An excellent gift for persuading people. The gift of persuasion and astrology: developing abilities. Master mirror listening

Each of us has our own point of view on many facts of life. And sometimes it is necessary to convey this point of view to others. But if time after time something prevents you from doing this? Is it possible to learn effective persuasion techniques?

Beliefs and arguments are part of the communication of each of us. We encounter this repeatedly every day: in communication with family, when raising children, at work, with friends and acquaintances, and sometimes strangers. Someone is trying to convince us, we are trying to convince someone... Sometimes we defend our own point of view, and sometimes we try to motivate people to do as we propose. Both defending your own opinion and actively promoting it are all parts of a single process of persuasion.

Unfortunately, we often come across unscrupulous methods of persuasion and manipulation, and we need to have sufficient skills not to succumb to them, to defend own opinion. Another common problem is the inability to express one’s point of view and convince others of it for the benefit of the common cause. For example, you have artistic taste and could try to convince your family that your interior design option is better, but either you don’t do this or your arguments are not heard. Or, for example, when preparing a project at work, you could well make a few suggestions to streamline the process, but... alas and ah! The idea that you never expressed was later voiced by your colleague, and the position of project manager and salary increase again did not go to you.

There are people whose gift of persuasion is surprising to others. They often don’t even need to get into an argument, because their argument is so coherent that they agree with it without objection. For others, nothing works out over and over again. So what is the reason?

Mistakes of Overconfidence

Albina is a bright and active woman, but she admits that it is difficult for her to convince others of anything. For her work colleagues and friends, the moments when Albina tries to convince them of something, from choosing a cafe to financial decisions, become a test. Albina literally flies at them, arguments pour in so quickly that the interlocutors do not have time to hear them. Albina speaks in a peremptory tone, as if everything has already been decided. And often she hears agreement with her arguments... which, however, remains only words.

Have you ever thought that overly self-confident people may find it difficult to achieve mutual understanding with others, including convincing them of something? Often interlocutors outwardly agree with the arguments presented, just to stop their flow, but the result shows that the arguments did not produce a real effect.

In a situation of dependence (“boss - subordinate”, “tyrant husband - subordinate wife”) this may not be decisive, because everything will be done. But this has nothing to do with persuasion, since it is essentially an order. A situation of persuasion occurs when the interlocutors are at the “same level”, or the persuader is lower (in terms of status, age, position). And in this situation, excessive self-confidence is an obstacle to communication.

Self-confident people are often aggressive in communication and allow so-called conflict triggers - words and actions that not only interfere with persuasion, but also provoke conflict where there might not be any. However, the use of conflictogens (conscious or unconscious) is a frequent hindrance for many people, and not just for self-confident individuals.

Anyone who is trying to convince others that they are right or wants their idea to be implemented needs to avoid the following mistakes...

... direct manifestations of superiority: orders, threats, ironic remarks, direct ridicule, mockery, sarcasm.

... a condescending attitude: “Well, how can you not know this?”, “They speak Russian to you,” “It seems clever man, but you behave...”, etc.

...bragging: “I had a similar problem, and I dealt with it perfectly,” “I have a sharp mind, everyone talks about it.” Such phrases make you want to put the braggart in his place, and not at all agree with the arguments he gives.

... interrupting the interlocutor. You should not show that your thoughts are in some way “more valuable” than those of your interlocutor, as this destroys the contact.

...withholding important information. If, in an effort to convince, you withhold some information, be prepared for the fact that the person, having learned about this, will no longer trust your opinion in the future, expecting a catch.

... manifestations of selfishness. If during the course of persuasion it becomes clear that a person wants to achieve something only for his own benefit or convenience, his argumentation stops “working”. This position becomes obvious to others and leads to alienation of the person.

So, if you want to convince others of something, leave behind excessive self-confidence and an aggressive style of proving that you are right. Without doing this, you can again only complain that you “spoke the point”, but again “no one heard” you.

Mistakes of uncertainty

Alena considers herself an insecure person. She is invisible in the company of friends and in the team. Her family does not listen to her opinion. She almost never expresses her point of view, preferring silent agreement. Some acquaintances consider her a person with no opinion of her own. This allows others to manipulate Alena: she does some of the work for her colleagues, “carries” the whole house on herself, believing that her needs are less important than the needs of her husband and children. But more and more often Alena feels an internal protest and feels the desire to show that she also has her own opinion...

