Learn English for talking about persuasion.
This week in one of my English conversation classes a student was talking about a book they had recently read called Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B Cialdini.
Persuasion is the process of influencing someone’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviour through reasoning, emotional appeal, or manipulation. It involves convincing others to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action.
During the class we explored some of the language that can be used for talking about talking about persuasion in English. Can you think of any other idiomatic expressions, vocabulary or phrases that we can use for talking about persuasion?
Talk someone into doing something
Meaning: This phrase encapsulates the act of persuading someone to undertake a specific action. It implies the use of convincing arguments or compelling reasoning to sway their decision.
Example sentence: Despite his initial reluctance, I managed to talk my brother into joining us for the hiking trip.
Bring someone around to your point of view
Meaning: When met with differing perspectives, this expression signifies the successful conversion of someone to align with your viewpoint. It denotes the gradual process of persuasion, often requiring patience and adept communication skills.
Example sentence: It took several discussions, but eventually, I brought my colleagues around to my proposal for implementing flexible work hours.
To coax
Meaning: A subtle yet effective method of persuasion, coaxing involves gently persuading someone through subtle encouragement or flattery. It implies a delicate approach aimed at overcoming resistance without exerting force.
Example sentence: She coaxed her toddler into eating his vegetables by making it a game.
Cajole someone into doing something
Meaning: Similar to coaxing, cajoling involves the art of persuasion through the use of charm, wheedling, or persuasive tactics. It conveys the notion of enticing or sweet-talking someone into compliance.
Example sentence: The salesman cajoled the hesitant customer into purchasing the upgraded model with his persuasive charm.
Win someone over
Meaning: To win someone over entails gaining their support through persuasive means. It suggests the triumph of one's arguments, charisma, or influence in swaying another's opinion.
Example sentence: Her impassioned speech won over even the most skeptical members of the audience.
To brainwash
Meaning: While carrying negative connotations, this term describes the extreme manipulation of someone's beliefs or attitudes through coercive or deceptive means. It highlights the sinister aspect of persuasion, often associated with indoctrination or undue influence.
Example sentence: The cult leader used psychological manipulation techniques to brainwash his followers into unquestioning obedience.
To convince
Meaning: A fundamental aspect of persuasion, convincing involves presenting compelling arguments or evidence to persuade others of a particular viewpoint or course of action. It underscores the power of rational persuasion in influencing decisions.
Example sentence: With solid evidence and compelling arguments, she convinced the board of directors to approve the new marketing strategy.
