Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Michelle Bowden, Wiley, $29.95.
There is no one better than renowned international speaker Michelle Bowden to write (and talk) about persuasion with great authority.
An authority on persuasive presentation in business, tells us why persuasion is important when it comes to communication and gives us the facts and tips because it’s about using persuasion in an ethical way to influence, rather that thinking it’s a case of “persuasion or influence.”
Practical and accessibly written, How to Persuade endorses readers with the skills, tips and actions you need to get exactly what you want, every time.
Michelle outlines the four persuasive approaches – or persuasive types – each with different strengths and benefits. They can be used in different situations and with different types of people. Each has specific behaviours you can develop, build or cement.
You will get the most out of this book – and become a more persuasive person – through striving to develop your strength in all these approaches. Learn how to recognise and improve your persuasive strengths and weaknesses; adapt your persuasion style where necessary; build undeniable likeability and trust to compel people to action; arouse passion and enthusiasm for your ideas; persuade anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Bowden has coaxed, convinced, motivated, argued, swayed, induced and persuaded her way through life, seeking out opportunities, talked her way into jobs, along every part of her journey, studied and applied the actions of powerful persuaders to ensure life went the way she wanted.
Becoming persuasive is all about modifying the way that you interact with the world on a minute-by-minute basis. It’s about how you are perceived by others “all the time” not just when the stakes are high.