When you need to be able to convince
In what situations can we use the ability to persuade?

  • When we need to express our point of view and prove that we have the right to it. We may not need anyone to do what we want. Sometimes we need others to recognize our right to have exactly the opinion that we have. This is especially important in personal relationships: between adult children and parents, between spouses, etc. In this case, the partners do not solve a joint problem, but simply get to know each other’s attitudes, which can affect the further building of relationships. In this case, the goal of persuasion is the partner’s acceptance of us as we are.
  • When partners have a common goal that requires implementation. This is the most common situation when you need to be able to express your opinion and convince others of it. Implementing a project at work, renovating a house, spending time together - all this and much more requires us to have the art of persuasion and negotiation.
  • When an argument is nothing more than entertainment. For example, a dispute about the situation on the economic market or about new fashion trends, which takes place between acquaintances, is entertainment that trains the ability to argue and prove your point of view. Such debates about tastes, opinions and preferences are almost fruitless, since the participants in the discussion remain unconvinced. But this situation is remarkable in that people who are not very good at arguing and proving that they are right can practice this in a situation that is safe for themselves. And then - apply new experience when it is necessary and important.

People who are considered insecure by others often tend to keep their opinions to themselves. They cannot defend their interests because they are afraid of losing the favor of others. Insecure people often act according to one of several schemes, each of which is quite ineffective.

  1. “I can’t even say a word.” In this case, the person has his own opinion, but keeps it to himself. He doesn't even try to express it, because he is afraid that he will be ridiculed or that he will not be able to defend it. And then one of the options is implemented. Having outwardly agreed with other people's arguments, a person does what he promised, but at the same time internal tension (protest) arises, which sooner or later can lead to an “explosion” in the relationship. Either the person does not do what he promised, and deliberately or “accidentally” fails the task, earning himself the image of a person who cannot be relied on.
  2. “I act through others.” People who are unsure of themselves sometimes choose a “transmitter”, i.e. another person to whom they can express their opinion and ask to help “promote” the idea, but on their own behalf. For example, a “quiet” mother-in-law, who does not directly say anything to her daughter-in-law, chooses her son as a “transmitter”, who is forced to convey his mother’s thoughts, passing them off as her own opinion, which can ruin the relationship. When transmitting your thoughts through another person, you need to realize that in such transmission of information a lot of “noise” arises, i.e. information that you did not mean at all. When we're talking about about work, such a position will prevent a person from building his own career, and his best ideas(of which he has many!) will be picked up by more daring colleagues. If during the transmission unnecessary “noise” information arises or the idea turns out to be unsuccessful, the “transmitter” will relieve itself of responsibility by referring to the original source, i.e. you. Thus, in case of success, all the laurels do not go to you, but in case of failure, all the stones are yours.
  3. “I speak, but they don’t listen to me.” Slightly more confident people tend to express their opinion, but often do so hesitantly and as if apologizing to others. They strive to convey their ideas to others and present the right arguments, but often they go unnoticed behind the more confident, albeit less weighty, arguments of others.

What to do? First of all, develop inner confidence, and the ability to speak about your point of view and be able to prove it will come. It is perhaps impossible to remain an insecure person, but at the same time be able to perfectly convince others. But the path to self-confidence can begin with several episodes in which you were a “winner,” including being able to defend your point of view, even in a small dispute. The path to confidence is a self-reinforcing system: the more reasons to be proud of yourself, the more confidence in your abilities. So try to use techniques to persuade others, win the discussion and become more confident!

Persuasion Techniques

So, you want to learn how to convince others of your opinion. However, it is worth remembering that this will not always be possible, as we know, “of all truths, the most important is your own.” Most often, you will have to take into account the interests of your partner and adapt to him, looking for compromises in controversial situations. But there are techniques that can help you increase the effectiveness of your persuasion and, as a result, feel satisfied that your opinion was listened to.

