Mirroring and Matching

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What is Mirroring and Matching? Meaning.

Mirroring and Matching is a persuasive technique based on imitating the interlocutor.

Mirroring and Matching, also known as the Chameleon Technique, is a simple but powerful persuasive technique often used by sales people. Assuming that to persuade someone it is important to establish a relationship or at least an acceptable level of confidence with her, the mirroring and matching technique suggests to behave in a similar way as our interlocutors to persuade easier and quicker. See also: Persuasion Theory.

By mirroring and matching the behaviors of your interlocutors they will feel that the both of you are tuned on the same frequency, you can have a nice conversation without misunderstandings, and you can freely talk about any topic. The purpose of mirroring and matching is to establish a sense of empathy and to create a bond with the interlocutor. Once the bond is somehow created, the second step is to lead the conversation and see if the interlocutor will follow the persuader’s behaviors. If executed effectively it can allow to make someone sign a contract or close an agreement.

Ways to Mirror and Match

The most effective ways to mirroring and matching one or more interlocutors are:

1. Using the same language or jargon.
2. Speaking at the same volume.
3. Using the same facial expressions.
4. Using the same body language. For example if your interlocutor sits comfortable in his armchair, try to imitate the way he/she is sat.
5. Laughing when your interlocutors are laughing.

Mirroring and Matching Limitations

This persuasive technique can work only if it is used cleverly and naturally; one should avoid making an interlocutor feel you are imitating her/him. Your interlocutor should really feel you have many similarities.

Forum Forum about Mirroring and Matching. Below you can ask a question about this topic, share your experiences, report a new development, or explain something. Start a new topic about Mirroring and Matching Share your knowledge here (or ask a question)   🔥 NEW Volkswagen CEO Apologizes: Facial Emotional Expressions Following the emission scandal of Volkswagen, its CEO, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, publicly apologized earlier this week in a video statement by saying he was 'deeply sorry’ that his company violated... 27   43 comments Mirroring and Matching Cases and Examples Hi, do you know of a remarkable case or a funny example of using mirroring and matching to establish a sense of empathy and to create a bond?Please enter a reaction to share it for other people to enj... 2

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Mirroring and Matching. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. How to Give a Media Interview? The ABC and 3R Tool Media Training, Media Training, Crisis Management, Success Stories, Media Interview Former BBC Producer Andrew Carapiet distinguishes 2 different situations in which you are likely to have to talk to the ... Nonverbal Persuasion and Communication: Effects and Types Nonverbal Persuasion, Nonverbal Communication, Sales, Selling, PR, Applying for a Job Presentation that describes the concept of nonverbal persuasion, including the following sections: 1. Overview of nonve... Hearing versus Listening Communicating Effectively, Active Listening, Coaching, Mentoring A comprehensive presentation about listening and how to do it well. Includes a scheme of the steps in the listening pro... 40 Proven Ways to Be Persuasive Persuasion Techniques, Persuasion Theory Interesting presentation that describes 50 scientifically proven ways to be persuasive. 1. Six Universal Principles of ... The Power of Persuasion: 3 Main Principles of Influencing Others Persuasion Techniques, Managing Behavior, Cognitive Bias, Bounded Rationality, Resistance to Change An extensive presentation about persuasion including many types and examples of persuasion experiements. The following s... Humans have Only 4 Basic Facial Expressions Media, Mirroring. Matching, Facial Expressions Human Emotions are not that complex as we thought. A recent investigation at the University of Glasgow has revealed that... Facial Expressions: Expressions of our DNA Media, Mirroring, Facial Expressions Dr. David Matsumoto of San Francisco State researched photos of blind and sighted athletes at the 2004 Olympic and Paral...

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Compare with: Body Language  |  Door in the Face  |  Foot in the Door  |  Sleeper Effect  |  Validity Effect  |  Bait and Switch  |  Forced Compliance  |  Low Ball Technique  |  4 Ps of Persuasion  |  Framing  |  Balance Theory  |  Cognitive Dissonance  |  Persuasion Techniques

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