subject: Persuasion And Influence-Expelliarmus! Your Way to Persuasive Success [print this page] Persuasion And Influence-Expelliarmus! Your Way to Persuasive Success
In a previous article, I discussed the power of the word because' in human psychology and how it can boost your chances of persuasive success. The large amount of feedback I received prompted me to further my research and I believe that I have found another of these supposed magic words.
Imagine'
The word imagine' seems to have a similar effect to the word because' in the sense that it can allow you to be a more effective persuader and increase your influence over others.
When you use the word imagine', you are implanting a visual image in the other person's head, inducing that person to seriously consider the possibility of the image becoming reality. With this image in their head, you will find it much easier to convince or persuade them to agree with your request since you have already sort of forced them to give it serious thought.
Here are some examples in different contexts that the word imagine' could come in handy.
You're trying to convince a girl to become your girlfriend
You: "Can you imagine how happy we will be when we are together?"
In this case, you are making use of both the word imagine' and the technique of framing. You are already inducing her to believe that the both of you will be happy together and this helps to compliment the power of the word imagine'.
You're a car salesman desperate to sell your car to the prospect
You: "Sir, can you imagine how comfortable your son Jake will be in this car when you go on long road trips?"
Again, making use of the word imagine' and the idea of the car being comfortable aids you in your effort to sell the car. Also, the focus on the son Jake can help to further induce happy feelings in the customer which can boost your chances of convincing the customer and making that sale.
In the Harry Potter series, the spell Expelliarmus' is used by the characters to disarm their opponents. Similarly, the word imagine' enables your target to lower their guard by inducing positive feelings in them and thus, increasing your chances of convincing or influencing them.
Go out there and try this word out! As with any other persuasion technique, it may not work all the time but don't be disheartened and keep trying or even use a variety of techniques in a combination. Good luck!