  1. First of all, clearly state your goal. Now, in this conversation, in this meeting, you want to achieve something. If time permits, formulate in advance exactly what you need to say. The wording should be clear and short, for example: “I want to be granted extraordinary leave”; “I want us to buy this particular cabinet”; “I want the doctor to give me a referral to a specific clinic.” If the main condition is not met and the internal goal is not formed, you will not be able to find sufficient arguments or look convincing.
  2. Consider the type of interlocutor. Some people respond more to rational and others to emotional persuasion techniques. For example, people of the thinking type remain equanimous even in difficult situations, love order, clarity and functionality. In polemics, they are guided by logical considerations and try to weigh the pros and cons. When talking with such a person, you need to use objective information, stay discreet style communication and maintain a distance of respect. But people of the feeling type are more susceptible to emotional argumentation (“You will feel calmer if you do this...”; “This option will make you nervous”). For such people, logical justifications are less valuable, since for them the area of ​​​​feelings, their own and those around them, is more important. Remember that an argument that is 100% valid for you may be quite weak for the interlocutor. For example, you might tell your doctor, “I'll be upset if you can't give me the referral I need.” By saying this, you assume that your disorder is as significant a factor for an outsider as it is for you, but this is unlikely to be the case. And the “further” a person is from you, the less effective arguments based on your feelings work.
  3. Consider the strength of the arguments. Try to put yourself in the shoes of your interlocutor and think about what arguments will be strong for him, and use them. The most convincing order of arguments is: strong - medium - one is the strongest. It has been proven that what happened at the very beginning and at the very end is best remembered. What happened in the middle is what a person remembers worst. Therefore, the beginning, and especially the ending, must be “strong,” but in the middle it is worth using “average” caliber argumentation. Weak arguments should generally be avoided.
  4. Remain respectful of your interlocutor. We have already said that conflictogens that interrupt effective communication and forcing the interlocutor to defend himself. Throughout the conversation, try to maintain respect for your partner, his interests and opinions, even if they differ from yours. In this case, the interlocutor will not need to defend himself, and the persuasion process can be more fruitful.
  5. Maintain respect for yourself, do not belittle your status. Don't apologize for having a certain position. You need to use the word “sorry” as little as possible (unless there are good reasons for doing so), as this makes your position subordinate and insecure. And uncertainty is associated with low personal and professional status.
  6. Start with what unites you. If your positions differ from those of your interlocutor, start persuasion with what unites you, and not with what is the subject of disagreement. For example, if you just can’t come to an agreement on the question of where you should go on vacation, you can start this conversation by saying, for example, “It’s good that we have a vacation at the same time,” “It’s good that that we love to relax together, remember how great it was last time!” It is much easier to come to an agreement with a person, thinking that you have a lot in common with him, than in the case when conflict issues come to the fore.
  7. Learn to listen and hear! Situations often occur when interlocutors mean completely different things and argue without understanding each other. And in this case it is difficult to both convince and come to a common decision. Be a good listener: listen to your interlocutor to the end, clarify his position by formulating it out loud again. Eat simple ways check whether you correctly understood what you were told: “In other words, you think that...”, “What you said could mean...”. Don’t hesitate to ask again: “What exactly do you mean?”, “Please clarify...”.
  8. Let the interlocutor believe that this thought belongs to him. People are much more careful about their own thoughts and judgments than about others. Use it. For example: “Do you remember we talked about... You then said that... This idea seemed very reasonable to me!” Or a less straightforward option: “Your reasoning led me to believe that...”. Let your interlocutor feel that your proposals, if not entirely his idea, are certainly half his!
  9. Show that your option is beneficial to your interlocutor. Remember that all people need to meet five basic needs (according to A. Maslow):
  • physiological (food, water, sleep, housing, health, etc.);
  • in safety, confidence in the future;
  • in belonging to any community (family, group of friends, team, etc.);
  • in respect, recognition;
  • in self-realization, realization of one’s capabilities and spiritual needs.

If you can show that your idea will help fulfill one or more needs of the interlocutor, the success of your persuasion is almost guaranteed.

So, we have looked at the basic techniques of persuasion. Of course, in order to learn how to convince others, first of all you need to... learn. Just by reading this article, you will not become proficient in the art of persuading others. Practicing these techniques and then analyzing your successes and failures will give you the experience you need and make you a master persuader in the future.

