How to Persuade People

Convincing people that your way is the best way is often very difficult but is possible.

1. Timing is everything.

Knowing how to persuade people correctly largely depends on the right time to talk to them. Approach people when they are more relaxed and you will achieve far better results.

2. Smile.

Be polite, cheerful, and charismatic. A good attitude will help you more than you think. People will hear what you have to say without thinking that you want to force your point of view on them.

3. Show them all the benefits of your idea.

(If possible, tell them how it will benefit them. That always gets their attention.)

4. Minimize any gain you stand to receive should the person choose your preferred course of action.

5. Prepare for any contradictions and be ready for any that you may not have thought of.

6. Don't be afraid to agree with the person a little.

Say things like: "Okay, but..." or "Yeah except..." or just say yes but don't let them completely prove you wrong.

However it is always okay if you hear what they have to say and try to adapt their idea to your idea.

7. Try to find out why the other person is rejecting your preferred course of action.

If you can find out why, it gives you a tactical advantage.

8. If you realize that you may have been wrong in one aspect then admit it.

It will make you seem more trustworthy.

9. Ask them just to consider it and think about your idea, given time to think they may realize their mistakes.

10. Be generous with your opponent; give them something they want, and they will be more inclined to give you something you want.

11. All persuasion should be suggestive not demand.

But at the same time know what you want.

12. In general when trying to convince someone always talk about positive things and pleasant memories, never bad things that happened.

Not about personal life experiences.

12. Try not to appear to be going to great lengths to persuade somebody.

In fact, you are most persuasive when your audience does not know you are attempting to persuade them.

13. At times, it helps to let your audience know that something is really, really, really important to you, and other times it does not; use discretion.

14. Most importantly, know when to give up.

Your opponent may find you talking very annoying. If your opponent perceives you as a pest, it will make you much less persuasive in the future.

Reverence: WikiHow