The Skilled Persuader
How do you build your own credibility when interacting with others?
I think it is the three E's- education, experience, and empathy. If you can successfully express these three you can be very persuasive.
The word "but" negates whatever was said just before that ... and telling them they are wrong and "you are now going to tell them the right way" is not beneficial in building rapport or persuading anyone. In fact, I think it would work just the opposite and alienate them.
It depends on the audience I'm dealing with. To promote my work with clients, I use my 30 years of experience in the field and often tell stories (give testimonials) of people with similar issues that were helped. To promote my classes, I use my own education, my specialty certifications, my awards, my positions with various prestigious groups, etc. And again, I use testimonial stories of students who went on to thrive in business as a result of my classes.
Alfons,
these are 3 great reminders when entering a persuasion/negotiation situation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to build my credibility when interacting with others, especially when speaking to an audience, by demonstrating my knowledge and experience in the subject-matter, give examples of real life situations to back up what I am trying to teach and then listen to their questions and comments. I agree that you can build trust by listening and relating to your audience.
1. I would be myself
2. eye contact and self confidence
3. speak and tell the truth at all times
Shelly,
yes, when we can really connect with our audience on a personal level, it helps us so much more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tend to start with sincerity. I let the audience know what I have been through .....the good and the bad, then I tell them how I will move forward.
Linda,
yes, demonstrate confidence, but not arrogance.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Show you have experience/education. Be open with your body language. Have a reputation for being trustworthy.
Isabel,
great point & research & investigation is a key skill for being a skilled persuader.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to assess every situation that may require persuasion individually.
In the classroom, I like to do an introductory ice -breaker where I learn a lot about the students on our first encounter.
This gives me background information on the students and then I conclude the excercise by telling about my self, my background, and tailor my presentation of the subject based on what I have heard from the students.
I believe by doing this it allows me to get a feel on how to best reach the students and they establish trust in me because they know that I am working to connect with them.
Alejandro,
yes, this is important, but to balance with humility.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Self confidence, specially when you have full knowledge of what you are talking to others.
Diana,
and as you said with all of the deception & double talk around us, it is so refreshing when we find someone who is honest & genuine.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Diana,
I too struggle with this & have many times found myself prattling on & thinking in my head, "Shut up Ryan!"
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Diana,
yes, nonverbals are powerful & we need to monitor our own & those of others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Diana,
I learned from a gentleman I worked with to use the word "and" instead of "but" as then I can agree with them, affirm their statement, & then correct where needed without negating everything they've said.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Diana,
I like your emphasis on the variety of places you've worked & the emphasis on your flexibility & adaptability.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
