Can One Word Increase Your Influence?

How One Word Can Increase Your Ability to Influence

Imagine you’re waiting in line to get copies made on a Xerox machine. A woman approaches you and says, “Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine?”

Do you let her cut in line to do so?

Do you tell her no?

If you are like 60% of subjects in this study, you let her. However, take the same situation with a new twist...

This time she approaches you and says, “Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I’m in a rush?”

This time 94% of subjects allow her to cut in line! What was the difference?

Maybe because they said they were in a rush? The study tried, “Excuse me, I wonder if I could ask you a favor. May I skip ahead of you in line because I have to make some copies?”

This time it was not a good reason. There was no rush. However, still 93% allowed her to cut in line. It didn’t matter what the reason was, the difference that made the difference was…

Simply the word “because”

That means it didn’t matter how good or bad the reason was if the word “because” was used it automatically increased compliance.

If you are trying to prove your case or help influence someone make sure to make a statement then link “because” to a reason.

1) Statement: “I would like you to read this new article because…

2) Reason: …you’ll really enjoy it and find distinctions to help change your life”

It’s as simple that! Now some people get uncomfortable when talking about influence and persuasion. Here’s what we have to realize though. Influence is like a hammer.

We can use it to build things or destroy things. We can use it to help or to hurt. It’s all about how we use this particular tool. Remember this though, to lead people effectively we must influence!
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The “Because Frame” is a very powerful influence tool that is so simple and it “flies beneath the radar.” Don’t underestimate it though “because” it will help give you an advantage in influence. 

Want to learn more ninja influence tricks like this?

Click here to Discover "5 Covert Language Patterns for Instantly Influencing Others"