10 Mind Tricks Everyone Should Know

By some accounts, the human brain is the most complex object in the universe. But it is also surprisingly easy to trick. Here are some simple tricks designed to give you an edge when dealing with people.

1. During an introduction, make a note of someone's eye color. You're not going to use the information (unless you plan to write a poem) - it's just a technique to achieve the optimum amount of eye contact, which people find friendly & confident.

2. People always have the clearest memory of the first and last thing that happens, while the middle part becomes a vague blur. So if you're setting the time for an interview, try and be the first or last through the door.

3. Mirroring people's body language when you interact with them is a way of building up trust. Just be subtle about it.

4. If you ever feel like you're being stalked or watched, yawn and turn to look at them. If they yawn back you are being watched by them, since yawning is contagious.

5. If you want someone to take your advice seriously, tell then your father taught it to you, since people tend to believe fatherly advice a lot faster.

6. If you ever have a song stuck in your head, think of the end of the song. According to the Zeignark Effect, your mind tends to think of things left unfinished. So think of the ending of the song will help your mind to finish the loop.

7. Like all therapists worth their fee, remember to use the power of silence. If someone isn't giving you the entire truth or unsatisfactory answer to a question, stay quiet and keep eye contact. They will feel pressured to reveal more.

8. People's feet are often an insight into what they're thinking. So if you're talking to someone and their feet are pointing away from you, they want to escape. Take that as a hint!

9. Asking people for small favours trains their brain to believe they like you.

10. If you can get into the habit of using someone's name subsequently in a conversation you may have with them, they'll find you terribly charming and wonderful.