Laura Slingo 
Make these small changes to your language and watch your career soar
If you want to know what creates a strong speaker, the answer is easy: persuasive language techniques. Choosing your words carefully and projecting your points well could transform how professionals engage with you. In the following guide, we'll explain what persuasion techniques are and share some of the most effective examples. Read all about them and start using them in your workplace.
What are persuasion techniques?
Persuasion techniques are approaches you can use to encourage others to side with your point of view. In an extreme example, the most powerful leaders in the world use these strategies to gain a mass following. However, you can use the techniques of persuasion to get ahead in your career and elevate your professional life to new heights.
If you have the mastery to persuade others to agree with you, you can conquer every area of the business world. Of course, these techniques work wonders in the sales sector, but they don't start and end there. For example, all good leaders and managers know how to communicate persuasively. Understanding the art of persuasion can help you to excel across the board.
11 powerful persuasion techniques
If you're looking for some key examples of persuasive techniques, you've come to the right place. While you can use an array of approaches here, we've picked out 11 of the main persuasive language techniques you can use at work:
1. Project good body language
You could say all the right things, but if your body language isn't on point, you're missing a trick. One of the best persuasion techniques is to improve your body language when talking to people. That could be your boss, coworkers, or even clients.
Something as simple as sitting up straight or not touching your hair when you speak can help you project confidence. That minute change may make all the difference when trying to convince the other person of something important to you.
2. Frame your arguments
It's not what you say, it's how you say it. When you want someone to agree with your argument, choosing to frame it well is the answer.
For example, say you work in sales, and 40% of your leads result in sales, while 60% don't result in any conversion. You could say that 60% of customer leads don't convert. That's highly negative and sounds like you're doing a poor job.
If you want to look like a pro, a better way to frame your point is to say that you have a 40% sales success rate. By changing your language and focusing on the positive side of the point, you switch the narrative.
3. Use inclusive language
Looking for someone to help you out at work? There's a big difference between saying, “I have a problem,” and “we have a problem.” The latter draws them into the situation and suggests that this is a group issue you must work on collectively. It's that simple.
That's just one instance where inclusive language can help you to get what you want. However, using this type of rhetoric in all areas of your business life is smart. When you centre the focus on yourself by saying “I,” you immediately alienate the listener. Including them in the conversation using words like “we” and “us” is a better way to engage them.
4. Integrate rhetorical questioning
Are you losing people's interest? One of the best persuasion techniques to bring them into the conversation is rhetorical questioning. Ask an open-ended question that invites the listener to consider how they would react in the scenario you're describing. While they don't have to answer the question directly, you will have piqued their interest again.
5. Adopt tricolon phrases
You should never underestimate the power of three. If you want to ensure that your listener remembers your point, use a trio of punchy words to get the job done. Think about it for a minute. Some of the world's most memorable slogans consist of three words. You've got “Just do it,” “Every little helps,” and “I'm lovin' it,” to name but a few.
Take a leaf from marketing gurus' books and pick three words to make your point. For instance, after giving a presentation, you could end by summarising everything you've said into a three-word headline. That way, your audience will remember your main points easily.
6. Use emotive language
Ready to tug on your listener's heartstrings? When trying to persuade someone to see your point of view, emotive language is the way to go. That means using powerful adjectives to make your point when you're speaking. Here are some of our favourites:
-
Outstanding
-
Optimal
-
Economical
-
Scalable
-
Successful
-
Creative
-
Smart
-
Imaginative
-
Dynamic
-
Decisive
-
Robust
-
Skillful
-
Intelligent
-
Logical
-
Efficient
-
Effective
Weaving these into the tapestry of your everyday language could make a major difference in how people respond to you. When you're using this type of language, you're showing that you have a passion for your work. Watch out – it could be contagious!
7. Convey confidence
If TED Talks have taught us anything, it's that our brains are hardwired to trust people who exude confidence. Research in the Journal of Neuroscience backs that up. The study found that people's opinions tended to be based on three core factors: their own experiences, what most other people believe, and what confident people believe.
Of course, confidence doesn't come naturally to all of us. However, there are ways that you can learn to project an air of confidence. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. The more you learn to trust yourself and believe in your opinions, the more pure confidence will come across in your body language and how you speak.
8. Adjust your tone of voice
While we're on the topic of how you speak, your tone of voice says more than you might imagine (as do other nonverbal communication skills.) If you deliver your points in a meek or socially awkward way, people are less likely to a) believe you and b) take your opinion on board. Instead, you should use a tone that shows confidence, passion, and excitement for your subject matter.
This rule doesn't only apply to your spoken language. When writing any work-related communication, you can use a positive tone of voice. By making just a few small changes to how you phrase something, you can become more persuasive.
9. Listen reflectively
Want to show someone you're on the same page as them? Reflective listening is the way to go. This persuasion technique is simple. It means taking in what someone says to you and then repeating it to them in different words. That way, you know that you understand their point. If you want to avoid getting your wires crossed, this hack will help you out.
When the other person feels heard by you, they will be more inclined to try to understand your perspective. You should be employing reflective listening regardless of whether you're trying to persuade someone of something; however, it's clear that this technique is particularly effective when you're hoping to encourage the person to agree with you.
10. Repeat your main points
Can you repeat that? While you don't want to sound like a broken record, there's something to be said for repetition. Persuasion techniques are ones you should use sparingly. However, it's useful when you're driving a point home.
Let's take the example of a presentation. You might open with your main point or argument, back that up with facts, and then close with the same point again. Using that sandwich technique is a simple way to ensure the audience understands you.
11. Appeal to social proof
People are more likely to be persuaded if they can see that others agree with you or have taken action. Social proof is tangible, so when you show that others are on board with your idea (especially people your listener respects), it lends credibility and helps to sway opinions. Types of social proof include testimonials, examples of success, and simply referencing respected peers.
How persuasion skills can benefit your career
Mastering persuasion techniques can significantly elevate your career if you're looking for a way to bag that next promotion or land more clients. By implementing the techniques, you'll be able to convey your ideas more convincingly, influence decisions, and inspire action.
While you might not be an expert right away, practice makes perfect. Consistent practice is guaranteed to sharpen your skill set, increase your ability to influence outcomes, and ultimately enhance your professional success.
Need help in persuading potential employers to look your way? Check out our free CV review. Making sure your application is hitting the mark can help you get noticed and land interviews faster than ever.
This article was originally written by Charlotte Grainger and has been updated by Laura Slingo.