Emotions heavily influence decision-making processes, with about 90-95% driven by the emotional brain system.
Adapting communication strategies to audience mindsets, either risk-averse or opportunity-seeking, can enhance effectiveness.
Deep dives
Understanding the Role of Emotions in Communication
When it comes to communication, emotions play a significant role in shaping human decisions and behaviors. Research suggests that about 90-95% of our decisions are influenced by the emotional brain system rather than reason. While rational arguments are commonly used in persuasion efforts, it is crucial to prioritize appealing to the emotional brain first. Recognizing whether an individual is in a risk-averse or opportunity-seeking mindset can guide effective communication strategies.
Tailoring Communication to Audience Mindsets
Identifying the mindset of your audience, whether they are in a type one (risk-averse) or type two (opportunity-seeking) mindset, can enhance communication effectiveness. Time of day can also impact receptivity to new ideas, with mornings being more conducive to open-mindedness. By understanding and adapting to the audience's mindset, communicators can tailor their messages to evoke comfort and receptivity.
The Power of Imperfection in Persuasion
In persuading others, presenting rough prototypes or imperfect pitches can be more effective than polished presentations. By allowing room for imperfections, individuals are more likely to see potential and contribute to developing ideas. This approach capitalizes on the psychological principle that investments, whether mental or physical, increase engagement and ownership. Encouraging others to provide feedback and contribute to refining ideas can lead to greater persuasion outcomes.
“Something like 90 to 95% of our decisions and behaviors are constantly being shaped the non-consciously by emotional brain system.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Professor of Marketing Baba Shiv sits down with lecturer and host Matt Abrahams to share his research on how emotions affect our, and our audience’s, decision making.
“You’ve got to pay careful attention to the audience that you’re talking to and allow the person to talk,” Shiv says. “Allow the person to talk because then, the person has ownership of the idea.”