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Communication - Persuasive Communication · 3 min read

Gain the Co-operation of Others

Learn how polite requests, clear reasons and warm thanks turn conversations into teamwork. Use these simple tips to gain co-operation and boost personal success

Chris Farmer, Founder of Corporate Coach Group

“When you speak with polite words, clear reasons and warm thanks, you switch off resistance and switch on willing help, turning each talk into a smooth win for all.”

Chris Farmer — Founder, Corporate Coach Group

Gain the Co-operation of Others

Gain the Co-operation of Others

If you would like to make your life better, then learn to gain the willing co-operation of others.

Can you imagine how great your life would be, if you could talk to people in such a way, that everyone you met really wanted to help you?

Imagine what it would be like, if you could simply talk to people, and when you had finished talking, they felt an urgent desire to help you and to give you exactly what you asked for.

This is your goal: Your goal is to work on your communication skills so that people warm to you and you are able to gain their willing co-operation.

Now imagine the opposite: Imagine a person with such poor communication skills that they tend to upset people with the way they speak. Let's call this person Antagonistic Annie.

Antagonistic Annie is not a bad person, but she speaks to people in a way that is antagonistic, blunt, careless and annoying. As a result, her negative energy-field sets up a resistance in the minds of others around her and people don't want to be around Annie.

Annie has arguments every day, with all kinds of people; with the receptionist, with the driver, with her boss, with one of her suppliers, and with her partner. Antagonistic Annie feels downhearted and frustrated that she seems to be surrounded by idiots, who won't see sense.

And this sense of frustration causes her to use more harsh language, which upsets those around her, and therefore maintains the negative atmosphere in which Annie lives. Annie never realises that the cause of her troubles, is in her failure to understand how to talk to other people in ways that are likely to trigger a positive emotional response.

Instead, Annie talks to people in ways that are likely to trigger a negative emotional response. She is so super-annoying, and she doesn't even know it!

How can you talk to people in ways that are likely to trigger a positive emotional response?

Here is the list:

  • Always be polite. Rather than saying, "I want you to do X"; use the phrase, "Would you please, do X?"

  • "Would you please, (plus a polite request)", is a good speech habit to develop.
  • Never swear. You don't know what silent damage you are doing to your reputation when you swear.
  • When making a request, always give the reason for it. If you don't give a reason, then your request may appear, (from the perspective of the listener) to be a senseless or unreasonable request.
  • If a person does something for you, always give verbal appreciation. Even if they are paid to do it, then you should still give them an appreciative comment, of thanks. For example, if a waiter brings you your coffee, say to him, "Thanks for bringing the coffee, I appreciate it".
  • That small word of appreciation will work wonders for you.
  • Avoid destructive criticism of others, to a third party. If you denigrate others to Bob, then Bob will soon begin to wonder if you are denigrating him to others.
  • If you have to criticise others, do it to the person himself/herself, but do criticise them in as constructive manner as possible.
  • Always talk as if you think the world is going to get better, i.e. talk in optimistic terms.
  • Avoid talking in pessimistic, fearful or angry terms.
  • Remember nobody likes a grump. So do NOT become a grump.
  • If you are a grump, then hide it.
  • Talk to people in cheerful ways and you will find that they will warm to you and will want to be around you, and will even be willing to help you.
  • Shine the warm, bright light of language on them.

See what wonders you can perform with your words.

Quiz: Are you a positive influence on others?

Try our fun quiz to see how you influence other people: Do you have a positive influence on other people?

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willing co-operation

In business life, willing co-operation is the result you see when people freely choose to help. It appears only when help is voluntary, goals match, talk stays polite, and thanks are clear. Lose any one of these parts and the co-operation fades.

CG4D Definition

Context: Business
Genus: Outcome

  • Help is given by free choice, not force
  • All sides see clear shared benefit
  • Polite, respectful speech starts and guides the work
  • Helpers receive open thanks that keep good feeling alive

Article Summary

When you speak with polite words, clear reasons and warm thanks, you switch off resistance and switch on willing help, turning each talk into a smooth win for all.

Chris Farmer, Founder of Corporate Coach Group

Written by Chris Farmer

Founder & Lead Trainer, Corporate Coach Group

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has over 25 years experience designing and delivering leadership and management training across both the public and private sectors. His programmes are structured, practical and built around real-world performance. Read more about Chris and the story of how the Corporate Coach Group was founded.

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Key Statistics

LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Talent Trends report states that 91% of UK hiring managers rank strong communication as the most valued skill when choosing new staff.

Gallup’s 2024 State of the Workplace study shows that employees who often receive thanks are 43% more likely to report high levels of teamwork and co-operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this topic

Polite requests lower resistance and show respect, so people feel valued and gladly help, letting you gain co-operation fast.
A clear reason shows sense and fairness, turning a bare order into a shared goal that boosts co-operation and cuts pushback.
Yes. Swearing signals poor self-control and lowers trust. People guard themselves, so you lose influence and co-operation chances.
Offer a specific thanks: "Thanks for bringing the coffee; I appreciate it." Naming the act makes praise real and builds goodwill.
Speak to the person, focus on behaviour, suggest fixes, and keep a calm tone. This constructive style guides change without bruising pride.
Optimistic words paint a better future, spark hope, and lift mood. People join upbeat plans, so your positive language wins their support.
Slow down, drop harsh words, ask not order, and use a cheerful tone. These small tweaks shift you from antagonistic to persuasive.

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