Persuasive Communication Skills
Persuasive Communication Skills
Developing your powers of persuasion would be a valuable addition to your leadership and management skills because, if you are to achieve your goals, you need to gain the willing cooperation of other people.
Your communication needs to be persuasive, so people will be convinced by what you say; and they will be more likely to cooperate with your ideas.
How can you make your messages more persuasive?
The answer to that question is based upon the principle that everything a person does, is either for a purpose or a reason.
Everything you do therefore, is done either to achieve a purpose, or for some reason.
In the same way; everything you SAY should have a purpose or a reason.
- If what you say seems "purposeless" or "for no reason" then many people will take NO notice of it.
- If everything you say has a definite purpose and a good reason behind it, then more people will be persuaded by it.
So, to become more persuasive, get into the habit of spelling out the purpose of your message, then give the reasons for your view, or both.
How can you implement the idea of always stating the given purpose and reasons to a message?
The following two words will help you to become a more persuasive speaker and writer:
The key words to remember are: SO and BECAUSE.
These two words are classed as "indicator words". An indicator word is a word that indicates a reason or a purpose.
- SO is often used to indicate a purpose.
- BECAUSE is often used to indicate reasons.
The method I want to suggest, is to add so and because onto the end of every opinion, idea or message; and then continue the sentence with either a purpose or a reason.
For example, rather than say: "You should limit your calorie intake", you would say,
"You should limit your calorie intake, SO you can always keep to your ideal weight and SO look your best".
Rather than say, "The government must keep public spending under control."
You could say, "The government must keep public spending under control, so that we don't pass our debts on to our children and so burden them with our financial mismanagement and greed".
Rather than saying, "You should leave on time".
You could say, "You should leave on time, so that you can avoid disrespecting the person who would be kept waiting."
Rather than saying, "People should read more books".
You might say, "People should read more books, so they can benefit from thoughts that would otherwise never have occurred to them".
Rather than say, "You should not waste money".
You might say, "You should not waste money, so that in the future you will always have some spare cash, when you need it."
Rather than say, "I think that Donald Trump is good", you might say,
"I think that Donald trump is good, because he shakes up the political system that has been a closed loop for too long". or
"I think Donald Trump is bad, because he has absolutely no experience as a politician. He has more experience as a millionaire playboy, none as a politician!"
Rather than say, "I want to go to Spain", you might say,
"I would like to go to Spain, so that I can learn to speak better Spanish and find out something more about Spanish culture."
How to be more persuasive
Strive to imbue every statement of opinion, preference or recommendation for action, with a reason or a purpose, and SO become a more persuasive speaker.
You can develop the habit of doing that by using the words, SO and BECAUSE.
- So is the word that indicates your purpose.
- Because is the word that indicates your reasons.
Use this simple technique, make it a speech habit; because if you do, you will sound like a person with well-reasoned opinions, so everything you say will sound more persuasive.
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Definition: Persuasive communication
Persuasive communication is a business skill where each message states a clear purpose and gives sound reasons, links the two with cues such as ‘so’ or ‘because’, and seeks the listener’s willing cooperation. When any of these parts is absent, the talk loses its power to persuade.
Show CG4D Definition
- States a clear purpose
- Gives a sound reason
- Connects purpose and reason with indicator words like ‘so’ or ‘because’
- Seeks the listener’s willing cooperation
Article Summary
Persuasive communication is simple: state your goal, then give a clear reason. Link the two with the words ‘so’ or ‘because’ and people see the purpose of your request at once, feel the logic, and choose to help. This habit turns everyday talk into a tool that gains cooperation and strengthens your leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why do the words 'so' and 'because' increase persuasive power?
What is an indicator word in persuasive communication?
How can I test if my sentence is persuasive enough?
Can persuasive communication improve team cooperation?
Is giving both purpose and reason always necessary?
What common mistake weakens persuasive messages?
How do I build the habit of adding reasons?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report shows that 57% of UK business leaders rank clear spoken and written communication as the most important skill for the year ahead. A 2023 study by Grammarly Business and The Harris Poll found that unclear messages cost firms with 500 or more staff an average of £9,400 per worker each year.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.
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Further Reading in Communication - Persuasive Communication
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How to Persuade People to Act on Your Ideas
Learn how to persuade people to act on your ideas by showing clear benefit, keeping steps easy and proving quick wins. Get persuasive communication tips today.
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Gain the Co-operation of Others
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Communication Skills: Do you inspire other people?
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Impression Management
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