Ever wonder how different minds think alike? Or how board rooms meeting are concluded successfully or how teams get over crucial conversations with stakeholders? It is through an effective communication strategy known as persuasion.
In this blog we will be covering what persuasion skill really means, the ways to be using it and the manner in which you persuade and respond to persuasion.
What is persuasion?
Persuasion is the skill of getting people to agree with your idea or viewpoint. It isn’t the same as convincing someone as it also involves people agreeing and working differently now that they have agreed to your idea. It is a very powerful skill that helps you mould people’s thoughts and actions.
In essence, it is a way of modifying your communication skills in a way that allows messages to be delivered in a manner that sway the opinions, thoughts and behaviours of individual person and groups of people.
What role does it play in professional lives?
Persuasion is an important skill to have in professional domains because it helps you have a slight edge over people. This method of communication when learned and mastered can yield endless results.
As a leader it becomes crucial to persuade your team to see the meaning and purpose to your vision, this skill is also beneficial if you are a part of a team and are trying to pitch a new idea or a new way of working.
Persuasion is a crucial skill for any business owner pitching to potential clients or investors, as it enables them to effectively communicate the value and vision of their business and inspire confidence in its potential.
Outside of the workplace, persuasion is equally valuable when making personal requests or seeking support from others. Whether asking for a favour, proposing an idea, or resolving conflicts, effective persuasion helps you communicate your needs clearly, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Principles of persuasion:
These are the principles of persuasion that explain why people say yes to you.
1. Credibility:
The easiest way to persuade someone is to be trusted, be credible enough to win their trust.
Credibility is built through relationships and through expertise. You either have to an expert in your line of work so that people take your word above their opinions or be so good in your relationships with people that they trust in your plan.
2. Find common grounds:
Many business leaders approach persuasion narrowly, focusing on why an idea is good in general rather than on how it benefits their audience specifically. Effective persuasion means highlighting the unique advantages for those you’re addressing. To do so, it’s essential to understand their core challenges and priorities deeply.
3. Use Evidence:
People are more likely to be persuaded when shown that an idea actually works. Effective persuasion blends hard evidence with emotionally engaging examples and stories.
Research shows that decision-making is deeply tied to emotions. Use effective storytelling so that people are able to resonate, remember key points and are persuaded easily.
4. Practice patience and persistence:
Persuasion takes time and persistence. It’s rare to win someone over right away, especially on complex issues. Be prepared for ongoing discussions, and keep a calm, steady approach to improve your chances of success over time.
5. Confidence:
Be confident in your message so that you can assure people of what the outcome will be. When you express certainty, it sends a strong signal that you’ve considered your points carefully and stand behind them. This can make your message more persuasive because people are naturally drawn to those who seem sure of themselves and their ideas
How to use persuasion?
Use a tailor made approach for persuasion by understanding the values and interests of your audience. Don’t be pushy but rather gently persuade them with the message in these ways:
1. Effective Communication:
Use language that is easily understood and connect with the audience at their level by trying to use examples that are relevant to them.
2. Active Listening:
You are likely to be met with opposition when trying to persuade people, at this moment your listening skills would be in your favour.
Listen to them actively and in this manner people would feel heard and then would be able to trust you better.
3. Bring body language to your aide:
Mirror and match your body language with the person you are trying to persuade. This mild psychological trick gives off an impression of you being on the same side as of the other person and immediately breaks the ice.
4. Get your timing right:
Everyone can be persuaded but the timing needs to be correct. Identify a timing when you can approach someone, build rapport and help them see a situation from viewpoint.
How to respond to persuasion?
These tips would help you to respond to persuasion in a better way:
1. Be self aware:
Know why you believe in a cause and stand your ground on it.
Be aware about the possible ways in which you can be persuaded and try understanding why you believe in your cause or idea more.
2. Be open:
Evaluate what is being said to you instead of being defensive with your points. Understand the benefits and the downside of what is being told to you and then decide.
3. Ask questions:
Seek clarification and ask questions which will help you understand what is being told to you in a better way. This would help you also understand your own ideas better.
Conclusion:
Persuasion is a skill that is advantageous both at the workplace and in your personal lives. It is a powerful communication tool and can help you in winning conversations and turning tables. It is also a helpful tool in building professional relationships. The key point in dealing with persuasion, whether you are persuading or being persuaded is to maintain your core integrity!
To know more about Presuasion skills.
https://protocol.org.in/the-power-of-persuasion/