"You have to be convincing." When we hear this phrase, many people immediately think of an intrusive salesman trying to sell a second-rate product to a gullible buyer. A person who is not very attractive, ready to beg, push, suppress with authority - in general, do anything to buy at least something from him.

But the gift of persuasion is something completely different. Elizabeth Wellington, author of the resource The Muse, wrote an excellent text about how to sell without scaring people with your pressure.

In fact, the ability to persuade other people is an important skill that helps you sell your products, services, and your brilliant ideas. And even win arguments with friends.

At the same time, people who have the gift of persuasion do not look either intrusive or prone to dominance. On the contrary, they are able to inspire trust, they know how to listen and they are able to win you over in a way that does not make you feel like you are betraying your principles.

The gift of persuasion is needed in any field, but especially when it comes to sales. David Brennan, general manager of the company Mesa, one of the largest automobile dealers in the United States, knows how to sell things beyond stereotypes.

Too much pressure doesn't work

When a sales manager is too assertive, it may mean that he is not really confident in the quality of his product - he puts pressure, compensating for this very uncertainty.

Brennan believes that too much pressure doesn't work. He is sure that the product must first be sold to oneself:

“If you don’t want to buy your product yourself, the person you are communicating with will have the feeling that they want to buy it, and not the desire to buy into your persuasion.”

To be on the same wavelength with a person, you need to feel comfortable yourself, and then you will sound convincing, regardless of what you are trying to prove.

So the first step towards success is to have confidence in yourself and what you say. In order to find it, you will have to ask yourself some uncomfortable questions.

For example, if you are promoting new project, it makes sense to find and correct weak points in it.

If you are selling a product, but do not fully know all its functions, first carefully study it and, if possible, try it on yourself.

In general, no matter what you sell, before you convince others to buy it, prove to yourself that it is a very necessary thing.

Master mirror listening

Those who focus not on themselves, but on their audience, have the ability to persuade. When you listen to it, trust and mutual understanding arise between you: you listen to your interlocutor, and this makes him more open and receptive to what you say.

If you are a good listener, this will 100% guarantee that you will not be considered too intrusive.

You don’t need to be a person who smoothly expresses and says what the other person wants to hear. To become persuasive, you need to take the time to truly hear the person. You need to understand what exactly interests him.

Mirror listening is not passive. It does not imply that you will simply stand and listen silently - it is assumed that you will maintain a dialogue, “mirror” the body language of the interlocutor, repeating his gestures, and at the same time remain in the shadows, without pulling the blanket over yourself.

A simple example. Brennan himself, when training new sales managers, suggests resorting to an elementary trick to break the ice in a relationship, namely, repeating after the buyer what he says.

The salesman hears: “I came to buy a car for my daughter; she’s already an adult, she has rights, it’s time to go to tennis herself” - and replies: “Oh, your daughter plays tennis?”
It is likely that the client will then continue: “Oh yes, and she’s doing a great job! Now they are leaving for competitions, and she will have to lead the whole way. I'm very worried about there being no incidents on the road."

It may seem that all this is empty chatter that only wastes time. However, in reality, this dialogue allows the seller to find out the necessary information.

In a few minutes, he finds out what the client needs (a car for his daughter) and what worries him first (her safety). Now the seller has the information and can offer exactly the option that the buyer needs.

Mirror listening always helps when you need to convince your interlocutor of something. Not only the buyer: you can also communicate with the hiring manager during an interview, and with friends whom you want to persuade to go to a new restaurant.

Solve the problem

When you have already understood what worries your interlocutor, offer ideas for solving this specific problem.

If we again turn to the example of a father buying a used car for his daughter, then the seller in this case should focus specifically on the issue of safety, because that is what is most important to the client.

“I understand that the price of this car is at the very top of the price range that you would expect. I'm offering it to you because we recently put new tires on it and, unlike other cars of this model, it is equipped with anti-lock braking system. In addition, it is at the very top in the safety rating.”

Please note: the seller does not overpromise or exaggerate, he simply honestly (and trustingly) explains why his product is suitable for this client. Thus, he offers a person a simple and quick solution to his problem.

