6 benefits of sharpening your persuasion skills

Are you good at persuading others?  It’s a golden skill that can support you in various ways.  While it may come naturally to some, others can learn and develop it for the better.  Read my article for more.

On my self-improvement blog, I share many self-help articles with my readers.  In this one, I’ll highlight how influencing others is golden know-how and why you may choose to further boost and nurture it.  I’m not a coach, but love writing about such topics, having learnt and experienced things personally.

Who needs persuasion skills?

Everyone could benefit and in many spheres and circumstances of life.  We all need to convince other people sometimes, whatever we do, both personally and professionally. 

Some examples:

• Sales profession.  Sell your products to the client. Why should they choose yours?  Why is it the best alternative?
• Job interview.  Why are you the right candidate?  Will you deliver?  Why select you and not someone else? 
• Social circle.  Networking professionally at an event (outside of the lockdown period), connecting online, making new friends personally, or in dating.  What makes you stand out and why should others choose to take you seriously?
• Family matters.  At home, having dinner with family, or at a get-together, can you persuade others which decision to make?  Promote your point of view for acceptance. 
• Everyone.  Persuasion skills can be an advantage for anyone in life.  It can give you an edge in different situations, and at any time. 

Here’s my list of why and how the skills are desirable:

1. Reach your goal

An obvious part of trying to persuade someone into accepting your idea is to achieve a goal that you have set.  It may be a big one or a small milestone, but it will bring some form of advantage.  Whether intrinsic or extrinsic, it’s likely to have a positive impact on you, and maybe even on others, for the better.

Convincing people to accept something is often good for the person doing the act, but can be in the best interest of the other person as well.  Hopefully, it should be for the good of all concerned.  Sometimes, given the nature of the matter, some gain while others have to make a loss.

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2. Entice interest

In the process of trying to ‘sell’ your idea, there should be enough interest for the other person.  If not, then why would they care to listen?  Indeed, close ones, such as family and friends would gladly take the time to lend an ear out of pure concern, but most other people might need a reason.

Knowing how to introduce the topic is helpful. I noticed that smiling at someone before starting a conversation, with eye contact often eases things.  No one likes a grumpy or bossy person.

3. Avoid conflicts

There could be sensitive points that may cause conflict and resistance.  You need to foresee, prepare, consider them in advance, as far as possible.  In case of protest, show them how what you’re saying will make things better.

Avoid any fights in disagreement.  Have an open mind.  I often see that walking away at the time of tension, and only coming back to the conversation when things have cooled down, is best.

4. Mutual benefit

There should be a mutual benefit and even, fair deal.  In case there’s inevitably a need for a bigger gain for one over the other side, then it could be the nature of the matter in question.  Generally, people need to have their interests protected, so, do make an effort to show others how they’ll gain as well. 

5. A natural message

Have a genuine and heartfelt message.  When something is learnt by heart, it gets repetitive, without any feeling or emotion.  On the other hand, being alert, attentive, and sincere can better support you in gaining trust and acceptance.

Being assertive, using tact, or negotiating are all some ways that can bring results, depending on the situation.  Convincing people often aim at having the latter agree to your demands.  With experience and practice, you can feel more comfortable at it.  

6. Ongoing self-improvement

Persuasion is a vital life skill. Whether you possess it naturally or perhaps choose to build on and develop it, it can be favourable in many spheres of life.  Learn and get better all the time, benefit personally and professionally.  Help others see how they will gain from accepting your suggestions or decisions.

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Either develop what you have or if need be, learn and make it a natural habit, for all the ways that it can be useful.

Conclusion

Persuasion is a handy skill.  Be it personally, professionally, and in various aspects of life, it’s your ally.  It can support you in achieving what you aim for by convincing others.  Would you like to comment on the topic?  If you find value in my post, please share it for more people to see.  Thank you!!

Featured photo credit: Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com