Tips for Mastering Persuasive Communication

I've dedicated over 2,000 hours in the past three years to coaching professionals, helping them become more authentic, engaging and persuasive communicators. The ability to command an audience’s attention to tell an effective narrative is crucial for influencing others. With Kaiser Permanente, I recently delivered a two-day intensive public speaking course advising clinicians and hospital leadership on becoming more confident speakers. Here are some best practices that separate good speakers from masterful ones. These tips will be beneficial for: (1) Preparing for your upcoming speaking engagement or presentation. (2) Leading critical internal meetings where persuasion is key. (3) Any situation where you need to effectively convey a story to your audience. Best practices:  (1) 🖼 Use words that evoke vivid imagery in the minds of your audience, no corporate buzzword bingo! (2) 🔬 Pay close attention to audience reactions (or lack thereof) in real-time. If you notice eyes glazing over and no “nodding along” where it should be obvious, you haven’t landed your message. Vary your tone, cadence, and volume or simply repeat your message to make it stick. (3) 👋 If using hand gestures, ensure they are deliberate, crisp and clearly visible to the camera to avoid distracting your audience (otherwise all they'll see is you shrugging your shoulders!) (4) 🎙 Adjust your distance from the microphone to ensure clear, undistorted audio at an appropriate volume (don't yell!) and so you can effectively play with vocal range  (5) 👀 Avoid looking at yourself on the screen; it will derail your delivery. Instead, rotate through the 'gallery view' to see all attendees and vibe off audience energy (6) 📒 Familiarize yourself with your material to speak naturally. But if using notes, place them at eye level so it’s not obvious you’re looking down to refer to them What advice from your virtual speaking experiences resonates with you? I'd love to hear your top tips! #publicspeakingtips #executivecoaching #communicationskills

I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say, "I should have been a lawyer... I love to argue!" Of course, the art of persuation and argumentation is a natural part of being a trial attorney. But you don't need to be a good lawyer — or a lawyer at all — to use the art of argumentation to your benefit. As a trial attorney and communication coach, I've honed techniques to bolster arguments effectively. Here are three actionable strategies to enhance the potency of your arguments: ✅ Avoid Overused Phrases Cut out words like "clearly" and "obviously." If a point truly is clear or obvious, stating it as such becomes redundant. Instead, focus on presenting compelling evidence and reasoning that naturally reinforce your argument. ✅ Lead with Your Strongest Point Don't save your best for last. Kick off with your most compelling argument. Research shows that people often base their acceptance or rejection of subsequent points on the strength of the initial one. Grab attention and build credibility right from the start. Example: If advocating for stricter punctuality at work, start with a bold assertion: "Consistent tardiness undermines productivity and professionalism." ✅ Start with a Conclusion, Not Evidence Begin with a clear assertion rather than burying your point in evidence. Practice framing your statements with "I believe that" to distinguish between evidence and conclusions. Example: Instead of leading with evidence ("You've been late three days this week"), start with a firm conclusion: "You're not taking this job seriously." By implementing these strategies, you can elevate the effectiveness of your arguments, whether in professional settings, personal discussions, or formal debates. Remember, clarity, timing, and assertiveness are key elements in constructing persuasive arguments. #lawyer #life #persuasion #lifehack #success

IMPROVISATION - Yes And! Today we had the second session of the NCPMI book club. It was a great turnout except that the lead - me - was delayed. When I got into the room (finally), Tiara Roberts, our Director of Nextgen, was doing an amazing job with the group reviewing what we covered last time. This was a helpful refresher for people who joined in May AND a helpful primer for people joining for the first time today! Here were some takeaways: 1. When changing behavior, replace an unwanted behavior with a new behavior. Committing to "not doing" something is an idea the brain has a hard time with. For example, "Don't think of a pink elephant!" 2. Persuasion takes time - it could be as many as 7 cycles - the first cycle throws a new idea into the ring - and people may experience "cognitive dissonance" if that idea does not align with what they already believe. With each cycle, the new idea becomes more familiar and is likely to be evaluated more reasonably. 3. No idea is a bad idea! Even the worst idea can be the catalyst for a great one " No we cannot do that but what if we did this....?" 4. Recruit allies who can also reiterate the idea to accelerate the cycle of persuasion. 5. Want to be more engaged and involved in online conversations? When you have something you are tempted to share, raise your hand as a commitment to speak! Before you are called on, you will have time to adjust your comment, or reframe your question. 6. Focus on legacy. You never know who is watching. What is the impression you want to make? What role model do you want to be? And IMPROVISE! Yes, you feel uncomfortable AND you can still push through. Last tip - focus on who might benefit from your suggestion, idea or contribution. Maybe it is someone else in the room who is feeling nervous. Maybe it is end customers or your community, or maybe it is societal benefit. Focus on who you are representing with your idea and it may be just 5% easier to speak up. And 5% more bravery maybe all you need! Support friends and colleagues who are making their voice heard. A view or nod is great, a like or thumbs up is better and a supporting comment is gold dust! And supporting comments don't have to be a YES! EXACTLY. A supporting comment furthers the conversation. Yes and... Thank you to everyone who improvised their way through this session! NCPMI Tiara Roberts, 🌟Gunjan Arya, PMP🌟Precious Stepney, MPA, LSSBB Joleen Rasmussen Lisa Mannion