By creating trust, using mirror listening techniques, and problem solving, you actually form a special relationship. Instead of pushing people, you show that you understand their needs and offer advice based on your experience and knowledge. This is a mutually beneficial process, and no one is forcing anything on anyone.

Not the one who has great knowledge is stronger, but the one who is able to convince - a well-known axiom. Knowing how to choose words, you own the world. The art of persuasion - a whole science, but all its secrets have long been revealed by psychologists in ways that are easy to understand, simple rules who are any successful business man knows by heart. How to convince people - expert advice...

  • Control over the situation is impossible without a sober assessment of the situation. Assess the situation itself, people’s reactions, and the possibility of strangers influencing the opinion of your interlocutor. Remember that the result of the dialogue should be beneficial for both parties.
  • Mentally put yourself in the place of your interlocutor. Without trying to “get into the skin” of your opponent and without empathizing with him, it is impossible to influence a person. By feeling and understanding your opponent (with his desires, motives and dreams), you will find more opportunities for persuasion.
  • The first and natural reaction of almost any person to outside pressure is resistance.. The stronger the “pressure” of the belief, the stronger the person resists. You can eliminate your opponent’s “barrier” by winning him over. For example, joke about yourself, about the imperfection of your product, thereby “lulling” a person’s vigilance - there is no point in looking for shortcomings if they are listed to you. Another technique is a sharp change in tone. From official to simple, friendly, universal.
  • Use “constructive” phrases and words in communication – no denial or negativity. Wrong option: “if you buy our shampoo, your hair will stop falling out” or “if you don’t buy our shampoo, you won’t be able to appreciate its fantastic effectiveness.” Correct option: “Restore strength and health to your hair. New shampoo with a fantastic effect!” Instead of the dubious word “if,” use the convincing word “when.” Not “if we do...”, but “when we do...”.

  • Do not impose your opinion on your opponent - give him the opportunity to think independently, but “highlight” the right path. Incorrect option: “Without cooperation with us, you will lose a lot of benefits.” Correct option: “Cooperation with us is a mutually beneficial alliance.” Incorrect option: “Buy our shampoo and see how effective it is!” Correct option: “The effectiveness of shampoo has been proven by thousands of positive reviews, multiple studies, the Ministry of Health, the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, etc.”
  • Look for arguments to convince your opponent in advance, having thought through all possible branches of the dialogue. Put forward your arguments in a calm and confident tone without any emotional overtones, slowly and thoroughly.
  • When convincing your opponent of something, you must be confident in your point of view. Any doubts you have about the “truth” you put forward are instantly “grabbed” by the person, and trust in you is lost.

  • Learn sign language. This will help you avoid mistakes and better understand your opponent.
  • Never give in to provocations. To convince your opponent, you must be a “robot” who cannot be enraged. “Balance, honesty and reliability” are the three pillars of trust even in a stranger.
  • Always use facts - the best weapon of persuasion. Not “my grandmother told me” and “I read it on the Internet”, but “there are official statistics...”, “on personal experience I know that…” etc. The most effective facts are witnesses, dates and numbers, videos and photographs, opinions of famous people.

  • Learn the art of persuasion from your children. The child knows that by offering his parents a choice, he, at a minimum, will not lose anything and will even gain: not “Mom, buy me!”, but “Mom, buy me a radio-controlled robot or at least a construction set.” By offering a choice (and having prepared the conditions for the choice in advance so that the person makes it correctly), you allow your opponent to think that he is the master of the situation. Proven fact: a person rarely says “no” if he is offered a choice (even if it is the illusion of choice).

  • Convince your opponent of his exclusivity. Not with vulgar open flattery, but with the appearance of a “recognized fact.” For example, “We know your company as a responsible company with a positive reputation and one of the leaders in this field of production.” Or “We have heard a lot about you as a man of duty and honor.” Or “We would like to work only with you, you are known as a person whose words never diverge from action.”
  • Focus on “secondary benefits.” For example, “Cooperation with us is not only low prices for you, but also great prospects" Or "Our new kettle“This is not just a super technological innovation, but your delicious tea and a pleasant evening with your family.” Or “Our wedding will be so magnificent that even kings will envy.” We focus, first of all, on the needs and characteristics of the audience or opponent. Based on them, we put emphasis.

