9 Habits of Remarkably Persuasive People by Jeff Haden

Yet another great little information-packed article by Jeff Haden. These nine points are good to keep in mind, be it casual conversation or a presentation to a packed auditorium. Here are the 9 Habits of Remarkably Persuasive People:

1. They Take Bold Stands
   • Humans prefer cockiness to expertise. We naturally equate confidence with skill.
   • Be bold. Stop saying 'I think' and 'I believe' - instead just say 'It will.'
2. They Adjust Their Rate of Speech
   • If the audience is likely to disagree, talk faster - it gives less time to formulate counter-arguments.
   • If they are likely to agree, speak slower - it gives more time to evaluate and factor into their own thoughts.
3. They Start with Small 'Wins'
   • Gaining agreement has an enduring effect.
   • Start with statements or premises you know they will agree with to build a foundation of further agreement.
4. They Occasionally Swear
   • Tossing in an occasional and heart-felt curse word can show urgency and concern.
   • Authenticity is more persuasive.
5. They Know Their Audience
   • Don't push for instant agreement if their personality style requires thinking time; likewise, don't hesitate if they don't require thinking time.
6. They Share Positives and Negatives
   • Sharing an opposing viewpoint or two is more persuasive.
   • Very few ideas are perfect; sharing negatives shows understanding of potential misgivings.
7. They Draw Positive Conclusions
   • Positive-outcome statements are more persuasive than scare tactics.
8. They Choose the Right Medium
   • For example: men tend to feel competitive in person while women, the opposite.
9. Most of All, They Make Sure They're Right
   • Be clear, concise, and to the point.
   • Make sure your data, reasoning, and conclusions are beyond reproach.