Persuasive

"Persuasion can go through obstacles that force cannot."

― Yusuf A. Leinge

March 30, 2023

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Lisa Ulshafer

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What makes a persuasive person? Is it their communication skills, their confidence, or their emotional intelligence? In this day and age, where information and opinions are constantly bombarding us from every direction, being persuasive is more important than ever. So let's explore the art of persuasion and discover how to become a master persuader.

Persuasion is the act of convincing someone to adopt a particular belief or to take a specific action. It's not about manipulating people but rather about building trust, sharing information, and framing ideas in a way that is compelling and meaningful to the other person.

Whether you're a salesperson trying to close a deal, a teacher trying to motivate students, or a leader trying to inspire your team, being persuasive can propel you toward the achievement of  your goals. 

Here are just some of the benefits you experience when you are persuasive:

• Influence: You are able to effectively influence others and get your point across in a compelling manner. This can lead to increased success in negotiations, presentations, and other situations where influencing others is important.

• Leadership: Persuasive skills are often a key component of effective leadership. Leaders who are able to persuade and inspire others are more likely to gain the support and loyalty of their team, leading to higher levels of collaboration and productivity.

• Communication: Persuasion involves effective communication, including listening, understanding, and responding to others. Enhancing persuasive skills can lead to improved communication and better relationships with others.

• Problem-solving: Persuasion can be a valuable tool in problem-solving situations. Being able to present ideas and solutions in a persuasive manner can help to garner support and buy-in from others, making it easier to solve problems and implement solutions.

• Career advancement: You are often viewed as an effective communicator and leader, which can lead to career advancement opportunities. Being able to persuade others can open doors to new opportunities and help you achieve your professional goals.

• Personal relationships: Persuasion can also be beneficial in personal relationships, such as with friends, family, and acquaintances. Being able to effectively communicate and persuade others can help in resolving conflicts, making decisions, and building stronger relationships.

• Advocacy: Persuasive skills can be valuable in advocating for causes, issues, or beliefs. Being able to effectively persuade others to support a cause or take action can lead to positive changes and outcomes.

• Negotiation: Persuasion is a crucial skill in negotiation situations, whether it's in business, legal, or personal contexts. Being able to present compelling arguments and persuade others can lead to favorable outcomes in negotiations.

• Confidence: Developing persuasive skills can boost your confidence in communication and interactions with others. Confidence in your ability to persuade can lead to increased self-assurance and assertiveness in various situations.

• Personal growth: Working on developing persuasive skills can lead to personal growth and self-improvement. It can enhance critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills, which are valuable in many areas of life.

Here are 6 strategies to become more persuasive:

1. Know your audience. Understand your audience and what motivates them. Take the time to learn about their values, beliefs, and needs, and tailor your message accordingly.
   
   
2. Build credibility. Be seen as credible and trustworthy. Present yourself as an expert in your field, using facts and data to back up your arguments, and demonstrate that you have the best interests of your audience in mind.
   
   
3. Use effective communication techniques. Use clear, concise language, use stories and examples to illustrate your point, and use emotional appeals when appropriate.
   
   
4. Practice active listening. Listen actively to your audience and understand their perspective. Be empathetic, ask questions, and demonstrate that you value their input.
   
   
5. Be persistent. Be persistent in your message and your efforts to influence others. Follow up with your audience, address any objections or concerns they may have, and continue to make your case even if you face resistance.
   
   
6. Stay open-minded. Be open-minded and willing to consider other perspectives. Be willing to adapt your message or approach if necessary, and be open to feedback and criticism.

Developing persuasive skills can have numerous benefits in various aspects of life, including influencing others, enhancing communication, advancing in career, building better relationships, and advocating for causes. However, it's important to use persuasion ethically and responsibly, respecting the opinions and autonomy of others. By honing persuasive skills, you can become a more effective communicator, leader, and advocate, leading to personal growth and increased confidence in various situations.