The art of persuasion is real. Image: https://exploringyourmind.comAn expert has revealed six conversation hacks, that he claims will have everyone - from your partner to your boss - listening to you.
Are you constantly walking away from conversations and arguments feeling like you haven't successfully been able to get your point across?
It could be as easy as changing the way you speak.
That’s according to Winning Conversations author and leadership expert Bryan Whitefield, who has shared his best conversation persuasion hacks.
Speaking to news.com.au Mr Whitefield said there were a few practical ways to master the “fine art of influence and persuasion.”
He said getting your ideas heard came down to getting “inside the minds” of whoever you're talking to.
Here are his top tips to influence anyone you meet — from your boss and co-workers to waiter bringing your food.
1. Stand in their shoes
According to Mr Whitefield, the first step is to understand the person you’re trying to convince — and to show to them how your point of view can benefit them.
“Stand in the shoes of those you wish to listen to your ideas,” he said.
“Try to understand their world so you can relate your message to it. Think about what they are dealing with on a day-to-day basis and how your idea helps them.
”You need to identify what’s in it for them.”
2. Paint a picture
Whitefield explains how as people listen to your ideas, they start to forma mental picture in their heads.
If you fail to describe what you really mean, they might walk away with the wrong impression.
“If you don’t paint a picture for them the image they conjure may be distinctly different to the one you have in your mind,” Mr Whitefield explained.
3. Use analogies
Mr Whitefield said incorporating analogies into your argument or conversation was an easy but effective way to drive your point home.
“Even if you have described your idea in terms they relate to because you have taken the time to stand in their shoes, adding an analogy will give them a different angle on it,” he said.
“For example, when talking about the challenges of implementing a project or program, a favourite of mine is, ‘It’s like a parent and child assembling Ikea furniture. The instructions might be helpful, however it will be the politics, culture and capability that will determine the end result’.”
4. Tell stories
Stories work so well because they add weight to your idea or argument while deepening your connection with the other person at the same time.
“It can be an emotional, personal story to inspire or a humorous one to create rapport,” Mr Whitefield said.
“If you are struggling to find one, find a story about someone famous that you can relate to the situation.”
5. Prove you're credible
Do your research before you dive into a conversation, if aren't knowledge on a topic you'll lose people.
“Recommendations or referrals from others are particularly good for this. So is an online presence that emanates authority about your idea,” he said.
“When pitching your idea you should definitely reference case studies if you can.
“If not, are there some well known facts that may support your case?”
6. Speak their language
You could have the best argument in the world — but if you don’t manage to speak to the other person using language they understand, it won’t matter one bit.
Mr Whitefield said it was essential to tailor your language to suit the situation.
“First, they will hear it better and understand it more clearly in their language,” he said.
“Second, you lose credibility if you don’t sound like you know about their world.”
