Advanced Persuasion Techniques
If you are having success with basic and intermediate persuasive techniques but want to expand your repertoire, it is time to explore advanced techniques. Successful use of these techniques requires critical thinking, strategic assessment, and excellent delivery. It may take you some time to recognize situations where these techniques are appropriate and how to target the types of people who will best be reached by these techniques.
Ad Hominem
This Latin language phrase simply means "against the man." The ad Hominem technique is a defensive technique primarily used by attacking the competition. This technique, however, is slightly different in that the attack does not contain any relevant assessment. Rather, the actual issue at hand is completely ignored and instead unrelated characteristics or issues are attacked. In simple terminology, it is similar to the concept of shooting the messenger; the messenger is not responsible for the message but an attack on the messenger may divert attention away from whatever the actual issue is. Ultimately, ad Hominem relies on misdirection and the likelihood that people will fall for it.The ad Hominem technique is frequently used in elections where it is used similarly to the slippery slope technique where one (real or perceived) characteristic about a candidate is used to assume other characteristics or beliefs. One of the reasons that the ad Hominem technique is so successful is because people often disagree as to what information is relevant. If a politician running as governor has had an extramarital affair, many people believe that an opposing candidate focusing on that is employing the ad Hominem technique as the affair is presumably unrelated to the candidate's ability to perform job responsibilities such as balancing the budget, overseeing executive functions, and so on. Alternatively, other people may believe that the affair represents the candidate's character and believe that this issue is relevant; these scenarios typically represent the most effective use of ad Hominem behaviors.
The Big Lie
Politicians and world leaders have long known about the use of the Big Lie. This technique operates on the understanding that it is easier to get people to support or believe one big lie as opposed to several small ones. There are several social psychology aspects at play in the Big Lie. First, part of human nature dictates that we all want to belong; this is the same reason that persuasive techniques like bandwagon are so successful. Social phenomena like groupthink also play a considerable role in the Big Lie. The Big Lie does not always have to involve dire circumstances but it can, as evidenced when Hitler delivered it. The Big Lie is why you should always question your assumptions.Diversion
Diversion is a technique that is similar to ad Hominem but is usually less aggressive (and thus more ethical). Although diversion can certainly be used unethically, it also is a great way to persuade people in particular circumstances. When you use diversion, you are essentially performing a (hopefully) more convincing version of, "Oh my gosh look over there!" while you take their money, hit them, or whatever your preferred slapstick movie does. Also referred to as a red herring, diversion is designed to throw people off. This can be a very helpful way to distract or dissuade someone.Groupthink
Groupthink occurs when all of the members of a group get stuck in one particular way of thinking or behaving despite the fact that the individuals would not do the same thing on their own. Sometimes, in a group we simply want to belong so we go along with things, while other times the dynamics of the group setting simply alters our thinking patterns and we become locked into one mode. In groupthink, typically speaking, both of these things are occurring together on a subconscious level. We get caught up in the moment and in the energy of the group. We end up trusting decisions that are made because everyone else seems to trust them or we think it is okay to act a certain way because everyone else does. Groupthink itself is very dangerous but when it is combined with people or ideas that are charismatic and lack conscience, it can quite literally be deadly. When in doubt, take a moment to think rationally, ignore impulse, and ask yourself whether you would make the same decision if you were alone..]]>