A look behind the curtains of the art of persuasion … 

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

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Welcome back to “Irresistible Communication”.

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Two minutes no nonsense advice

on leadership communication.

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So, how does it feel to be persuaded?

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Perhaps something like this.

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Let's imagine you're listening

to a skilled speaker.

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They are well-rehearsed and obviously

know what they're talking about.

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But still, you're feeling a bit of

skepticism mixed with your curiosity

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as they present their ideas.

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A subtle guard rises within you,

kind of a natural defense against

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being swayed or manipulated.

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But they skillfully weave emotional

appeals and logical arguments.

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You notice your skepticism

battling with intrigue.

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Their words are like a

gentle, but persistent nudge

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against your existing beliefs.

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You find yourself momentarily swayed

by a particularly compelling point.

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Only to retreat back into doubt.

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The speaker seems to sense

these waves of resistance.

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They become more

insistent, more persuasive.

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And so you feel a

growing tension to agree.

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It's not exactly uncomfortable,

but it's definitely there.

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There's a part of you that wants

to give in, to align with this

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persuasive narrative, just to alleviate

the growing tension within you.

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When the presentation ends, you're

left feeling a bit unsettled.

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You find yourself.

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You find yourself

agreeing with some points.

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But did you agree because the arguments

were sound or because the art of

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persuasion simply wore down your defenses?

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I guess you agree that

the art of persuasion is

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definitely a fascinating one.

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And yet.

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I prefer it when leaders light the path.

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Both aim to create tension

that leads to change.

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But persuasion does it in the speaker's

best interest, while lighting the path

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does it in the audience's best interest.

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Keep lighting the path and

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