I once worked for a $300M company that was using spreadsheets to calculate commissions. Compensation plans were informally communicated and, in some cases, documented in PowerPoint. This process was subject to errors, misinterpretation, and even fraud and abuse, so I initiated an RFP. We narrowed down ICM vendors to the company that was the market leader and the one that was the challenger. The leader persuaded on value, reputation, competence, and track record. The challenger spent their time bashing the leader. Needless to say, the challenger turned me off. Bashing is lazy persuasion. When someone tries to convince me that they are the better solution simply because the alternative is terrible, their solution lacks merit. Using fear as a persuasion technique I find equally repulsive (i.e., choose us, or the world will end). That experience led me to study persuasion more formally, and I learned there are basically twelve methods: • Reciprocity: Give something valuable to create a sense of obligation. • Scarcity: Highlight limited availability to create urgency. • Authority: Build credibility with expertise and endorsements. • Consistency: Encourage small commitments leading to larger ones. • Liking: Build personal connections and genuine rapport. • Consensus (Social Proof): Leverage the influence of others' choices. • Emotional Appeal: Connect on an emotional level to make your message resonate. • Problem-Solution: Present your offering as the ideal solution to a problem. • Storytelling: Engage with compelling narratives that highlight benefits. • Contrast: Compare options to emphasize the superiority of your choice. • Urgency: Create a time-sensitive call to action. • Logical Appeal: Use facts and logic to appeal to rational thinking. Among them, Social Proof has been proven to be the most effective because people assume the actions of others reflect the correct behavior for a given situation. It leverages the influence of others' choices, creating a powerful, persuasive impact. Here’s why it stands out: • Trust and Credibility: People tend to trust the experiences of their peers or influential figures more than traditional advertising. • Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing others benefit from a product or service can trigger a fear of missing out, motivating people to act quickly to avoid being left behind. • Bandwagon Effect: When people observe a large number of others buying or endorsing something, they are more likely to follow suit, thinking that many people can't be wrong. • Reducing Perceived Risk: Knowing that others have had positive experiences reduces the perceived risk of trying something new. Testimonials, reviews, and case studies all serve to reassure potential customers. If you're in sales it will be easier if you sell for the market leader. Check out Robert Greene’s “The Art of Seduction.” Don’t be distracted by the title—it’s really a book about sales. #Sales #Persuasion #Leadership #Communication #Marketing

In my consulting work, I often work with high-level executives to help develop their messaging. Whether they are preparing to present to a major prospect, the media or to stakeholders, we always have to address one common challenge: how to communicate complex issues without getting into complicated explanations. In the digital age, attention spans are short. You cannot positively influence people by boring them into submission. The solution is not to talk about everything you know on a topic. You need to get it down to THE ONE THING that matters most… to them, not to you. Here are my Top Three Tips: 1      Express your one key point so it is clear, memorable and repeatable 2     Resist using acronyms or obscure vocabulary words that may confuse 3     Take out anything that dilutes or distracts from your key message This is not only important in the conference room, but also critical in the court room. An expert witness that can’t communicate effectively to the jury does not help your case. As a successful litigator once told me: “If you are explaining, you’re losing.” How have you seen this play out in your work experience? #Influence #MelindaMarcus #Leadership #LeadershipSkills #WitnessPreparation #Litigation #CommunicationsTips #StrategicMessaging #ExecutiveAdvisor 

