How to Change Somebody?s Mind

Believe me, it's not easy! And sometimes, it doesn't work at all.

But while researching my book on how to produce more memorable writing, I stumbled upon these "mind changing" ideas from multiple sources.

Remember, I'm a writer, not a psychologist. So the methods shown here come mostly from writers and speakers who've successfully altered perceptions through presentations and persuasive reports.

1. Wear the other person's shoes ? Ask questions to find out why someone holds a completely different view from yours.

2. Ask that person to amplify his/her position ? Are your opponent's views based on actual data, or on disputed or second-hand information that might be challenged?

3. If that person's views are based on data, is the source of that data credible?

4. What common positions do you hold? Politicians can often win a hostile audience by first discussing values everyone shares. If we can agree on common goals, perhaps readers/listeners will follow us when we lead them down new pathways.

5. Can some position be compromised? In negotiations, I often give away a small point in order to show willingness to arrive at an agreement.

6. Point out your side's best points. Remember the fence-painting episode from "Tom Sawyer"? Tom makes his task seem so appealing his friends offer him all sorts of prizes if he'll let them participate.

7. Speaking of "good points" ? Sometimes negotiation can become a "listing" contest. Can you reinforce your position by listing a number of positive things about your proposal? Example: "Ten reasons you should vote for Proposition A."

Rix Quinn offers lots of writing and persuasive ideas in his book "Words That Stick." It's available from your local bookstore, or http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN /1580085768/qid/

---

Dont Be Afraid Of Silence

In any conversation with two or more people, there is... Read More

So Whats Your Argument?

Arguments aren't always bad things. Sometimes They're used to convince... Read More

Where to FIND the BEST Employees --

Obviously, you might logically say, "that is good!" You would... Read More

Managing Conflict, in Life & Work: Using Ancient and Modern Approaches

"Conflict" is a word that can have varying degrees of... Read More

How to Negotiate Effectively

You may be thinking, "Gary, I am a mom, housewife,... Read More

Do You Want a Paycheck or a Passion? 10 Qualities Managers are Looking for in Hiring You

Based upon my research of over 300 managers in the... Read More

7 Tips for Bartering Products and Services

What better way to gain a new customer than by... Read More

Negotiations: The Art, Science, & Sport of Online Deals

Negotiations can seem as complex as physics, and in fact,... Read More

Barter and Its Benefits

What is Barter? Barter involves 2 parties. Each party wants... Read More

How To Make An Inflexible Bureaucrat See You As A Person

Inflexible Bureaucrats Are Characterized by:1. Cares little about your happiness... Read More

Negotiate Your Way to a Better Salary

1. Be persuasive: It's hard to force your boss to... Read More

The Art of Haggling

Did you know that at one time in this country... Read More

Negotiating Skills Will Get You Ahead

Negotiating skills can help you manage lots of different kinds... Read More

The Six Rs for Changing MInds and Overcoming Resistance

This article borrows from Howard Gardner's book, "Changing Minds" (2004).... Read More

How To Communicate Using Space

What Is Proxemics?The study of the communicative aspects of personal... Read More

Resolve Conflict In 6 Easy Steps - The BEDROL Method

The principles of Negotiation can work for you in any... Read More

Negotiating Tactics: Don?t Let ?Good Guy ? Bad Guy? Control the Sales Negotiation

Counter one of the classic negotiating gambits by addressing it... Read More

Win-Win Power Negotiating

Let's talk about win-win negotiating. Instead of trying to dominate... Read More

Games are a Reflection of Behavior

You are standing on a small stage yelling, "What's the... Read More

Can a Corporate Executive Really Use The Beautiful Mind; To guide decision making?

I would like to comment on the "A Beautiful Mind"... Read More

Making the Deal: Women as Negotiators

Negotiating is no game. It is not for the weak... Read More

Negotiate Like a P.R.O.

Whether you're negotiating a peace settlement in a war-torn country... Read More

Writing an RFP (Request for Proposal)

A while back, a potential client provided me... Read More

Just Ask!

Ask and you shall receive & knock and it shall... Read More

While Youre Waiting

Not long ago, I made a partnership pitch, on behalf... Read More

What Are The Four Types Of Negotiating Outcomes?

Negotiating outcomes are the types of results that can happen... Read More

Guidelines for Ambassador Appointments

Ambassadors to other countries are a vital part of international... Read More

How Barter Can Help Your Business Online or Offline

How Barter Can Help Your BusinessBarter trade is a powerful... Read More

Negotiating Skills: Ask For More Than You Expect To Get

It creates some negotiating room, and you might just get... Read More

30 Tips for Keeping Meeting Expenses to a Minimum

Money makes the world go 'round. And when it comes... Read More

How To Deal With A Complainer

How To Deal With A ComplainerA Complainer Is Characterized by:1.... Read More

Suppliers as Your Partners in Cost Reduction

This article is one of the many articles still to... Read More

Cross Cultural Negotiations

Cross cultural negotiation is one of many specialized areas within... Read More