This pattern of behavior is often found in parent-child relationships. When scolding a child for an offense, a parent uses the phrases “Aren’t you ashamed?”
The result of this technique is a decrease in the self-esteem of the person who is being manipulated.
How to learn to manipulate people - know the theory of manipulation
Excessive control
Control as a type of manipulation can be material, emotional, social. The goal of the manipulator is to completely take over a person’s feelings, life, and emotions. This is a form of psychological abuse.
To resist the manipulator, maintain control over yourself and the right to privacy.
How to learn to manipulate people - give preventive measures to ordinary manipulation
Melt the ice
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If you know that your interlocutor treats you coldly, ask him for a small favor. For example, pass a pen or bring a cup of coffee. And then thank him by saying how much he helped you and how much it means to you.
As a rule, people are selfish by nature and strive to attach special meaning to each of their actions. By helping you, the interlocutor will gradually shift his negative perception of you into a positive one.
This is a simple approach to forming friendships. see also
20 psychological tricks that will be useful to you in life
Is it always bad to be a manipulator?
We have already said that each of us is a manipulator. It is always worth remembering that manipulators are not always negative individuals. A person's ability to control others can help achieve a personal or common goal without harming others.
The versatility of manipulation lies in the fact that they are often used to prevent conflicts. The main aspect is only the ethical side of the issue - you are secretly using a person.
If you learn the art of manipulation, you can use the skills you acquire for positive purposes. For example, in improving relationships with a partner, preventing quarrels and conflicts. The main thing is to remember that with positive manipulation you cannot use aggressive methods. For example, tactics of humiliation and violent suppression of a person’s will. Your actions should be aimed mostly at gently encouraging the person to take action.
Why it is possible to manipulate people's consciousness - an easily penetrated cognitive subcortex
How to achieve what you want
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Every person has more selfishness than selflessness. Use this knowledge when you need something from someone. Praise your interlocutor , his clothes, shoes or hairstyle (especially if we are talking about a woman). Works flawlessly: this is a favorite trick of salespeople and marketers. And although the “compliment method” borders on manipulation, you should not neglect it if it is a matter of life and death and you urgently need something from another person.
Man and society
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Man is a social creature and cannot fully develop outside of society. That is why the influence of this very society has such a strong impact on your vision and understanding of the world. In other words, any, even the most conscious, person is subject to influence from the outside.
Elements of manipulation of people by other people have existed as long as human society itself has existed. The process of improvement and development of various methods and methods of manipulation resembles the work of a perpetual motion machine. In modern society, in the process of managing a person, the most advanced technical inventions, information and psychological technologies are involved.
Let's look at the most common ones that you encounter every day, often without even realizing it.
Social Proof
This method can be called following or submitting to the herd instinct. The main motto is the saying: “Do like everyone else or be like everyone else.” When you find yourself in a difficult situation or you are faced with a choice that you cannot make, the easiest thing is to obey, and, without thinking too much, do as most people around you do.
Which mobile phone is better to buy? You can choose and analyze the technical characteristics, disadvantages and advantages of each for a long time. It takes energy and time. It is much easier to take a model that your friend bought, who bought this model because it was advertised by a famous person endowed with trust or sympathy.
As a result, a successfully advertised model no longer requires proof of its advantages, and it is better not to talk about its disadvantages at all. The majority chose – that means it’s good.
The oldest professional users of this method are the so-called mourners. They were usually invited to the funeral, and gave the mournful event an appropriate mood. Currently, claqueurs work on this principle, shouting “bravo” louder than anyone else in the hall and thereby “turning on” the whole hall.