Influencing People

The ability to persuade someone to act or think in the way you want. Influence: The ability to persuade someone to act or think in the way you want. 2

Elements of influence Communicator Message Audience

Laying the groundwork Network Understand credibility counts Be trustworthy Be open and flexible Speak up! Remember people hear what they want Don't expect overnight results 4

Tactics for influencing others: Use comparison Give something away Get people in the habit of saying yes 5

Influencing others: Decide what you want Decide who to influence Be friendly Know the wants and beliefs of your audience Emphasize common points Admit being wrong Inoculate your audience 6

Influencing others, cont.: Use logic and emotion Explain the benefits Use repetition Avoid argument Make it simple Thank the audience 7

When things get difficult: Keep things in perspective Keep emotions in check Don't get personal Understand their behavior Change your tactics 8

When things get difficult, cont.: Take a break Come back to points of disagreement Find other outlets Consider using a mediator Know when to retreat 9