6 Ways to Influence People

6 Ways to Influence People

Other than hypnosis or blackmail, is there really a way to have influence on others? Surprisingly, there is, and it doesn't even involve doing anything sneaky or illegal. You don't need magical powers either to make people follow your commands. All you have to do is show confidence without being arrogant and people will naturally gravitate towards you and give you the respect and obedience you want or need in your work or personal life.

There is a huge difference between being a dictator and being a well-respected person. You can't demand respect from people, but you can certainly command it. If you have a healthy level of self-esteem and you display a confident demeanor, people around you will automatically respect and follow you even if you don't demand it from them.

It's not always easy to become an influential and powerful person, but it's not impossible. If you want to gain the respect of your peers and have people follow you, here are 6 things you need to start doing:

1. Respect others.

People will respect you if you show them respect. There are many ways to show your respect to others. For instance, when you talk to someone, avoid contradicting or telling the other person outright that he or she is wrong. A better strategy is to find something you share in common with that person and go on from there. The fastest way to alienate others is to immediately establish yourself as different. Focus on similar patterns, not differences.

2. Initiate social conversations.

In gatherings where people don't really know each other, there is usually some amount of tension because everyone is simply waiting for everyone else to start talking and socializing. Don't wait for someone to approach you and talk to you; take the initiative. Start talking to the person next to you. When you put on a friendly demeanor, you give others the impression that you're an approachable person. You'll put people at ease whenever they're around you.

3. Don't get into arguments.

Unless you're in a formal debate, you should never start an unnecessary argument with other people. People's opinions are always going to be different and just because they don't agree with you doesn't mean they're wrong.

4. Admit your mistakes.

The most influential people in the world didn't earn the respect of the people around them because they're perfect. They earned people's respect precisely because they know they're not perfect. Influential people know when to admit the mistakes they make.

5. Show genuine interest in what others have to say.

When you are genuinely interested to hear what others are saying, it makes them feel appreciated no matter how trivial the topic of conversation may be. Whether you are talking to the president of the United States or a cleaning lady at the hotel, listen because it's a sign of respect for a fellow human being. Give the other person your full attention. Make use of non-verbal cues to let the other person know you're listening. For instance, make direct eye contact, position your body so that you're facing the other person, and avoid crossing your arms.

6. Ask for other people's opinions.

Even if you're considered an expert in a particular field, ask people what they think after you state an opinion or make a speech or a presentation. This will encourage them to think from your perspective and influence them to follow your way of thinking.

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