BY TRAVIS BRADBERRY
8. They Acknowledge Your Point of View
An extremely powerful tactic
of persuasion is to concede the point. Admit that your argument is not perfect.
This shows that you are open-minded and willing to make adjustments, instead of
stubbornly sticking to your cause. You want your audience to know that you have
their best interests at heart. Try using statements such as, "I see where
you are coming from" and "That makes a lot of sense." This shows
that you are actively listening to what they are saying, and you won't just
force your ideas upon them. Persuasive people allow others to be entitled to
their opinions, and they treat these opinions as valid. They do this because it
shows respect, which makes the other person more likely to consider their point
of view.
9. They Ask Good Questions
The biggest mistake people
make when it comes to listening is failing to hear what's being said, because
they are focusing on what they're going to say next or how what the other
person is saying is going to affect them. The words come through loud and
clear, but the meaning is lost. A simple way to avoid this is to ask a lot of
questions. People like to know you're listening, and something as simple as a
clarification question shows not only that you are listening but also that you
care about what they're saying. You'll be surprised how much respect and
appreciation you gain just by asking questions.
10. They Paint a Picture
Research shows that people
are far more likely to be swayed by something that has visuals that bring it to
life. Persuasive people capitalize on this by using powerful visual imagery.
When actual images aren't available or appropriate, these people tell vivid stories
that breathe life into their ideas. Good stories create images in the minds of
the recipients that are easy to relate to and hard to forget.
11. They Leave a Strong First Impression
Research shows that most
people decide whether or not they like you within the first seven seconds of
meeting you. They then spend the rest of the conversation internally justifying
their initial reaction. This may sound terrifying, but by knowing this, you can
take advantage of it to make huge gains in your likability and ability to
persuade. First impressions are intimately tied to positive body language.
Strong posture, a firm handshake, a smile, and opening your shoulders to the
person you are talking to will help ensure that you make a good first
impression.
12. They Know When to Step Back
Urgency is a direct threat to
persuasion, so tread lightly. When you try to force people to agree instantly,
studies show that they are actually more likely to stand by their original
opinion. Your impatience causes them to counter your arguments in favor of
their own. If your position is strong, you shouldn't be afraid to back off and
give it time to sink in. Good ideas are often difficult to process instantly,
and a bit of time can go a long way.
13. They Greet People by Name
Your name is an essential
part of your identity, and it feels terrific when people use it. Persuasive
people make certain they use others' names every time they see them. You
shouldn't use someone's name only when you greet him or her. Research shows
that people feel validated when the person they're speaking with refers to them
by name.
If you're great with faces
but have trouble with names, have some fun with it and make remembering
people's names a brain exercise. When you meet someone, don't be afraid to ask
his or her name a second time if you forget it right after you hear it. You'll
need to keep the name handy if you're going to remember it the next time you
see the person.
14. They Are Pleasers
Persuasive people never win
the battle only to lose the war. They know how and when to stand their ground,
and yet they are constantly making sacrifices that help their cause. They are
always giving in, giving ground, and doing things for other people that make
them happy. Persuasive people do this because they know in the long run this
wins people over. They know it's better to be successful than it is to be
"right."
15. They Smile
People naturally (and
unconsciously) mirror the body language of the person they're talking to. If
you want people to like you and believe in you, smile at them during a
conversation, and they will unconsciously return the favor and feel good as a
result. Persuasive people smile a lot because they have genuine enthusiasm for
their ideas. This has a contagious effect on everyone they encounter.
Putting It All Together
Persuasive people are adept
at reading and responding to other people. They rely heavily on emotional
intelligence (EQ) to bring people to their way of thinking. With 90 percent of
top performers rating high for emotional intelligence, it's no wonder that
persuasive people rely on it to get ahead. Add these skills to your repertoire,
and you're on your way to joining this exclusive group.
http://www.inc.com/travis-bradberry/14-secrets-of-really-persuasive-people.html
No comments:
Post a Comment