Opinions follow us everywhere. We can either agree or disagree with the behaviors and notions of others. When the time comes to present your opinion, will you be ready? Will you be able to share your ideas coherently so that your audience is nodding along in agreement with you? Whether you are presenting formally or informally, asking your community to sign a petition, or convincing your friend whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich, here are some easy tips to follow that will be sure to be effective when trying to persuade others.
1. Be aware of the issue.
Nothing is worse than starting a conversation and then realizing you are absolutely clueless on the topic because, in the end, you are the one putting your foot in your mouth. Being aware of the issue allows you to present the topic confidently.
2. Know your audience.
Nothing is more annoying than when you meet someone who believes they know you and your perspective. Therefore, don't assume something of your audience and don't speak as if you are speaking for everyone else. Just because your opinion is important to you, doesn't mean that your audience will care as well.
3. Do not be manipulative.
Manipulating anyone or anything never got anyone anywhere. Deliberately misrepresenting the information you are using to persuade your audience not only places distrust between the two parties but also harms your own credibility.
4. Appeal to your audience's emotion.
Who can help but want to take care of all the puppies in those sad dog commercials? Appealing to your audience's emotions helps create a connection to an object. This helps audiences to relate to the topic.
5. Use reasoning.
Put on those thinking caps and use a bit of logic! Logic and reasoning allow you to apply general principles to examples or events that are relevant to your topic.
6. Share a personal experience.
Sharing a personal story that is relevant to your topic of discussion is a simple way to let your audience know that you do have experience in this field. Not only that, but it establishes credibility and your audience will more likely listen to whatever follows.
7. Pausing and silence is okay.
Nobody likes to be the person who stops in the middle of a sentence because they forget where they were going with their point. Collect yourself and your thoughts before speaking. It is okay if this creates a bit of a pause and even silence! People will understand.
8. Body language is key.
Body language can say a lot about what a person is thinking or feeling. Watch how you hold yourself when presenting to your audience because, whether you are aware of it or not, this is one key thing they assess to get to know you more. Plus, nobody wants to come off as arrogant or self-righteous.
9. Make comparisons.
Just like metaphors enhance language, comparisons can enhance your persuasive points. Comparisons allow you to pull from outside sources, experiences or reasoning that will more than likely be effective and will have your audience agreeing with what you are saying.
10. Develop key points.
Blubbering in front of others doesn't sound very convincing. Having key points allows your persuasive topic to be more concise and understandable for your audience.
11. Use a clincher.
Finding a statement that can sum up all of the emotions and reasoning that you have already offered to persuade your audience is the best, and last, way to finally ensure that your audience is nodding along with you.
