This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication:
- Seven habits of highly persuasive people
- The power of rituals
- Are you an inspirational leader – or an infuriating one?
7 Ways of Using Persuasion to Elevate Your Influence
Persuasion isn't about manipulation.
It's about influence. Your influence.
Ever notice how some people just have that knack for getting you to agree, almost without you realizing it?
It's not magic, it's a skill.
And the best persuaders have habits that make them impossible to ignore.
Here are seven habits you can start using today to elevate your influence:'
🔹 1. They Lead with Questions
Instead of pushing their point, they make you think it’s your idea.
👉 Example: “What would happen if you kept doing things the old way?”
🔹 2. They Master the Power of the Pause
Silence makes people pay attention. A well-placed pause forces attention and gives your words weight.'
🔹 3. They Speak in Stories, Not Just Facts
People forget statistics but remember emotions. Wrap your key point in a story and watch it stick.
👉 Example: “Steve Jobs didn’t just launch the iPhone. He told a story about a world without buttons.”
🔹 4. They Mirror & Match
Great persuaders subtly reflect the tone, body language, and energy of their audience – building instant trust.
🔹 5. They Create Urgency
Persuasion thrives on timing. The best persuaders make you feel like now is the moment to act.
👉 Example: “This opportunity won’t be here in six months. The window is closing.”
🔹 6. They Use the Power of “Because”
Studies show people are far more likely to comply when given a reason – even if it’s simple.
👉 Example: “Could I skip the line? I’m in a rush because I have a flight to catch.”
🔹 7. They Make Saying “Yes” Easy
The easier you make it to agree, the more likely people will say yes. Offer small, low-risk steps first.
👉 Example: “Would you be open to a quick chat to explore ideas?” (instead of “Let’s partner up.”)
Persuasion isn't about trickery. It's about building genuine connections and guiding people toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
Now that you know the habits, next week I will share the 20 psychological triggers that elevate your influence and move people to action.
(If you want to work with me on taking your persuasion skills to the next level, take a look at the Speak Like a CEO Academy here)
PODCAST
The Power of Rituals
I do a podcast to help you become a top 1% communicator.
There's a secret weapon that could transform your leadership, boost team morale, and create a culture of peak performance: rituals.
This week I sit down with Professor Michael Norton, a renowned Harvard psychologist and author of The Ritual Effect: The Transformative Power of Our Everyday Actions.
Michael's research reveals the surprising power of rituals – those seemingly small, repeated actions that hold immense meaning.
Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:
- Rituals vs. Habits: Rituals are more than just habits. They're imbued with emotion and meaning, creating a sense of connection and purpose.
- The Power of Shared Experience: Rituals, whether it's a team chant or a company-wide tradition, create a shared experience that binds people together.
- Bottom-Up is Best: While leaders can create space for rituals, the most powerful ones often emerge organically from within teams.
Listen to the full episode to discover how rituals can transform your team, your leadership, and your family life.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Are You an Inspirational Leader – or an Infuriating One?
What separates leaders who uplift and energize from those who frustrate and demoralize?
In Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others, Columbia Business School professor Adam Galinsky reveals the razor-thin line between leadership that sparks motivation and leadership that backfires.
Galinsky argues that leadership exists on a continuum from “inspirational” to “infuriating”, and even the best intentions can turn into micromanagement, disconnection, or unrealistic expectations.
To help leaders navigate these challenges, he introduces three dimensions of inspiring leadership:
- The Visionary: These leaders captivate with bold ideas and a compelling sense of direction. But when their vision becomes too detached from reality, they risk losing trust.
- The Exemplar: Leading by example, they embody hard work and integrity. Yet, if they push too hard, they can make others feel like they’ll never measure up.
- The Mentor: Supportive and nurturing, they help others grow. But over-mentoring can slide into control, stifling independence instead of fostering it.
Adam will be a guest on the Speak Like a CEO podcast in a few weeks to help us become inspirational leaders!
In the meantime, it is worth considering: Which side of the continuum do you fall on?
Have an inspired weekend!
Oliver
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