Are you looking for ways to be more persuasive? If so, you’re in luck! There is a wealth of scientific research on persuasion, and much of it can be used to improve your ability to influence others.
In this article, we’ll share 50 scientifically proven ways to be persuasive. We’ll cover a wide range of topics, including how to use emotional appeals, social proof, and authority to influence others; how to structure your arguments; and how to make your requests more likely to be accepted.
So if you’re ready to learn how to persuade like a pro, read on!
Table of Contents:
1. Use Emotional Appeals
2. Use Social Proof
3. Use Authority
4. Structure your Arguments
5. Make your Requests Specific
6. Make your Requests Timely
7. Use the Power of Commitment and Consistency
8. Be Likable
9. Make your Arguments Coherent
10. Use Stories and Examples
11. Conclusion
1. Use Emotional Appeals
One of the most effective ways to persuade others is to appeal to their emotions. When you make an emotional appeal, you’re trying to evoke a positive or negative feeling in your audience in order to influence their behavior.
For example, suppose you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise. You could make an emotional appeal by pointing out how hard you’ve been working and how much you deserve the raise. Alternatively, you could try to evoke a sense of guilt by reminding your boss of all the extra hours you’ve been putting in.
2. Use Social Proof
Social proof is a powerful persuasion technique that you can use to influence others. It occurs when people copy the behavior of others in order to feel like they belong or fit in.
For example, imagine you’re at a party and you see someone else start dancing. You’re more likely to start dancing yourself because you want to fit in with the other partygoers.
You can use social proof to your advantage by surrounding yourself with other people who support your message. For example, if you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise, you could bring in other employees who are willing to testify to your good work.
3. Use Authority
People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they perceive as an authority figure. An authority figure is someone who is seen as an expert on the topic at hand.
For example, suppose you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise. If you can present yourself as an authority on the topic of your worthiness for the raise, your boss is more likely to be swayed by your argument.
4. Structure your Arguments
The way you structure your arguments can have a big impact on how persuasive they are. In general, it’s best to start with the most important points and then move on to the less important ones.
For example, if you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise, you might want to start by pointing out how long you’ve been with the company and how much you’ve contributed. You could then move on to talk about how your salary compares to others in your field.
5. Make your Requests Specific
When you make a request, be as specific as possible. The more specific you are, the more likely it is that your request will be fulfilled.
For example, suppose you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise. Rather than asking for a “raise,” you could ask for a specific amount of money.
6. Make your Requests Timely
Timing is everything when it comes to making requests. The sooner you make your request, the more likely it is to be fulfilled.
For example, suppose you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise. If you wait until your annual review to ask for a raise, you’re less likely to get one than if you ask for one immediately after you’ve done something that merits a raise.
7. Use the Power of Commitment and Consistency
People have a strong need for consistency, which you can use to your advantage when trying to persuade them. Once someone has committed to something, they’re more likely to follow through with it.
For example, suppose you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise. You could start by asking for a small raise, such as an extra $50 per week. If your boss agrees to this, you could then ask for a larger raise, such as an extra $100 per week.
8. Be Likable
People are more likely to be persuaded by someone they like. So if you want to be more persuasive, make an effort to be likable.
There are a number of ways to be likable, but some simple tips include smiling, making eye contact, and using positive body language.
9. Make your Arguments Coherent
If you want your arguments to be persuasive, they need to be coherent. That is, they need to be clear, logical, and easy to follow.
One way to make sure your arguments are coherent is to use simple language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience might not understand.
10. Use Stories and Examples
Stories and examples can be very persuasive. When you tell a story, you’re more likely to evoke an emotional response in your audience, which can make them more receptive to your message.
Similarly, examples can be used to illustrate your points and make them more relatable. For example, if you’re trying to persuade your boss to give you a raise, you could tell a story about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty. Alternatively, you could give an example of someone in a similar situation who received a raise.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many scientifically proven ways to be persuasive. By using these techniques, you can improve your ability to influence others and get the outcomes you desire.