LESSON 08 · WHY PEOPLE BUY

People Buy With Feelings, Justify With Facts

Practical ways to remember that people buy with feelings and justify with facts, so you speak to both.

Emotion starts, logic finishes. Serve both.

10 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

10 tips that really help

These ideas come from Influence (Robert Cialdini), Pre-Suasion (Robert Cialdini), Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

Photo for the tip: Emotion starts the decision
TIP 1

Emotion starts the decision

People feel first and then look for facts to support a choice they already lean toward.

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Connect with feeling first.
Photo for the tip: Find the emotion behind the need
TIP 2

Find the emotion behind the need

Worry, pride, relief or excitement often drives the purchase more than features.

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Ask how they feel about it.
Photo for the tip: Tell stories that stir feeling
TIP 3

Tell stories that stir feeling

A brief story about a customer’s relief or joy touches people more than data alone.

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Prepare one.
Photo for the tip: Then give the facts to justify
TIP 4

Then give the facts to justify

Numbers and details let the customer feel comfortable explaining their choice to others.

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Prepare a short proof sheet.
Photo for the tip: Respect both sides
TIP 5

Respect both sides

Some buyers lean toward logic, others toward feeling, so offer both.

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Watch their reactions.
Photo for the tip: Do not manipulate emotions
TIP 6

Do not manipulate emotions

Use feelings to help the customer see real value, not to create fear or guilt.

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Stay honest.
Photo for the tip: Match tone to their mood
TIP 7

Match tone to their mood

A calm, positive tone supports good decisions.

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Adapt your energy.
Photo for the tip: Use images and examples
TIP 8

Use images and examples

Visuals help people feel what the result looks like.

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Show the outcome.
Photo for the tip: Give permission to feel good about it
TIP 9

Give permission to feel good about it

Confirm that their choice is sensible and wise.

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Say that makes sense.
Photo for the tip: Follow up on the feeling
TIP 10

Follow up on the feeling

Later, remind them of the benefit they felt.

TRY THIS
Ask how it is going.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

FEEL

“How would it feel to have your Fridays back?”

FACT

“And here are the numbers that support it.”

STORY

“Let me tell you what happened for another owner.”

CHECK

“Does that match what you hope for?”

LINK

“Both the feeling and the facts matter.”

THANKS

“Thank you.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Start with the feeling
DAY 2
Add the facts
DAY 3
Tell a story
DAY 4
Ask about hopes
DAY 5
Provide proof
DAY 6
Check both
DAY 7
Review your pitch

Further reading

  • Influence (Robert Cialdini)
  • Pre-Suasion (Robert Cialdini)
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

More lessons in “Why People Buy”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

← Previous: Unity: Be Part of Their TribeNext: The Two Minds of Every Buyer →

  1. Reciprocity: Give First
  2. Commitment: Start Small
  3. Social Proof: People Follow People
  4. Authority: Show Your Expertise
  5. Liking: Be Someone People Enjoy
  6. Scarcity: Real Limits, Honest Deadlines
  7. Unity: Be Part of Their Tribe
  8. People Buy With Feelings, Justify With Facts
  9. The Two Minds of Every Buyer
  10. Why Choice Overload Freezes People
  11. Anchoring: Why the First Number Matters
  12. The Fear of Missing Out
  13. Loss Hurts More Than Gain Feels Good
  14. Why People Hate Change
  15. Pre-Suasion: What Comes First Matters
  16. Frame Your Offer Positively
  17. Ask Small Questions That Say Yes
  18. Use Reassuring Words
  19. Choose Your Moment
  20. Create a Comfortable Environment
  21. Start With Common Ground
  22. The Line Between Persuading and Pushing
  23. Never Fake Scarcity
  24. Use Social Proof Honestly
  25. Be Transparent About Trade-offs
  26. Persuade With Their Interests, Not Yours
  27. Why Honest Sellers Win Long Term
  28. The Newspaper Test
  29. Offer Clear Defaults
  30. Cut the Number of Options
  31. Show the Next Step Plainly
  32. Reduce Risk With Guarantees
  33. Offer a Small First Step
  34. Remove Hidden Hassles
  35. The Analytical Buyer
  36. The Quick-Decision Buyer
  37. The Relationship Buyer
  38. The Cautious Buyer
  39. Buying for a Team vs Buying Alone
  40. Adapt Your Style in Minutes
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