10 free Mental Tricks That Feel Illegal to Know

By Saurav Pandey | March 24, 2025

10 Free Mental Tricks That Feel Illegal to Know

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If you want someone to like you more, ask them for a small favor. People tend to rationalize their actions, so if they do something nice for you, their brain assumes they must like you.  

The Ben Franklin Effect

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In negotiations or conversations, staying silent after someone speaks can make them feel compelled to fill the silence, often revealing more information or agreeing to your terms. Silence is a powerful tool for control.  

The Power of Silence

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Start with a small request that’s easy to agree to, then follow up with a larger request. People are more likely to comply with the bigger ask after saying yes to the smaller one.

The Foot-in-the-Door Technique

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When negotiating, be the first to suggest a number. This sets an “anchor” that influences the other person’s perception of what’s reasonable, even if your initial number is extreme.  

Anchoring Bias  

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Start with an outrageous request that’s likely to be rejected, then follow up with a smaller, more reasonable request. The contrast makes the second request seem more acceptable.

The Door-in-the-Face Technique

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People remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones. If you want someone to think about you or your request, leave the conversation or task slightly unresolved.  

The Zeigarnik Effect

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Subtly mimic the other person’s gestures, tone, or posture. This builds rapport and makes them feel more connected to you, often without them even realizing why.  

Mirroring Body Language

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People value things more when they perceive them as scarce or limited. Use phrases like “limited time offer” or “only a few left” to create urgency and increase desire.

The Scarcity Principle

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People tend to assume that someone who excels in one area is good in others. If you want to be perceived positively, showcase your strengths in one area, and the positive impression will spill over into other areas.

The Halo Effect

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People remember the first and last things in a sequence best. If you’re giving a presentation or making a point, put your most important information at the beginning and end.

The Primacy and Recency Effect

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