We humans have a lot going for us. We can walk on two legs, do interesting things with our opposing thumbs, and even peel a banana. One thing that we have that is most special is the size of our brains, compared to our body size.
Some argue it was because of our use of tools. Some say it was because we lived in so many different environments that we had to learn to be creative, and that required lots of computing power. A growing number are starting to agree it was our need for language that drove our increase in brain size.
So why did language develop? Hippo’s don’t need to talk to each other. Dolphins do OK with clicks. Why do we need such a rich and structured vocabulary?
When you think about language as a tool, it might be easier to understand. What do we use this tool for? Chopping down trees? Language may be the most versatile tool ever.
For many, the automatic answer is to simply convey information. Data. Facts, figures, directions, instructions. Are we really just walking computers driven to exchange data with each other, or is there something deeper?
A growing number of evolutionary psychologists are starting to agree that the real purpose behind language is persuasion. To influence. To manipulate each other into our way of thinking.
When you first cried when you were a kid, were you just shouting out for the purpose of information, that you had wet yourself? Or were you trying to influence the adults around you to come and fix the mess you suddenly found yourself in?
When you look at language from this perspective, it starts to make sense that persuasion is at the heart of all our communication. Our boss, our partners, our kids. Unless we are sports reporter giving the details of that days match, we are attempting, at some level, to persuade others.
So it makes sense, then, that if you are going to automatically use language to persuade others, you may as well get pretty good at it. When two people get together to talk, it may as well be you that has the upper hand.
The best way to do this is to frame everything in terms of what you want. Convince the other person that by doing what you want, they will get what they want. This is the oldest form, and the most commonly used form of persuasion in advertising today.
This means actually building up a kind of relationship with them, no matter how short lived. When you approach this from a win-win situation, you can’t go wrong, and the world will be in the palm of your hand.
Want to learn more about Powerful Influence? Join countless others when you visit George Hutton’s lens about Persuasion Secrets for your persuasion needs.