  • Avoid disrespect and arrogance towards your interlocutor. He should feel on the same level as you, even if in ordinary life you drive around such people for a kilometer in your expensive car.
  • Always start a conversation with points that can unite you and your opponent, not divide you. The interlocutor, immediately tuned to the right “wave,” ceases to be an opponent and turns into an ally. And even if disagreements arise, it will be difficult for him to answer you “no”.
  • Follow the principle of demonstrating shared benefit. Every mother knows that the ideal way to talk her child into going to the store with her is to tell her that they sell candy at the checkout. with toys, or “suddenly remember” that big discounts were promised on his favorite cars this month. The same method, only more complex, is the basis business negotiations and agreements between ordinary people. Mutual benefit is the key to success.

  • Make the person feel good about you. Not only in personal relationships, but also in a business environment, people are guided by likes/dislikes. If the interlocutor is unpleasant to you, or even completely disgusting (outwardly, in communication, etc.), then you will not have any business with him. Therefore, one of the principles of persuasion is personal charm. Some people are given it from birth, while others have to learn this art. Learn to emphasize your strengths and disguise your weaknesses.

IN idea about the art of persuasion 1:


Video about the art of persuasion 2:

"You have to be convincing." When we hear this phrase, many people immediately think of an intrusive salesman trying to sell a second-rate product to a gullible buyer. A person who is not very attractive, ready to beg, push, suppress with authority - in general, do anything to buy at least something from him.

But the gift of persuasion is something completely different. Elizabeth Wellington, author of the resource The Muse, wrote an excellent text about how to sell without scaring people with your pressure.

In fact, the ability to convince other people is an important skill that helps you sell your products, services, and your brilliant ideas. And even win arguments with friends.

At the same time, people who have the gift of persuasion do not look either intrusive or prone to dominance. On the contrary, they are able to inspire trust, they know how to listen and they are able to win you over in a way that does not make you feel like you are betraying your principles.

The gift of persuasion is needed in any field, but especially when it comes to sales. David Brennan, general manager of the company Mesa, one of the largest automobile dealers in the United States, knows how to sell things beyond stereotypes.

Too much pressure doesn't work

When a sales manager is too assertive, it may mean that he is not really confident in the quality of his product - he puts pressure, compensating for this very uncertainty.

Brennan believes that too much pressure doesn't work. He is sure that the product must first be sold to oneself:

“If you don’t want to buy your product yourself, the person you are communicating with will have the feeling that they want to buy it, and not the desire to buy into your persuasion.”

To be on the same wavelength with a person, you need to feel comfortable yourself, and then you will sound convincing, regardless of what you are trying to prove.

So the first step towards success is to have confidence in yourself and what you say. In order to find it, you will have to ask yourself some uncomfortable questions.

For example, if you are promoting a new project, it makes sense to find and fix weak points in it.

If you are selling a product, but do not fully know all its functions, first carefully study it and, if possible, try it on yourself.

In general, no matter what you sell, before you convince others to buy it, prove to yourself that it is a very necessary thing.

Master mirror listening

Those who focus not on themselves, but on their audience, have the ability to persuade. When you listen to it, trust and mutual understanding arise between you: you listen to your interlocutor, and this makes him more open and receptive to what you say.

If you are a good listener, this will 100% guarantee that you will not be considered too intrusive.

You don’t need to be a person who smoothly expresses and says what the other person wants to hear. To become persuasive, you need to take the time to truly hear the person. You need to understand what exactly interests him.

Mirror listening is not passive. It does not imply that you will simply stand and listen silently - it is assumed that you will maintain a dialogue, “mirror” the body language of the interlocutor, repeating his gestures, and at the same time remain in the shadows, without pulling the blanket over yourself.

A simple example. Brennan himself, when training new sales managers, suggests resorting to an elementary trick to break the ice in a relationship, namely, repeating after the buyer what he says.

The salesman hears: “I came to buy a car for my daughter; she’s already an adult, she has rights, it’s time to go to tennis herself” - and replies: “Oh, your daughter plays tennis?”
It is likely that the client will then continue: “Oh yes, and she’s doing a great job! Now they are leaving for competitions, and she will have to lead the whole way. I'm very worried about there being no incidents on the road."

