The Hare Krishna society (cited by Cialdini) famously trained members to hand a "gift" (a flower or a book) to a stranger in an airport. Even if the stranger didn't want it, they took it. Then, the "debt" kicked in, and donations skyrocketed. Similarly, waiters who give a mint with the check see a 3% increase in tips; waiters who give two mints see a 14% increase.
Establish your bona fides before you try to influence. Show your credentials. Display case studies. Admit what you don't know—paradoxically, this increases trust in your legitimate authority. influence the psychology of persuasion by robert cialdini
That feeling is the signal that someone is pulling a lever. In that moment, you are not rationally deciding; you are emotionally reacting. The Hare Krishna society (cited by Cialdini) famously