It's a common trick
used by magicians, and it's easier than you think!
The
Principle
When a magician tells you
to "pick a card," watch out: Whether it's his speed in fanning out
the deck or the way he has one card poking out just a tiny bit higher than the
rest, he's probably already directing you toward the one he wants taken.
Your brain will naturally
latch on to whatever is presented front and centre. So most people will do
exactly as they're prompted and — here's the magic — believe they acted freely.
How
To Use It
Suppose you want to go
deep-sea fishing with friends on your birthday but know your wife won't be on
board with the idea. "Give her three options," says Susana
Martinez-Conde, Ph.D, a neuroscientist and the coauthor of Sleights of Mind.
By building your
preference with two other options she'll find even less palatable — like going
to Vegas and buying a Ducati — you're subtly forcing the "card" you
want her to pick.
"When she chooses
the lesser of three evils, she'll be bound to feel like she had a choice in the
matter," says Martinex-Conde.
No comments:
Post a Comment