5 Tips on How to Convince People

Friday, August 10, 2007 at 11:51am by David Askaripour in How To

1. Listen Carefully:

Everyone has “something” that they want to hear. Find out what it is by listening to the way they react to what you are saying. If you notice something you said appealing to them, then exploit that and start focusing your pitch around that particular “something.” Stay sharp and look for those clues, e.g., a smile, smirk, raised eyebrows, a laugh, etc.

2. WIIFT? (What’s In It for Them?):

The only way you have a chance of convincing someone is by openly stating how they are going to benefit from whatever you are offering. Don’t make the mistake by focusing the conversation on “you.” Take yourself out of the equation and focus on “them.” Let them know what they’ll get: money, equity, fame, and increased sales, whatever it may be. Just let them know.

3. You need to be a ball of energy:

When selling an idea to someone, you need to be extremely, extremely enthusiastic. You don’t have to be bouncing off of walls, but energy should be pouring out of you. Passion! Determination! Confidence! You need to project your voice, use inflection, and really sound super positive. This energy will be absorbed by whomever you’re speaking to.

4. Paint a picture:

A lot of convincing comes down to how well you can tell a story and paint a mental picture for someone. Bring people on a journey of your vision. Start with an attention-grabbing opening that immediately pulls them into this story and keep it alive with appealing to their senses. Make them imagine that it’s 5 years down the line and that you’re both on top of the world.

5. Be Charming:

Being polite and respectful are definitely prerequisites for convincing. Let the other person know that you’re not just here to convince, but to also build a lasting relationship. Smile a lot. Give them genuine compliments. Let them know how much you value their time for listing to what you have to say. And even if you aren’t able to convince then, keep in contact — who knows, there still may be future potential.

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