A look behind the curtains of the art of persuasion … 

Read more thoughts on the art of communicating daily at https://michaelgerharz.com/blog

Mentioned in this episode:

New Book Out in October

My new book “The PATH to Strategic Impact” is coming out in October. It’s about how to make your big ideas happen and turn ambition into true progress, with case studies from some of the world’s most successful organizations. Learn more at https://michaelgerharz.com/the-path

New book

Welcome back to “Irresistible Communication”.

2

Two minutes no nonsense advice

on leadership communication.

3

So, how does it feel to be persuaded?

4

Perhaps something like this.

5

Let's imagine you're listening

to a skilled speaker.

6

They are well-rehearsed and obviously

know what they're talking about.

7

But still, you're feeling a bit of

skepticism mixed with your curiosity

8

as they present their ideas.

9

A subtle guard rises within you,

kind of a natural defense against

10

being swayed or manipulated.

11

But they skillfully weave emotional

appeals and logical arguments.

12

You notice your skepticism

battling with intrigue.

13

Their words are like a

gentle, but persistent nudge

14

against your existing beliefs.

15

You find yourself momentarily swayed

by a particularly compelling point.

16

Only to retreat back into doubt.

17

The speaker seems to sense

these waves of resistance.

18

They become more

insistent, more persuasive.

19

And so you feel a

growing tension to agree.

20

It's not exactly uncomfortable,

but it's definitely there.

21

There's a part of you that wants

to give in, to align with this

22

persuasive narrative, just to alleviate

the growing tension within you.

23

When the presentation ends, you're

left feeling a bit unsettled.

24

You find yourself.

25

You find yourself

agreeing with some points.

26

But did you agree because the arguments

were sound or because the art of

27

persuasion simply wore down your defenses?

28

I guess you agree that

the art of persuasion is

29

definitely a fascinating one.

30

And yet.

31

I prefer it when leaders light the path.

32

Both aim to create tension

that leads to change.

33

But persuasion does it in the speaker's

best interest, while lighting the path

34

does it in the audience's best interest.

35

Keep lighting the path and

share this with a friend.