How to Persuade Someone to Do Something
How to be more persuasive
Wouldn't it be great if you could persuade everyone to accept your view; if you could persuade everyone that your idea is the best one, and that they should follow your proposal?
In order for this to happen they have to believe your idea is: True, worthwhile, practical and preferably easy.
1. How to make people say "That's true!"
Point to observable facts that prove your idea is demonstrably true in reality. Use logical arguments based on observable facts and show that your idea is a logical deduction from facts.
2. How to make people believe your idea is worthwhile.
If you can show that your idea will lead to pleasurable, beneficial or profitable consequences for the other person, they will tend to think the idea is great.
You need to sell the benefits of your idea from the perspective of the other person's self-interest.
Use words such as gain, achieve, earn, win, receive, money, profit, free time or pleasure.
3. Show them your idea is practical.
Figure out the practical aspects of your idea. How can you make the idea a practical reality? What steps would need to be taken. How much would it cost. What technology would be needed. What skills and knowledge would need to be found?
If you cannot demonstrate how the plan would work in practice, others will doubt its practicality. You need to do sufficient research to show how it could be done.
4. Tell them it will be easy.
Nobody likes things to be too hard, or too complicated. They prefer things that are straight forward and simple.
Therefore, use words such as straight-forward, simple, easy, step by step, effortless.
5. Tell them it will be fun.
Everyone likes fun. If the task itself is not fun, then tell them that the people they will be doing the task with, are fun. For example "You will be working with the bomb disposal team who are a terrific bunch! You will have a lot of fun working with them!"
Use words such as fun, enjoy, relish, like, happy, laugh.
6. Get them on-board.
If you don't "close the sale" there and then, the chances are they will soon lose interest.
As soon as you can get them started on the process, they will have emotionally committed.
Ensure that the initial activities you give them are indeed quick, easy and fun.
Try these tactics next time you want to persuade someone to do something.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness
-
Four Personal Effectiveness Training Skills
Four Personal effectiveness training skills In order to get the best from yourself and others what are the skills and knowledge you need to develop? There are many skills relating to personal effectiveness. But we will focus on four essential skills. Four essential personal effectiveness skills. There are four major...
Read Article > -
The Power of Personal Initiative
Personal initiative is a powerful thing, which everyone possesses. By using your initiative you will achieve success. But don't let procrastination get in the way of your personal initiative.
Read Article > -
How to cut costs and become more efficient
How to cut costs and become more efficient Here is a good motto to memorise "Complexity and waste thrive on each other" You want to achieve your goals. In order to do that you must: Maximise your productivity Minimise your costs Efficiency is the ratio that relates your productivity to your...
Read Article > -
Problem Solving Skills
Learning how to analyse problems and working out effective solutions is important to our survival. Teaching problem solving skills to employees will improve workplace efficiency and co-operation between co-workers and customers.
Read Article > -
Don't Reward Yourself with Failure
Celebrate achievements wisely. Opt for value, not calories. Avoid rewards that lead to pitfalls. Choose fulfilling celebrations, not setbacks.
Read Article >
Looking for Personal Development Training?
If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 13 days, Preston, places available