In a very simple version of the “tipping point” theory, a new paper says that in groups of anywhere from 100 to 100,000, just 25 to 31 per cent of the group can set a new behavioural norm for the whole group. This finding is drawn from just one study using online participants, so its results shouldn’t be exaggerated, but it at least shows a consistent pattern in how a minority of group members can change the mind of a majority.

Whether it’s getting your partner to do more housework or making your colleagues back your latest idea, we all end up spending a considerable amount of time trying to persuade or even manipulate others.

So can science offer any clever tricks to get people to do what we want, without resorting to bullying them? It’s complicated, but some 30 years of psychological research suggests there might just be a few methods that are worth a try.

I was coaching an executive on influencing skills this week. I taught him a technique that I have found incredibly powerful. So powerful, you can even use it to great effect, with evil intent.

Jimmy Fallon may be a polarising figure on the internet, but he can bring in the ratings. Some believe he's fake, while others are drawn to his charisma. This video breaks down how to emulate that charisma on your own.

The Earth is getting warmer. That's a fact. And as the Earth gets warmer, we expect to see larger and stronger hurricanes. Also a fact. But there are folks denying these facts, even to the point of blaming the liberal media for the fact that hurricanes are in the news.

There's a lot of bad advice, bad science, and bad logic out there -- and I'm sorry to report that some of it is probably coming from people you trust. Sharpen your pencils and take a seat -- Bullshit Resistance School is in session.

There was a time when Snopes was the most trusted mythbuster on the internet. Whatever dumb or funny or shocking thing you were laughing at, if somebody posted a Snopes link, the laughing stopped. You'd been had. Thanks, Snopes.

When you really want something done, you sometimes have to sway others. And after all, a little nudge (in the right direction) never hurt anyone. But there's a fine line between being persuasive and making threats.

Sometimes you have a really bad idea, but you need friends to help you pull it off. Maybe it's something that will benefit you but not them; or maybe you've all talked yourself into believing that this obviously stupid idea has some kind of upside.

Ellen DeGeneres is a loveable and wonderful human being. You can't help but smile when you watch her. Is it her impeccable hair? Her smile? Her charisma? Those help, but it's simpler than that: She tells funny, endearing jokes that make people instantly like her. Let's break down what they are.

Weasels, as an animal, are surprisingly cute. As filler words for your pitches (or your resume), however, weasel words can undermine you more than help you.

People don't like to be pushed into a corner, even if you're making the simplest request. A recent study suggests that if you want people to be more compliant, you need to give them a better sense of freedom in the matter.

All the poker bosses in movies have mastered the art of the bluff, tricking their opponents into believing whatever they want. You might not be able to pull that off, but the half-bluff is easier and potentially more effective.

If you want to change someone's mind on the topic, you probably feel like the only thing you really need is evidence. However, to really get through to someone, you need equal parts empathy and persistence in that equation.

When you're defending your position, your natural inclination is probably to start with the arguments that make the most sense to you. However, if you want to persuade someone to your side, it can help to begin with how they see things.

Body language varies from one person to another. Trying to follow a set of specific actions to effectively communicate with everyone is bound to fail. If you're talking with someone one-on-one, mimic their body language instead to be more persuasive.

Arguments aren't won with information; they're resolved with rhetoric, the art of persuasion. In Thank You For Arguing, author Jay Heinrichs reveals the secrets to mastering rhetoric, identifying logical fallacies, getting what you want through persuasion and keeping arguments from turning into nasty fights.

Nobody likes to sit through unnecessary meetings. With the right tactics you can escape their soul-sucking grasp, but there are some important things to consider before you try to back out.

People will always be more willing to help when they feel like they owe it to you. This classic persuasion method requires a little pre-work, but can make it much easier for you to convince others to lend you a hand when you need it.