I am not a psychologist. But I see a problem in our country, in which so many people are blind to facts or are acting against their own self interests. Many of these people have been brainwashed by years of exposure to FOX and R lies.
How do we stop this? How do we reach out to people? Calling them deplorable may be justified but it probably will not win hearts and minds. Techniques have been used on them; we have to use other techniques to pry them away from the dark side.
In this piece I’ll discuss some of the persuasion techniques over at UpWork and then move on to a few other suggestions. But, before we get to anything, remember REPETITION and DON’T EXPECT IMMEDIATE CONVERSION.
Now for some techniques.
1. Mimicry.
Yes, people identify with those who look like them and who sound like them. This may be considered racist or sexist or ageist but it is a fact. And there are probably some instinctual reasons for this, some reasons that our brains find difficult to overcome. For example, little babies can distinguish between loads of different sounds while children are already losing that ability. People tend to be nervous around people with accents or completely different languages.
So, if you already look and sound like those you want to persuade, great. If you look and sound too different, you may want to bring along a surrogate, at least until they get used to you. Or use examples in the news with whom they can identify, like the guy in KY who finally came out what we have known
Extra tip: use the language and the phrases that these people are using. We Democrats almost always have facts on our side, so if the people you’re speaking to are worried about the swamp or the deficit, start by acknowledging their worries. And then bring in the facts.
2. People are risk averse.
Again, our brains get wired in childhood and we’re often trying to get back to a time when we felt safe. What we learned earlier just feels right and the idea of moving in a new direction is scary.
They are especially nervous about losing what they already have or what they believe they have.
This ought to be an easy lesson for Democrats to apply, because Republicans are trying to take away so much: health care, net neutrality, clean water, education, social security — the list goes on and on. Just use some of their own quotes, such as Ryan and social security, McSally and health care, Rubio and taxes.
3. Social Influence
People are more encouraged to think a certain way if they think other people think this way. It gives them confidence. Testimonials, approvals, endorsements, and so on.
A lot of this is just what the Russians did on Facebook, but in reverse. And it is important to reach those outside our bubbles. Comments under articles. Thumbs ups for those you want to succeed. Signs on highways and in yards and bumper stickers on cars. These things make a difference.
4. Reciprocity
You want to convert someone to your way of thinking? If you can, do something nice for that person first. That will make the person more open to your persuasion.
5. Success breeds success
People like to back a winner. We should be touting the great blue wave and all the elections we have won. Be positive! (I recommend the daily Good News Roundup for those who want to be positive.)
6. Commitment and consistency
If you can get people involved, they will do more. Even little things — Postcards 2 Voters, calling congress people, small donations — these get people to be more interested.
You also need to remember that people may have been committed to the other side for a long time and it is very hard for them to break away.
7. Anchoring
People tend to focus on the first piece of information learned. In many cases, this is what is working against us. They have heard forever that Democrats are horrible.
8. The Liking Principle
If you like someone, you’re more likely to believe them. So, be likable.
There are some more ideas at UpWork.
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Repetition. Goebbels said that a lie, told often enough, became the truth. Well, if you tell the truth often enough, it should also become the truth. On the other hand, it’s also better not to nag and to try to somehow arrange for those you’re trying to persuade to be exposed to the information in other ways.
Don’t expect results immediately. Most people aren’t converted immediately, especially if they have been thinking in the other way for a long time. I know I have been frustrated by presenting facts to people only to have them rejected. On the other hand, sometimes I learn that my words did have an impact, just not right away.
Remember the other side has been using these techniques and so many people need to be unprogrammed, to let go of ideas wired into their brains.
If you have other suggestions, please include in the comments!
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