7 Psychology Tricks That Feel Like Scams - But Actually Work
Ways to Influence Human Behavior
Do you ever notice how uncomfortable people get when things go quiet? Like, really quiet? Most of us hate that kind of silence. It makes the air feel heavy. People start shuffling, coughing, or doing anything to break it.
But here’s what matters: if you can hold that silence, you control the room.
I learned this from a story about Steve Jobs I once read. Jobs was known for letting the silence stretch — he’d propose and then just wait. The other person, desperate to end the silence, would often concede points they hadn’t planned to, giving Jobs exactly what he wanted.
I tried it myself once when I had nothing left to say. Instead of rambling, I just… stopped. I watched as the other guy fidgeted, And? He gave me more than I asked for, just to end the quiet.
“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero
Silence makes people uncomfortable.
They fill the gap, often with more information than they intended.
The Ego-Bait Technique
You’re not going to believe this, but… compliments can manipulate even the strongest people.
Here’s the thing: We all crave validation. Even those who pretend they don’t care? They care. I know I do. And if you tell someone what they want to hear their guard drops. It sounds scammy, right? But it’s effective.
“Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it but don’t swallow it.” — Hank Ketcham
Compliments can be the backdoor to someone’s mind. Use only if they’re genuine enough to pass as believable.
Stroke their ego: Make them feel important.
Be sincere enough to be believable.
Compliments lower defenses, making people more receptive.
People want to feel seen, to be heard. Stroke the ego just enough, and they’ll give you what you want.
Agree to Disagree… Then Twist the Knife
No one teaches this, but… the fastest way to change someone’s mind isn’t arguing with them.
We all hate being wrong. It’s an attack on our identity. So, when someone comes at us with facts, we put up walls, defend our ground, and shut them out.
But what if, instead of attacking, you agree?
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” — Dale Carnegie
I remember reading about Dale Carnegie. He taught that if you want to win people over, you first have to make them feel understood. In his classes, Carnegie said never to argue but instead acknowledge the other person’s perspective.
“Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from,” you say. You build that bridge of rapport, making them feel understood. And then — here’s the part they never see coming — you gently introduce your counterpoint.
Agree first, and build rapport.
Slowly twist in your argument — not to confront, but to suggest.
They think they figured it out themselves.
Like letting them walk into the truth themselves. They don’t feel attacked, and weirdly enough, they think it’s their own idea. People are far less defensive when you agree with them first.
Mirror Like You Mean It
Mimicking someone’s body language can make them like you.
I know it sounds almost too simple, but mirroring works. We like people who remind us of ourselves, even in the smallest ways. When you lean in as they do, or cross your legs when they do, it creates an unconscious bond. (or maybe it will get weird)
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” — Oscar Wilde
Think about Tom Hanks, one of the most beloved actors ever. In interviews, he often mirrors the interviewer’s body language — if they lean in, he does too. It’s simple, but it makes people feel like he’s on the same wavelength as them.
You’re showing them, without saying a word, that you’re on the same page.
Mirror their posture: Not in a mocking way, but slowly.
Reflect on their tone and pace.
They see themselves in you. And that’s something most people can’t resist.
The Underdog Manipulation
People love an underdog story, but…
Sometimes being the underdog isn’t a disadvantage — it’s leverage. When you let others see a bit of your struggle, you’d be surprised how they react. They step in to help. They want to see you succeed.
You’re not trying to be pitiable. You’re being relatable. When you present yourself as someone who’s almost there but could use a boost, people naturally want to be the hero.
Show vulnerability, but don’t overdo it.
Invite empathy, don’t beg for pity.
People love helping the underdog.
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Hype
You might not like hearing this, but… FOMO works on everyone.
Even if you think you’re above it, the psychology of scarcity digs deep. It’s wired into us — when we think something’s about to disappear, we want it more. We think, what if I miss out?
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” — Thomas Edison
Powerful people use FOMO to control audiences, even inciting hate. They create fear of missing out on safety, belonging, or identity. It’s why divisive speeches work—why “act now before it’s too late” becomes a rallying cry people blindly follow.
Wars are waged on this premise. Leaders convince populations they’ll lose their culture, values, or place in history if they don’t act. They create fear of missing out on security and survival, making people hate their neighbors, pick up arms, and fight.
Scarcity drives desire.
People hate being left out, even if they pretend not to care.
FOMO can push people to act, sometimes irrationally, just to avoid that feeling.
The Confession Game
Here’s the part no one wants to admit: if you confess something mildly negative about yourself first, the other person is more likely to trust you.
It sounds counterintuitive — admit a flaw?
But, When someone confesses something vulnerable, you feel closer to them. Like they’re letting you in. So you reciprocate.
“Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure.” — James Altucher
You’re not actually being vulnerable. You’re creating an illusion of openness that invites the other person to open up even more.
This Post Was Just a Tip of The Iceberg
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I was already using the first, but fomo - gonna try that. These were great tips 👌