Communicate More Persuasively
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Being able to communicate effectively is a foundational tool for any talent stack. Whether you’re trying to share ideas or influence decisions, honing your persuasive communications skills can be a game-changer both personally and professionally.
Here are a couple of things we can all work on to improve:
Active Listening
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” ~ Peter Drucker
Paying attention to what others are saying and showing an interest in their perspective can make your responses more persuasive.
Clarity & Simplicity
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
Avoiding jargon and complex language keeps your message clear and easy to understand. And the absence of academic-speak will more likely resonate with your audience.
Emotional Intelligence
“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Manage your emotions before they manage you. Empathy makes your message relatable and persuasive.
Be a Storyteller
“The human species thinks in metaphors and learns through stories.” ~ Mary Catherine Bateson
Share stories whenever you can. People remember stories more than facts and statistics.
Body Language
“Your body language shapes who you are.” — Amy Cuddy
Display open and confident body language. Non-verbal cues enhance the persuasiveness of your message.
Ask Questions
“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” — Thomas Berger
Asking thoughtful questions opens dialogue with your recipient and allows them to share their thoughts, which can lead to a more persuasive discussion.
Power of Silence
“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero
Practice using strategic pauses in your conversations. Silence emphasizes your key points and lets your audience absorb the message.
Persuasive communication is a skill that can be strengthened over time. Becoming a more persuasive and influential communicator can pay dividends in all areas of your life.
