Here’s a focused list of **communication skills tips from Robert Cialdini**, based on *Influence*, *Pre-Suasion*, and his decades of research in psychology and persuasion. Cialdini’s work revolves around **why people say yes**—and how small changes in communication trigger massive differences in response. --- ### **1. Use the Rule of Reciprocity** People feel obligated to return a favor. **Tip:** Give value first—a tip, insight, or small freebie—before asking for something. --- ### **2. Trigger Commitment With Small Yeses** *(Commitment & Consistency)* People who say yes once are more likely to say yes again. **Tip:** Start with low-stakes asks that build momentum. Example: > “Can I send you some info first?” before pitching a service. --- ### **3. Leverage Social Proof** People copy what others do—especially in uncertain situations. **Tip:** Say: > “Most people in your position choose X.” or > “This approach worked for others just like you.” --- ### **4. Establish Authority Early** We trust perceived experts. **Tip:** Briefly mention credentials, results, or testimonials early in the conversation. --- ### **5. Use Scarcity to Increase Value** People want what’s limited. **Tip:** Say: > “We’re only accepting 3 new clients this month.” or > “This offer ends Friday.” --- ### **6. Frame First With Pre-Suasion** What people see or hear *before* your message shapes how they receive it. **Tip:** Set the frame. Say: > “What you’re about to hear could be the most valuable 5 minutes of your day.” before explaining your point. --- ### **7. Use Unity to Build Connection** *(New Principle)* People trust and follow those who seem like “one of us.” **Tip:** Highlight shared identity or values. Example: > “As fellow small business owners…” > “Like you, I’ve struggled with…” --- ### **8. Make Requests Seem Reasonable With a Contrast Effect** If you show something big first, the smaller ask seems easy. **Tip:** Start with a big option, then pivot to what you really want. Example: > “Usually I charge $2,000, but I want to start with just a $250 consultation.” --- ### **9. Use Specific Numbers, Not General Claims** Cialdini’s research shows that specific data builds credibility. **Tip:** Instead of “We’ve helped lots of people,” say > “We’ve helped 437 clients across 17 industries.” --- ### **10. Reduce Uncertainty With Social Proof + Specificity** Combine both for stronger persuasion. **Tip:** > “9 out of 10 freelancers who took this course reported doubling their client base within 90 days.” --- ### **11. Label the Behavior You Want** People want to act in line with a positive identity. **Tip:** Say: > “You seem like someone who really values growth.” Then make your ask. --- ### **12. Ask, Then Justify With “Because”** Even a weak reason increases compliance when you use the word “because.” **Tip:** > “I’d like to move this to the top of the queue *because* it affects multiple teams.” --- ### **13. Frame Things in Losses, Not Gains** *(Loss Aversion)* People hate losing more than they like winning. **Tip:** Say: > “If we don’t fix this, we could lose 30% of conversions.” More persuasive than “We could increase by 30%.” --- ### **14. Prime People With Questions That Align Them** Cialdini recommends asking identity-focused questions. **Tip:** > “How important is it to you to be someone who makes data-driven decisions?” --- ### **15. Create Momentum With Micro-Commitments** Break your message into small yeses. **Tip:** > “Would it be okay if I shared a few numbers?” > “Should I send over the proposal next?” --- ### **16. Use "Because" Even When the Reason Is Weak** People comply more when you provide *any* reason. **Tip:** Instead of “Can you send this today?” say: > “Can you send this today *because* we need to avoid a delay?” --- ### **17. Use Pre-Suasion Triggers in Your Environment** Cialdini showed how physical and verbal cues change receptiveness. **Tip:** Set the scene. Use testimonials, reviews, or mission statements *before* your ask. Influence starts *before* the conversation. --- ### **18. Prime People With Self-Images They Want to Uphold** Ask questions that remind people of their values. **Tip:** > “Are you the type of person who finishes what they start?” People align actions with their identity. --- ### **19. Ask for Advice, Not Opinions** Cialdini’s research shows people who give advice feel more invested in your success. **Tip:** > “What would you suggest I do in this situation?” Triggers empathy and collaboration. --- ### **20. Use Social Proof That Matches Their Identity** People follow those who are *like them.* **Tip:** Don’t say “everyone’s doing this.” Say: > “Other Shopify store owners in your niche are using this.” --- ### **21. Use Public Commitment to Reinforce Follow-Through** Once people commit *publicly*, they’re more likely to follow through. **Tip:** Ask people to say their decision out loud or in writing. Example: > “Can I mark you down as confirmed for Thursday 2PM?” --- ### **22. Borrow Authority When You Don’t Have It Yet** Cialdini explains that people comply with trusted symbols of authority. **Tip:** Reference respected third parties: > “This is based on what Harvard Business Review recommends…” or > “Our lead advisor worked with [well-known client].” --- ### **23. Repeat Key Phrases Right Before Decision Moments** Cialdini calls this *channeling attention to favorable traits*. **Tip:** Right before a sale or decision, reinforce a strength: > “This program is known for being fast to launch and easy to manage.” --- ### **24. Stack Multiple Principles for Maximum Effect** Combining authority + scarcity + social proof works better than using one alone. **Tip:** Example: > “We only have 3 spots left (scarcity), and this method was just featured in Forbes (authority). Most of our clients book within 48 hours (social proof).” --- ### **25. Mention a Small Flaw to Increase Trust** Cialdini shows that admitting a small downside increases credibility. **Tip:** Say: > “It’s not the cheapest tool, but it’s the one with the lowest failure rate.” People trust you more when you *don’t* sound perfect. --- ### **26. Use the *Unity* Principle to Create Tribal Belonging** Unity goes beyond “liking”—it taps into shared identity. **Tip:** Speak like you’re *both* in the same group: > “We creators…” > “As fellow engineers…” > “Our community of freelancers…” --- ### **27. Use Delayed Reciprocity for Long-Term Influence** You don’t need instant payback. Giving value now builds future leverage. **Tip:** Help, teach, or share generously—even when there’s no ask. Then when you *do* ask later, compliance goes up. --- ### **28. Frame Your Ask as Alignment With Their Values** People want to stay consistent with their beliefs. **Tip:** > “You mentioned reliability matters most—this is designed around uptime and customer retention.” --- ### **29. Use Consistency to Follow Up Without Pressure** Instead of nagging: > “You said last week you were leaning toward Option A…” This reminds them of their past commitment. --- ### **30. Make Them Feel Like It Was Their Idea** Cialdini emphasizes autonomy. **Tip:** Ask: > “What solution do you think fits best now?” Then reinforce their choice: > “I agree—that’s a smart move.” ---