Finishing up an amazing summer session working with a group of incredibly talented Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin students! 🧡 Despite juggling jobs, personal crisis, family responsibilities, other classes, and commuting (1 even flew in each week for class!) these students proved their dedication and perseverance throughout our intense 5-week session. Here are a few of our takeaways: * When communicating, focus on clarity, brevity, and relevance. Create messages that are concise, to ensure your audience understands your ideas without confusion. Clear communication helps with creating understanding and minimizes misinterpretation. * Tailor Your Communication: Adapt your communication style to suit different audiences and contexts. Understanding the needs and preferences of your listeners allows you to deliver messages that resonate with them. Reduce jargon! Your interpersonal communication builds rapport, strengthens relationships, and enhances collaboration. * Practice Those Presentations: Delivering engaging presentations is a crucial skill. Effective techniques for structuring content, using visual aids, and delivering a confident and compelling delivery are key. Strong presentation skills enable you to share your ideas persuasively and hold the attention of your audience. * Navigate Difficult Conversations: Developing the ability to engage in challenging discussions with is a highly sought after skill! Be open-minded, seek common ground, and strive for mutual understanding. Constructive dialogue can lead to resolution, growth, and strengthened relationships. Effective communication skills are essential in every aspect of professional life. They empower you to convey ideas clearly, build strong relationships, inspire and influence others, and resolve conflicts amicably. By investing time and effort in advancing your communication, you can improve your personal and professional relationships. The best part about human communication is it is a lifelong journey of learning and improvement. We have the opportunity to refine our skills, seek feedback, and embrace new communication patterns. I couldn't have asked for a better way to wrap up my time at The University of Texas at Austin. Thank you to my students for your hard work. You truly excelled, even under increasingly demanding circumstances. Your resilience, dedication, and eagerness to learn are an inspiration to me. Every day I’m in the classroom it's a great day. Thank you for being part of my story. 🤘🧡 #CommunicationSkills #emotionalintelligence #ActiveListening #conflictresolution #publicspeaking #leadershipdevelopment #utaustin

The power of persuasion. If you've ever driven by a McDonald's with a two-year old in the car, you know the power of the golden arches. In a world buzzing with ideas, projects, and opportunities, being able to effectively persuade is a superpower we all need in our toolkit. In fact, in a recent study by CashNetUSA, the ability to persuade was found to the be 3rd most "in-demand" soft skill behind "strategic thinking" and "negotiation". I'll be going over all 10 soft skills in separate posts this month. Persuasion s not about sleight of hand or talking someone into something; it's about compelling storytelling, genuine connection, and adding undeniable value. Crafting Compelling Narratives: Your story matters. Whether you're selling a product, pitching an idea, or navigating the intricacies of collaboration, having a compelling narrative is your secret weapon. Make it relatable, authentic, and, most importantly, about how your vision aligns with others' needs. Building Genuine Connections: Relationships fuel persuasion. It's not just about the what, but the who. Take the time to understand your audience - their motivations, challenges, and aspirations. Genuine connections breed trust, and trust is the currency of persuasion. Building genuine relationships is my favorite part. Adding Value: Value speaks louder than words. Whatever you're proposing, ensure it adds real, tangible value. Whether it's a groundbreaking solution, a unique perspective, or an innovative approach, make sure your pitch is a win-win for all parties involved. Confidence and Conviction: Confidence is contagious. When you believe in your message, others are more likely to follow suit. Back your ideas with conviction, but stay open to feedback. It's the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. Remember, persuasion isn't about manipulation; it's about influence through authenticity. The power to persuade opens doors, fosters collaboration, and propels you towards your goals. I would love to hear your experiences with the power of persuasion. Please comment below. #PowerofPersuasion #Influence #LeadershipSkills #AuthenticConnection

We've all been captivated by the leader with undeniable stage presence, the one who commands attention and inspires with their words. But what separates that fleeting charisma from lasting leadership impact? The answer lies in a skill often overlooked: effective communication. Just like Simon Sinek famously asks, "Start with Why," communication starts with understanding. → It's about connecting with your audience, not just captivating them.  → It's about clarity, ensuring your message resonates, not just reverberates.  → And it's about empathy, fostering a shared understanding that builds trust and fuels collaboration. Here are 3 key strategies to transform your communication from captivating to compelling: ✅ Know your audience: Tailor your message to their needs, values, and communication style. What resonates with a colleague might fall flat with a client. ✅ Clarity is king: Structure your message, use concise language, and avoid jargon. Remember, clear communication leaves no room for misinterpretation. ✅ Listen to understand, not respond: Active listening involves truly focusing on the speaker, their message, and the emotions behind the words. Effective communication isn't a magic trick, but it is a powerful tool that can unlock your full potential as a leader. Share your thoughts & tips for communication in the comments below 👇 #communication #effectivecommunication #startwithwhy