5 Expert Tips for Becoming More Persuasive

Persuasion starts with mindset, according to internationally respected author and communications expert Mike Aguilera, who was the featured Guest Czar on a recent episode of the CommunicationsCzar Podcast. Aguilera says that the right mindset is the foundation on which you build trust and rapport with those whom you want to persuade.

Aguilera’s teachings, which are based on neuroscience research and the principles of neuro-linguistic programming, promote that what you perceive in your mind is what you project to others.

As I write this, I am perceiving that you will enjoy and benefit from downloading the podcast and listening to it at your leisure — but until then, I will give you some of the key takeaways that Communications Czar Mike Aguilera shared to help you become more persuasive, whether on a video conference or in real life.

1. Banish the word “meet” from your vocabulary. Look at the word: It’s the root of the dreaded word “meeting,” the bane of every business person’s existence. The horror of all horrors, nobody likes meetings. Instead of proposing that you and your prospective client “meet for coffee,” instead suggest, “Let’s get together and have a conversation.” A conversation is a two-way interaction, whereas a meeting usually involves one person talking and everyone else dreaming of the places they would rather be.

2. Dial back your enthusiasm. People are more anxious than usual right now, so begin your conversation by genuinely checking in with your prospect to understand their world first. Listen to them and acknowledge their feelings before continuing with your conversation. Give them time to vent if they need to.

3. Position yourself as a figure of authority by directing the conversation. Phrases such as, “Before we get into the details, can you tell me about your…” create compliance and help your conversational partner understand that you are confident and capable.

4. Avoid using the term “Don’t.” Aguilera says that the negation emphasizes the wrong thing. Think about it — if you tell someone, “Don’t worry,” they immediately think about their worries. Instead, redirect their focus by saying, “Think of all the progress that you have made.”

5. Engage people by asking questions and acknowledging their answers. Give prospects your undivided attention, and try to understand everything they tell you. Listen for their values and motivations, and use those as a basis for a constructive conversation.

By now, I am sure you have been persuaded to learn even more great tips from Communications Czar Mike Aguilera. You can hear the complete interview with Mike Aguilera by downloading the CommunicationsCzar Podcast. In the meantime, remember the advice of author and sales expert Brian Tracy: “Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.”

Listen to The CommunicationsCzar Podcast, hosted by Roseann Galvan and Tom Guarino, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or on the official website . Subscribe for free to get a new episode delivered to you every other Tuesday.