Claim Your Power Of Persuasion – It’s Easier Than You Think
August 4, 2015
By Brian Maynor
Persuasive people tend to get what they want. There’s no other way to say it, but what most of us fail to grasp is the fact that we are more persuasive than we even realize.
Why should we practice being persuasive? If you want to be successful or even recognized for your contributions you have to be able to persuade others. Fortunately persuasion is a talent, not an inherent trait, so we all can claim our powers of persuasion with a little practice. This doesn’t mean just being bolder and outgoing, though those are great traits to cultivate. Here are a few simple, sometimes overlooked tips on being more persuasive:
1. Breathe properly. Since breathing is automatic we tend to not give it a second thought, but there are a lot of benefits to proper breathing. Here are a few that affect your ability to be persuasive:
a. Correct posture. Standing up straight with your shoulders back, feet shoulder-width apart and your weight equally distributed between your two feet is a power pose. You look more commanding, feel more in control and are in the best possible position to speak with authority.
b. Breathing deeply. It’s well documented that most of us don’t breathe correctly. Shallow, rapid breathing serves it purpose, but if you want to have a voice that has substance and weight to it, you need to breathe deeply and speak as you exhale. This is the key to supporting your words and reducing any trembling in your voice from nerves.
c. Don’t give up if you don’t hear a big difference. It’s easier for others to pick up on the difference in your voice than it is for us. If you want proof of this grab a partner and practice.
2. Simply ask. Now that you can control your breathing and your voice, it’s time to put them to work. The power of persuasion starts with the ask. So many of us psych ourselves out and expect a ‘no’ that we rarely even ask a question or make a request. While rejection is never out of the question, the more you ask the easier it gets and a denial isn’t personal. If you have a hard time speaking up, start with small tasks or requests to build your confidence and then move on to more important tasks like raises, new job descriptions or promotions.
3. It pays to be direct. Subtly is lost on most people, especially in a busy work environment. When time is a commodity you have to be direct. It’s not being rude, it’s being efficient. Not only will it save time, being direct will get you an actual answer, and chances are it will be a favorable one since people respond more positively to direct requests.
4. Don’t feel you need to offer something in return. We all want to be nice, and when we ask someone for a favor we feel we need to offer something in return. While that’s considerate, it doesn’t change the likelihood someone will say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’. In fact, people actually feel good about doing a favor and helping out when there’s nothing in it for them.
Being persuasive is a powerful tool we all have within ourselves. The keys are the delivery, i.e. breathe deeply and control your voice, and be direct, i.e. don’t rely on people picking up on hints or innuendo.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyborads at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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