What comes to mind when you hear the word Persuasion? To some it conjures up suspicion, deception, and manipulation. Indeed the result can be to deceive or corrupt the mind of those who are easily beguiled.

For some this causes closed minds to any and many new thoughts. If you think this does not apply to you then ask this question: Are you selective about what you will consider or listen to? Just how high are your mental spam filters set?

Well, how do you feel about MLM?s (multi-level or network marketing)? Please note... this is not an article about MLM?s.

Did you know that MLM?s have evolved and there is actually a third generation of MLM that even Blue Chip Corporations are using? Some estimates for the next decade predict 70% of products will be available by direct marketing.

If you did not know this, why? Could it be because you were closed minded?

If you are closed minded then be assured your some in your audience will too. Persuasion is an essential need in a speech to overcome the audience values and mindset if they are closed. Persuasive speaking and the art of persuasion are essential skills.

So where does persuasion fit into public speaking?

To understand the answer it might be good to go back to the beginnings of formal public speaking. Let?s go back to ancient Greece. In the layman?s Greek, the word persuade in a positive sense would mean to convince, to change the minds of listeners by means of logical thought and sound reasoning.

So a public speaker needs to convince, to change the minds of an audience with logical thought and sound reasoning. How can this be accomplished in your speech?

If you are going to change the mind of your audience or persuade them, consider these areas of study.

Your Audience would be the first consideration. What are their thoughts on the subject? A sampling of the audience will be vital to know how to proceed.

For instance, MLM?s, have any been involved with them? Have any been burned or wasted money on them? Have any profited from them? These questions can be changed to your persuasive topic.

What will be the make up of the audience? Additional research in how to speak to these groups will be beneficial. Keywords to look up would be...

Adult-Audience

Mature Audience

Young Audiences

Once the audience is defined, it will be important to know their values. This is a vital consideration before preparing the presentation. How will you find the thoughts and values of the audience? You will have to get to know the...

Audience Professed Values

Persuasive public speaking, to be effective, needs to be attentive to the needs and the thoughts of the audience.

Asking Questions will be the next task to enhance your listening. The art of asking questions will also help you to know how to prepare to best persuade.

Reasoning will be next. To convince or change the mind with logical thought and sound reasoning will result in persuasion.

Argumentation can be an effective way to reason. Remember you need to be tactful. When a sailing vessel needs to go against the wind, it does not take it head on. It is called tacking. Speakers need to use tact in a similar way.

Did you notice very little here is about reasoning, logic and changing minds? That is because they are the easy part. The hard part of this is connecting with the audience. The challenge is to get into their thinking.

Reasoning with Reasonableness

When trying to persuade, reason with the same reasonableness you would expect to be shown. I started this with the MLM at the very beginning for a very special reason. Many will be turned off and have left thinking this is some kind of pitch. Did you have an uncomfortable feeling at that point? What thoughts did you have when you kept reading?

Remember that Feeling to Master Persuasion

Remember that feeling the next time you want to persuade someone. They have strong emotions and feelings that you may need to tactfully get around. Just as that sailing ship needs to tack to make forward progress, likewise you will need to use tact when persuading. Persuade with reasonableness as you present your sound logic.

Keeping these points in mind will help you to be effectively, confident and successful as you persuade in your public speaking.

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