How to Influence People – Tips and Techniques

No man is an island. We are social animals and constantly interact with the animate and inanimate environment around us. Even without being aware of the same, we are constantly influencing and being influenced by the world around us.

In influencing, there is no right or wrong way, nor is the style of influencing constant. Communication is the key in influencing and persuading people to a point of view or course of action.

Throughout history we can find numerous leaders who influenced millions of people through their people skills, oratory skills, and charisma. A great example is Mahatma Gandhi who led the freedom struggle of India through non-violence.

A more recent example is the living legend Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former president of India. Both arose from humble backgrounds to become the most-admired and followed thought leaders.

How to influence people: Some tips

So how to influence people? Here are some useful tips to successfully influence people

1. Set an example

Build solid proof of your own contribution to the cause you are pursuing by persistent and positive actions. Convince people about the legitimacy of your point of view or course of action. Show that your point of view is consistent with the point of view or directives of those in authority.

2. Use Logic

Convince people using logic. People are more likely to be impressed with a level-headed argument than with an emotional appeal. Convince using factual proof in support of your argument.

3. Enlist support

Appeal for support from friends and well-wishers. Collect on favors owed to you. Ask them to lend you their vocal support. Often this has a snowball effect on influencing people to your point of view.

4. Be genuinely interested in people

Keep an open mind and listen to their point of view. A mature person is able to understand another person’s point of view without necessarily accepting the same. Good listening skills enable you to understand the concerns motivating the reservations. You can then adapt your argument to allay those concerns.

5. Reward people with words

A good leader praises in public and chastises in private. Be vocal in your thanks and miserly with criticisms.

Everybody craves praise and recognition. Acknowledging a person’s contributions and being genuine in your praise helps in bringing people over to your point of view.

6. Explain your reasoning

Explain to people how they are likely to benefit by following the course of action favored by you. Reciprocity works! People like to know what they are likely to get when they give something.

7. Cultivate personal charisma

A good influencer does not need to be physically impressive. Fluid speech, strong vocabulary, positive body language, and the use of humor aid effective communication and rapport-building and influencing people.

8. Use different approaches

There is no standard way to influence people as there are different schools of thought and mindsets. Learn what makes the other person tick and then tailor your approach accordingly.

For some, it may be praise. For some others, you may need to appeal to his ideals or values; for the materialistic, it may be material rewards or money.

9. Choice of words and Timing

Tactful use of words and timing is everything in influencing. That is why wordsmiths earn so much! The correct, politically-correct term used in the appropriate setting and at the correct time can turn arguments in your favor. Remember that getting commitments from people is easier when they are either elated or mentally fatigued.

10. Be consistent and persistent

Consistency in your convictions and persistency in your arguments will move people to your point of view. In life, there are no clear-cut solutions to anything. However, we all have a herd mentality and it is a clever leader who chooses to lead the herd.

Hopefully these tips answered questions on “how to influence people with different approaches.” Influence on people has the power to change governments, economy, business, art, and above all, people’s lives. Let’s get started right away!