The Power of Persuasion

Kent Wessinger

Why Persuasion?

Persuasion is a large part of how leaders succeed.

If you can convince people that your words are true, you will gain power and respect!

Want to learn how? Follow these simple tips.

Persuasion Tip #1

Take a bold stance

and stick with it!

Why?

• Flip-flopping leads to loss of credibility

• We are socialized to believe confidence directly correlates with skill

• This applies to politicians, office leaders and business executives

Persuasion Tip #2

Speak at a moderate, appropriate pace

• Speaking fast throws the audience off.

• Speaking slow bores the audience.

• General Tip: Speak slower to an audience currently in your favor and faster for one that disagrees.

How to find a good speaking pace

Persuasion Tip #3

Find smaller wins on the path to a larger one!

How to find small wins:

• Get your audience on the same page by taking stances you’re sure they’ll agree with.

• Gain trust in the beginning, then pose the larger argument.

Persuasion Tip #4

Consider how your audience best digests information.

How to consider your audience

• Sometimes you need to begin by coddling your audience

• What would your audience respond well to: A PowerPoint? Anecdote? Hard facts?

• Once you capture the hearts of your audience, you’re capturing their minds too.

Persuasion is an important skill.

If you can convince people of your viewpoints, you can succeed!