Q&A for How to Persuade People

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How do I get my friend to stop talking behind my back?

Community Answer

Just tell them you don't like that. Of course, if they keep talking about you in a negative way, they aren't really your friends. Friends would not treat friends like that.

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Question

How do I persuade a large group of people to accept what I want to do?

Community Answer

Have a rally or a gathering, and make your speech or pitch. Make eye contact with the crowd, be confident, and add a bit of humor to keep the crowd awake.

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Question

How do I make someone do things for me?

Community Answer

You ask nicely. You do not seek to "make" anyone do anything for you, that is manipulative and selfish. Instead, you ask politely for help, you suggest that there are benefits for them in helping you and you reciprocate by doing things for them too, in equal and greater measure. Be kind, as being mean is much harder to rewind.

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Question

How do I convince my principal to let me start the first club of the school?

Community Answer

Explain to him or her why you think having clubs -- and the club you have in mind, specifically -- will be beneficial to the school. Do your research and have your argument well-planned.

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Question

I want to persuade someone to like my favorite TV show! I tried everything just about everything. Should I try reverse psychology?

Doggo

Top Answerer

Some people just don't like certain things. If they seem annoyed, then it's time to stop. If not, "reverse psychology" has a 50% chance of working. It will also seem odd to them that you've changed your mind about your favorite TV show so suddenly.

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Question

My family and I are planning a trip, but they won't let me pitch in any ideas. They have already decided everything, what can I do?

Community Answer

Explain to them that you don't feel good about the trip because they're controlling every aspect of it. Say that you really want to do this particular thing that everybody would enjoy, but they're not giving your ideas a chance. Call them out on it and communicate your disapproval. This might make them feel bad, and then they will accept your input and ideas.

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Question

How do I persuade my parents to let my pet inside?

Community Answer

Explain to them that you want to have quality time with your pet, that you want to build a bond with them, and that it's safer for them to be indoors. Try to be extra responsible to prove to them that you can take care of your pet.

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Question

How do I persuade others to vote for me?

Community Answer

Talk about why voting for you will benefit them.

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Question

How can I use this to convince a teacher to do a certain musical in a letter?

Community Answer

Use the suggestions in this article to support your desire to do the particular musical. Get other students focused on the same idea and have them write letters too.

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Question

How do I persuade my mom to let me do things like go to the pool even when she says no?

Community Answer

Figure out why she doesn't want you to go and convince her otherwise. For example, if she is busy and/or tired, she probably doesn't want to have to go through the trouble of planning everything for you. Therefore, take care of the logistics yourself (schedule, transportation, etc.) to make her job easier. This will also make her see you as being more mature and responsible, meaning that she's more likely to trust you.

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Question

How do I persuade my dad to get a dog, if he doesn't really like them. but I think he's warming around to the idea of one.

Community Answer

Let him know how badly you want one, and try to get him places where he may be able to interact with dogs.

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Question

How do you convince people with cognitive dissonance? (i.e. You thoroughly refute their ideas through reason and evidence, yet their opinions remain the same.)

Community Answer

Well you could try to explain something that they want to do, then mix it together with yours.

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Question

How do I get a friend to let me copy their work?

Community Answer

You shouldn’t copy people’s work at all. If you need help with an assignment, ask for help.

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Question

What should I do if my parents don't want my friend coming over anymore?

Community Answer

Ask them why and try to reason with them. Maybe your friend did or said something your parents misunderstood. Talk to them about all your friend's good qualities.

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