It may seem that all this is empty chatter that only wastes time. However, in reality, this dialogue allows the seller to find out the necessary information.

In a few minutes, he finds out what the client needs (a car for his daughter) and what worries him first (her safety). Now the seller has the information and can offer exactly the option that the buyer needs.

Mirror listening always helps when you need to convince your interlocutor of something. Not only the buyer: you can also communicate with the hiring manager during an interview, and with friends whom you want to persuade to go to a new restaurant.

Solve the problem

When you have already understood what worries your interlocutor, offer ideas for solving this specific problem.

If we again turn to the example of a father buying a used car for his daughter, then the seller in this case should focus specifically on the issue of safety, because that is what is most important to the client.

“I understand that the price of this car is at the very top of the price range that you would expect. I'm offering it to you because we recently put new tires on it and, unlike other cars of this model, it is equipped with anti-lock braking system. In addition, it is at the very top in the safety rating.”

Please note: the seller does not overpromise or exaggerate, he simply honestly (and trustingly) explains why his product is suitable for this client. Thus, he offers a person a simple and quick solution to his problem.

By creating trust, using mirror listening techniques, and problem solving, you actually form a special relationship. Instead of pushing people, you show that you understand their needs and offer advice based on your experience and knowledge. This is a mutually beneficial process, and no one is forcing anything on anyone.

Some people still believe that the ability to persuade is a natural gift, and if you have this gift, success in society is guaranteed. Yes, indeed, there are people who naturally have this skill, but if you are not one of them, don’t be upset!

You can learn to be persuasive; many books have been written about this. All that is required is knowledge and the ability to put into practice special techniques and techniques, as well as a little self-confidence.

The techniques you will learn about today can be used not only to convince clients, but also in communicating with any people. When interacting with clients, they will help build the negotiation process more competently and convincingly.

1. Get consent in principle.

The technique is as follows: at the very beginning of the conversation, you try to get a positive answer from the interlocutor to the most important question. If you have the client's agreement in principle, it is much easier to work out the various details.

Example:

“Ivan Ivanovich, I will send the invoice to you by mail. And let's solve a few more questions: is there a need for additional equipment? Will you need to deliver the products to the warehouse?

2. “Just don’t look away.”

It's no secret that when talking with a client, you need to establish eye contact. However, not everyone knows that by looking closely into the eyes of your interlocutor, you can get more information from him without asking again. This can be used if you feel his answer is not complete.

3. Let me speak

A competent salesman is not one who talks a lot, but one who knows how to listen. Let the client speak and, if necessary, ask leading questions. Don't forget that questions should be open-ended. To line up correctly open question, start it with one of the interrogative pronouns: what, where, how, which, how, why, why, when, etc.

Examples of open questions:

“What do you think about...”; “How do you feel about...”; “What product characteristics are important to you?”

4. Confidence no matter what

Even if you are not completely sure of what you are saying, try not to let your intonation show it. After all, in the words of the French writer Delphine Girardin, “Only intonation convinces.”

5. Cite authorities

When talking to a client, casually mention one of your major clients that you are proud of. You can say that you yourself (or your colleagues) use the product you offer and are very happy with it.

Example:

“Two of my colleagues went on vacation with this package and they were very pleased. On next year are gathering again."

6. Emotional arguments

When talking about the benefits of your product, start with the arguments that cause positive emotions and feelings. This technique is especially effective if your client is a woman.

Example:

“When the water in this kettle boils, the heat causes the plastic to change color from blue to pink.”

7. In secret to the whole world

Use the phrases “honestly…”, “I’ll tell you a secret” in your conversation. In this way, you take the person as an ally, show him your trust, and he is more likely to trust you.

Example:

“To be honest, the promotion for this product has already ended, and we have extended it especially for you.”

8. Strong, stronger, strongest

Typically, the last piece of information is remembered best. Therefore, when talking with a client, it is worth leaving the strongest arguments for last, rather than starting with them (as is usually done).

Example:

“Our employee will advise you on all issues regarding the use of this program. Installation is free. And most importantly, you get a 30% discount on all services of our company.”

Homework

Select one of the techniques you like best from the list provided and try to implement it in the near future in the practice of interacting with your clients.

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