We all know that person who seems to have a natural knack for persuasion. They can gently sway opinions without ever coming across as pushy or forceful. What’s their secret?
It’s all about the language they use. The difference between being persuasive and being pushy often comes down to the choice of words.
Persuasive people know how to communicate their thoughts in a way that encourages others to see their perspective, but still leaves room for them to make their own decisions.
In this article, I’m going to share with you seven phrases that highly persuasive people use to influence others without sounding pushy.
These phrases are not manipulative or deceitful, but are subtle nudges that can help guide others towards your perspective.
So let’s dive in and explore the power of persuasive language.
1) “What do you think?”
In any conversation or negotiation, one of the most effective ways to be persuasive without being pushy is by asking questions.
Specifically, open-ended questions that invite the other person to share their thoughts and feelings.
This approach is particularly powerful because it not only shows respect for the other person’s perspective, but it also gives them the opportunity to feel heard and understood.
By asking “What do you think?”, you’re giving them permission to share their thoughts.
This can lead to a more fruitful conversation where both sides feel valued and considered.
It’s a simple yet powerful phrase that can significantly influence the course of a conversation and ultimately lead to a more positive outcome.
Remember, the key to using this phrase effectively is genuine curiosity.
You’re not just asking for the sake of asking, but because you genuinely want to hear and understand their perspective.
So next time you’re in a situation where you want to persuade someone without coming across as pushy, try asking “What do you think?” and see what happens.
2) “I see where you’re coming from”
Recognizing and validating someone’s perspective can be a powerful persuasion tool.
It’s all about building a bridge of understanding and empathy.
The phrase “I see where you’re coming from” is a simple yet effective way to achieve this.
Let me share a personal example. I was discussing vacation plans with my partner, and we had differing opinions. She wanted to go on a relaxing beach vacation, while I was more interested in exploring a new city.
Instead of immediately pushing for my preference, I said, “I see where you’re coming from. You’ve been really stressed with work lately, and a beach vacation would be a great way to unwind.”
By acknowledging her viewpoint and needs, I created an environment that was conducive to compromise.
We ended up deciding on a coastal city where we could both get what we wanted.
The phrase “I see where you’re coming from” doesn’t mean you have to agree with the other person.
It just means that you understand their perspective, which can pave the way for mutual understanding and agreement.
3) “Have you considered…?”
The phrase “Have you considered…?” is a subtle way of introducing a new perspective or idea into the conversation without coming off as pushy or assertive.
This phrase is particularly valuable because it prompts the other person to think about something they might not have considered before, opening up new possibilities for discussion.
Interestingly, according to a study asking someone to consider an alternative perspective can significantly increase their willingness to change their mind.
So, when you’re trying to persuade someone without sounding pushy, try using the phrase “Have you considered…?” It can be a game-changer in achieving your desired outcome.
4) “I understand your concerns”
Acknowledging someone’s worries or fears is a crucial step in persuading them without coming across as pushy. The phrase “I understand your concerns” is a clear and direct way to convey empathy.
When people feel that their concerns are understood, they are more likely to be open to alternative viewpoints.
This phrase signals that you are not dismissing their worries but are ready to address them in a sincere and respectful manner.
By saying “I understand your concerns,” you’re not only validating their feelings, but you’re also creating a safe and trusting environment for open discussion.
This paves the way for a more balanced conversation where each party feels heard and valued.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to persuade, but to build bridges of understanding that lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
5) “Here’s what worked for me”
Sharing personal experiences can be an influential tool for persuasion. The phrase “Here’s what worked for me” allows you to introduce your viewpoint in a non-threatening way.
A few years back, I was helping a friend who was struggling with productivity. He was constantly overwhelmed and couldn’t seem to get on top of his tasks.
I suggested several methods, but nothing seemed to stick.
Finally, I shared my personal experience with a specific productivity app that had made a significant difference in my own life.
I said, “Here’s what worked for me. This app helped me manage my time and tasks efficiently.”
By sharing my personal success and framing it as simply something that worked for me, I was able to influence him without sounding pushy.
He decided to give the app a try and found it to be just as helpful in managing his workload.
Personal experiences can serve as powerful testimonials, adding credibility and relatability to your perspective.
So don’t hesitate to share what’s worked for you when aiming to persuade others.
6) “Could we explore…?”
Asking permission to explore a different viewpoint or idea can be a respectful and non-intrusive way to introduce a new perspective.
The phrase “Could we explore…?” is a gentle invitation for the other person to consider something new without feeling pressured.
This phrase works well because it gives the other person a sense of control over the conversation. They can choose whether they are ready to entertain a new idea or not.
For instance, if you’re discussing a project plan with a team member and you have an alternative approach in mind, you might say, “Could we explore the idea of using a different software for this task?”
This approach makes it easier for the other person to be open to your suggestion, as it feels less like a demand and more like an invitation.
It’s a great way to practice persuasive communication without being pushy.
7) “Let’s find a solution together”
Collaboration is at the heart of persuasion. The phrase “Let’s find a solution together” encapsulates this principle perfectly.
It signals that you’re not trying to impose your ideas, but rather, you’re inviting the other person to participate in the process of finding a resolution.
This phrase works because it emphasizes teamwork and shared responsibility. It removes any power imbalance and makes the conversation a joint effort towards a common goal.
It sends a clear message that you value their input and are willing to compromise to reach an agreement.
This collaborative approach can significantly enhance your persuasive power by fostering trust and respect, ensuring both parties feel invested in the outcome.
Final thoughts: The power of words
Language is a potent tool. It shapes our thoughts, influences our decisions, and drives our actions.
And within this vast toolbox, certain phrases hold the power to persuade without coming across as pushy.
These phrases, simple as they may be, can open doors to understanding, foster connections, and build bridges between contrasting viewpoints.
They are not just strings of words; they are keys to influence people in a respectful and empathetic way.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the secret sauce isn’t just in the phrases you use but how you use them.
The tone of voice, your body language, and the genuine intent behind your words all contribute to your overall persuasiveness.
So as you navigate your conversations, consider incorporating these phrases into your vocabulary.
But more importantly, remember that true influence comes from understanding and respecting the other person’s perspective.
As the renowned American writer Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Let this be the guiding principle for your persuasive conversations.
