Persuasive Tactic #2--Sound of Talking (or lack thereof)

These are tactics for when you are persuading somebody face-to-face.

What You Need to Know

• Speaking quickly persuades people.
• Swearing at the beginning of your argument or presentation makes your target(s) think you are more intense.  PAYOR.
• People don't like awkward silence.  Be quiet to get them to open up.
• Always speak clearly so people think you know what you're talking about.
• Try not to say um, ah, er, etc. in between words, because it makes people think you are doubtful.
• Use some vocal variety to sound natural.  Don't sound the same the whole time.
• Emphasize anything important.  Otherwise people won't know it's important.  This seems obvious, but it is important.
• Whisper something like it's a secret.  People will feel like you trust them, have told them something private, and confided in them, building their trust in you at the same time.  This doesn't necessarily mean whispering, either; you can just lower your voice in a rather conspiratorial fashion.
• Synchronize your voice rate and tone with your target, as well as breathing.  This makes people feel more comfortable for some reason.
• Smile and laugh to make yourself seem friendly.

Anyway, that's it for now.

Signing off,
SM