Persuasion is asserting your will over others. In this definition, the concept of power comes in. Power is the ability of a person to put his will over others or over his followers. But in persuasion, no full power should be applied. The persuader should learn to be humble to accomplish his objective, so that the persuadee may give in.
Therefore, the qualities of a persuader must come from opposite ends. He must be positive-minded but open to negative results; he must be insistent but must also know how to compromise.
Let us look at the essential qualities a good persuader must have.
First, he must learn to balance both sides.
In the middle of a discussion, he should not always place too much emphasis on the advantages he will get from the deal. He should place equal or more consideration in the benefits that the other party will get. The persuader should try to anticipate the expectations of the persuadee. Thereafter, the persuader’s benefits can be considered.
Secondly, the persuader must have a positive mind.
He must show enthusiasm not only in words but also in actions. Gestures and facial expressions should be part of the conversation to make the persuadee agree with the persuader. Let’s say you’re the persuader. Should the persuadee ask questions, endeavor to make your answers positive ones (of course, you cannot avoid saying negative ones if those are true).
Thirdly, the persuader should learn to compromise.
Compromise here relates to a balanced negotiation. This does not mean giving up at all, but some things should be given up to make way for better ones. To do this, learn to balance the situation (first rule). No matter how enthusiastic the persuader is, the persuadee might have his own conditions or decision factors.
These strategies are best applicable for sales persons or marketers who are closing deals with clients.
One more thing not mentioned above but I think is a universal rule that everybody should know, is the notion of being honest. You cannot persuade people if most you are saying are lies. Honesty is still the best policy.
