5 ways to be more persuasive

The art and science of persuasion has been researched, developed and practiced for a long, long time. In fact, the work of Aristotle on the subject a couple of thousand years ago still holds sway. So, these few tips will hardly scratch the surface, but I hope they get you thinking about how you can develop your persuasive skills.

But first, why is it important to have the skill of being persuasive? Well, the ability to persuade is a critical skill in almost every aspect of life – professional and career, relationships or just trying to make a point in casual conversation. Here are a few scenarios you can see play out on any given day:

• A business leader persuading a team to follow a plan.
• An entrepreneur persuading an investor to part with their money.
• A job candidate persuading an employer in an interview.
• Politicians persuading you to vote for them and
• Salespeople persuading someone to buy.

Persuasion is sometimes referred to as a soft skill, but I think of it as a critical skill. Persuasion is purportedly so important to billionaire Warren Buffett that the only diploma he proudly displays in his office is a public-speaking certificate. He once told students that improving their communication skills could boost their professional value by 50% — instantly.

Let’s look at 5 ways to be more persuasive:

1.      Understand your audience: To be persuasive, it's crucial to understand who you are trying to persuade – whether it’s one person or hundreds. Consider their beliefs, values, interests, and motivations. You can then tailor your message and arguments to align with their perspectives and needs. This will make you more likely to connect with them and make a compelling case.

2.      Build credibility: People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they believe is knowledgeable and credible. Presenting relevant expertise, experience, or qualifications related to the topic at hand will help make your argument more compelling. Share relevant evidence, statistics or examples that support your claims.

3.      Use emotional appeal: Emotions play a significant role in every decision-making processes. Tap into the emotions of your audience using stories, metaphors, or vivid language to evoke empathy or create a sense of urgency. When people feel emotionally connected, they are more inclined to agree with your viewpoint.

4.      Provide logical reasoning: While emotions can be influential, it's essential to support your arguments with logical reasoning. Present clear, well-structured, and coherent arguments that are backed by facts, data, or logical deductions. Remove anything that can undermine your credibility, making sure your arguments are sound, and free from inconsistencies.

5.      Listen actively: Persuasion is a two-way process. Listen carefully to the concerns, questions, and objections of your audience. By showing empathy and understanding of their viewpoints - even if you disagree - you demonstrate respect and build rapport. Engaging in a constructive dialogue can create an environment where people are more open to considering your perspective.

Practice these techniques - while maintaining honesty and integrity - to enhance your persuasive abilities. Remember, being persuasive does not mean manipulating or forcing others to agree with you. It involves presenting your ideas effectively, respecting different viewpoints and ideally, creating a beneficial mutually outcome.

#persuasion #speaking #negotiation #persuasivecommunication