Public Speaking Tips: The Art of Persuasion



Persuasive speaking is considered one of the most challenging in the art of public speaking.  Many people find themselves unable to speak in a way that is convincing enough to influence their listeners.

Perhaps they think that persuasive speaking is “selling” because this is something that sales people need to master in order to sell their product.

However, bear in mind that in every conversation that you have with someone, you are actually “selling” something.  Even if you are asking your friends to go for drinks after work, you are in effect, selling them the idea that it will be wonderful to get together and chill over beer after a long day.

No doubt they don’t need much convincing in this scenario but you still need to put the idea in their head in order for them to make an effort to show up at your little gathering.

But if you need to convince a tougher crowd like when you're making a pitch for your proposal to investors or a sales event, here are some things that you can add to your speech to up the persuasion factor.

1) Facts, Stats and Figures

Nothing has better convincing power than statistics and numbers.  However, ensure that these are presented visually to ensure the maximum impact.  Very little people will remember a bunch of numbers that you read out to them, but if they can see it, there is a greater chance that it will stick in their minds.

2) Testimonials

If you are selling a product, testimonials are the best element to add to your presentation.  Why do you think weight loss products sell so well?  The before and after pictures present a visual testimonial to the effectiveness of the products.

3) Focus on BENEFITS, not FEATURES

Don’t tell people what your product, proposal, idea, services, etc can do.  Tell them what they can achieve by following your suggestion or using your product.

Feature: This video tutorial has a lot of content and is 48 hours long.

Benefit: This 48 hour long video will teach you step by step, how to set up a website that will continue to make money for you, even if you never look at it again.

4) Personal Stories are the Best

People don’t want to hear what your aunt’s best friend’s son’s teacher’s pet benefited from something.  They want to hear how you have benefited.  Personal stories are powerful because they make you living proof of the things that you are telling the audience.  At the end of the day, if you’re not doing what you are asking the audience to do or using what you are telling them is the best product in the world, why should they listen to you?

What else can you add to your speech to make it more persuasive?  We’d like to know.

If you would like the opportunity to hone your public speaking skills as well as learn leadership skills, join us for our bi-monthly meetings on every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.  Our meetings start at 8pm.  For further information please contact us at gurneyhydrotoastmastersclub@gmail.com or refer to our Next Meeting page for information on our next meeting.

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