Persuading Someone

Main Lesson
Would you do it?

• Try a new restaurant?
• Wake up at 6am every day?
• Travel solo?
• Switch jobs?

1. Can you persuade me?

I’ve never been to a cinema in my whole life. Can you use your skills to persuade me to go to the cinema?

2. Persuasion Examples
Daily Life
Jordan
Hey, are you seriously still in your pajamas? The food festival starts in like, an hour!
Casey
Ugh, honestly? I’m just not feeling it. I’ve had such a long week, and my bed is calling my name.
Jordan
I totally get that, I’m exhausted too. But come on, it’s the only night they’re doing the night market. Imagine the smell of those loaded fries… and that taco stand everyone’s been talking about?
Casey
It sounds good, but it’s probably going to be packed. And I really just wanted to catch up on my show.
Jordan
Hear me out. What if we just go for like, 45 minutes? A quick lap, grab some food, and we’re out. The best part is, it’s right by your favorite bakery, so we can grab those almond croissants for your breakfast tomorrow while we’re at it.
Casey
I don’t know… I’m already so comfy.
Jordan
Tell you what—I’ll drive, so you don’t have to worry about parking. And my treat on the first round of churros. What have you got to lose? You can be back on this couch by 9:00 PM, but with a full stomach.
Casey
Fine, fine. You win. Give me ten minutes to get dressed.
Jordan
Legend! I’ll wait in the car.
Work
Taylor
Hey, Jamie! Got a quick sec?
Jamie
Yeah, sure. What’s up?
Taylor
So, I’m in a bit of a jam. My dentist just called and they had to move my appointment up to 1:00 PM today. If I go during my regular break, I’ll never make it back in time.
Jamie
Oh, that’s annoying. Dentists are the worst.
Taylor
Tell me about it. Anyway, I was wondering if you’d be open to swapping lunch slots just for today? If I could take the 12:00 and you take the 1:00, I can make the appointment and be back right as you’re heading out.
Jamie
Hmm, I usually like the 12:00 because I hit the gym, and it’s quieter then…
Taylor
I totally hear you, and I hate to mess up your routine. Tell you what—if you can help me out today, I’ll cover your late shift on Friday so you can head off early for the weekend. How does that sound?
Jamie
Wait, really? You’d take my Friday afternoon?
Taylor
Absolutely. You’d be doing me a massive favor.
Jamie
In that case… yeah, definitely. Let’s do it. 1:00 PM works for me.
Taylor
You’re a lifesaver! I’ll let the manager know we’re swapping. Thanks a million!
3. Four Step Persuasion

Daily Life

1 The Empathy Bridge
↓

Before you push, you must agree. This stops the other person from getting defensive and signals that you are on their side.

I totally get that.
I hear you.
I know what you mean…
2 The Clear Picture
↓

Paint a vivid image of the reward. Make the benefit sound so good they can almost taste or feel it.

Imagine [Scenario]…
Think about it: [Benefit].
You’re gonna love [Detail].
3 The Mini-Ask
↓

If they reject a big commitment, pivot to a tiny one. It’s psychologically much harder for a person to say no twice in a row.

Hear me out.
What if we just…?
Let’s just give it a shot.
4 The Sweetener
↓

Close the deal by offering a sacrifice or a special perk. This demonstrates good faith and adds immediate value.

Tell you what…
My treat.
I’ll handle the [Problem].

Workplace

1 The Respectful Entry
↓

In an office, you never just start persuading. You check if they have the “mental space” first to ensure they are actually listening.

I wanted to run something by you.
Do you have a minute to chat?
I don’t want to interrupt, but…
2 The Soft Problem
↓

Instead of saying “This is a disaster,” use soft words to describe a problem. This keeps the atmosphere professional and solution-oriented.

I’m in a bit of a jam/bind.
I’m running into a bit of a wall…
It’s been a struggle to keep up…
3 The Collaborative Ask
↓

Don’t tell them what to do; ask for their opinion on a solution. This makes them feel like a partner, not an assistant.

I was wondering if you’d be open to…
I was thinking, would it make sense to…?
How would you feel about…?
4 The Value Add
↓

Explain why they should care. Focus on how the change benefits their workflow or reduces their stress.

It’ll save us [Time/Effort].
One less thing for you to worry about.
It’ll make the [Process] much smoother.
3. Practice Your Persuasion
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