Thread by @martinmasrnaX

You've been manipulated your entire life.

This Stanford professor spent 55 years proving it.

He discovered 7 psychological principles that secretly control all your decisions.

Once you learn the truth, you can't unlearn it.

And your world will never be the same...🧵

First, a warning:

These methods can be used to literally manipulate strangers into doing what you want.

Used them ethically, only if what you’re selling truly helps people.

With that out of the way, let’s begin:

Meet Dr. Robert Cialdini.

• PhD in social psychology
• Nicknamed “The Godfather of Influence”
• Consulted for Google, Microsoft, and NATO

For years, Cialdini was obsessed with one question:

What makes people say “Yes”?

At first, Dr. Cialdini went the normal route:

• Interviews
• Controlled trials
• Lab experiments

But theory wasn’t good enough.

In 1981, he made a radical decision:

For 3 years, Cialdini worked undercover as:

• Fundraiser
• Telemarketer
• Door-to-door salesman

By infiltrating the industry, he learned all their tricks and secrets.

And the result?

In 1984, Cialdini wrote “Influence: Psychology of Persuasion”

• 5,000,000+ copies sold
• New York Times bestseller
• Praise from Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger

40 years later, it's as relevant as ever.

7 timeless principles to get people to say “Yes” 👇

[1/7] RECIPROCITY

Give before you ask.

People feel the unwritten “social contract” to always return the favor.

Examples: Valuable content, Free PDFs, 30-day trials

That’s how you create loyal fans and customers.

[2/7] LIKING

We buy from people we like.

Before selling, first connect with your audience on a human level.

Examples: Sharing your stories, photos, personality

That’s how you make strangers fall in love with you.

[3/7] AUTHORITY

People trust experts.

If you know your stuff, show it to everyone.

Examples: Quick tips, "How to" content, Step-by-step guides

That's how you make people listen when you speak.

[4/7] SOCIAL PROOF

People follow the crowd.

They think: "If it worked for 100s of others, why not for me?"

Examples: Reviews, Testimonials, Case studies

That’s how you turn doubters into buyers.

[5/7] SCARCITY

Low supply ⇒ High demand.

Why? Because people want what they can't have.

Examples: “Only 2 left in stock”, “Limited spots available”, "24h left to get in"

That’s how you charge premium prices.

[6/7] COMMITMENT & CONSISTENCY

Small “yes” leads to a big “YES”.

Make it easy to start, then gradually ask for more.

Examples: Asking to like, follow, or joining a newsletter

That’s how you maximize value from each customer.

[7/7] UNITY

People want to belong.

Make them feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Example: Create shared values, goals, and enemies

That's how you build a community, not just an audience.

And that’s it.

7 Principles of Persuasion from @RobertCialdini's "Influence"

If I had to pick one book that grew my audience and business the most, it’s this one.

A must-read for every entrepreneur.

Check it out here:
amazon.com/Influence-New-…

Educational creators & businesses:

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100% done-for-you. 100% written by me, no AI-generated bullshit.

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Well, I hope this was helpful :)

If you want to learn more about human behavior, read this thread next:

https://x.com/martinmasrna/status/1886423394197127194

BONUS:

A hilarious story of how Dr. Cialdini got "exposed" while working undercover: