Manipulation has become increasingly common in the digital age. From social media to personal relationships, manipulators “employ” various techniques to gain power, control or personal advantage. Manipulation is a complex psychological tactic used to influence or control others. While it can be employed in harmless ways, it should not be used to cheat or harm others.
People also use manipulation techniques to convince a friend, win an argument, or make a great first impression at a business meeting. If you want to understand what manipulation looks like, we are here to help you:
Silent Treatment
While it’s common for a person to emotionally and verbally shut down when they’re experiencing overwhelming feelings, it can also be intentionally used as a manipulation tactic. Cutting off communication is a form of manipulation sometimes used to hammer home your demands or express disapproval. This can include withholding affection, communication or intimacy.
Leadership
This can sometimes be employed to ace an interview. Always present yourself as you are aware of the situation. When you show that you know what you’re talking about, people are more drawn to you and trust you. You can accomplish this by sharing your experiences or what you have learned. For example, include any relevant schooling or achievements you’ve had. The more confident and knowledgeable you appear the more likely people are to listen to you.
Change the Subject
Changing the topic is a normal aspect of conversations, but a manipulator uses this passive-aggressive tactic to confuse or distract the other person from the actual subject. When a partner makes a valid point in a conversation or receives a compliment from another person, a manipulator will change the subject to prevent them from speaking to shift attention and appear in the spotlight.
Mirror Body Language
People prefer to be with others who are similar to them. Manipulators subtly replicate body language, like leaning in when they do or matching their facial expressions to win over people.
Sweet Talk
Sweet words, such as praises, can have a significant impact on how others see you. When you compliment someone, it instantly lifts their mood, increases their confidence, and makes them more willing to listen to you. Note these subtle cues to tell your friends from opportunistic manipulators.
Embracing Emotional Appeal
This method can be employed to make friends. Another great way of winning over people is by sharing personal emotional stories and experiences. When you share an experience that brings out feelings of happiness, sadness, or inspiration, it creates a strong connection while also encouraging people to support your ideas.
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