The Route to Persuasive Speaking

Being persuasive is all about using verbal communication effectively. While some people may have a talent for this others need to learn this skill, but it is a skill that can be learned.

There are certain key elements that are required to become an effective and persuasive speaker. One of the main ones is to stand and face your audience squarely and use body language.

When talking with your audience you want to look at them in the eye when possible. If you are speaking to a crowd of people then try to make eye contact and use techniques such as raising your eyebrows. Doing these things makes you look more approachable and friendlier.

While you do want to use gestures you don’t want to overdo them either. Using too many gestures or putting your hands in your pockets makes you appear uncomfortable and nervous. Never ever talk to people with your arms crossed. This makes you look authoritative and defensive and is an immediate turn off.  

One of the easiest things to do when speaking to people is to smile. This makes you immediately approachable and friendly. Take the time to put people at ease and to get to know them. This will help you when it comes time to persuade people in your direction.

When speaking with people you don’t ever want to start being forceful or controlling. This actually spills over into the world of manipulation and is somewhere that you do not want to venture.

Another thing to think about before delivering a speech is your appearance. This includes the color of your clothes. Dark clothes can make you look foreboding and while dark suits do look professional try to add a touch of color to it. Have you ever noticed that people who wear brighter clothes tend to stand out more and be remembered? That is something to keep in mind when preparing for your next speech.

Verbal communication skills can be learned and one way of doing this is by watching other people speak. Study those who you admire and see what techniques they are using. How do they stand, look at their facial expressions and see what gestures they use. If they are speaking in front of a large crowd do they use tools such as slides or other visual aids to get their point across?

Take what you learn and adapt it to suit your style so that you can deliver an effective and persuasive speech.