How To Be More Convincing When You Talk

1.       Use small active verbs of physical movement for power and force

Verbs are words that bring to life what you say.  The more simple active verbs you use, the better. Your language will be more forceful and convincing.  Words such as pull, push, break, cut, spin, run, go, strike, stir brings life and movement to your talk. Avoid abstract and vague verbs. It destroys the power and force of what you say. Abstract verbs are usually nouns modified by adding -ize as in finalize or -ate as in officiate.  They bore your listener and makes him lose interest in what you have to say.

2.       Use simple words

The simpler your words are the more potent it is. Short simple words are powerful not only while talking but also in writing.  Note how much more force is in the sentence,“ Do Not Smoke” than in, “ Thank You For Not Smoking.”

3.       Use personal words

Always use personal words such as I, you, we, us, Smith, janitor. It is specific and more powerful. Avoid at all cost words that are used to pass the buck such as; “They said”, “It was said”.  They destroy the force of your talk.

4.       Be direct

Be direct. Be specific. Use illustration if you have to but do not beat around the bush.  And if you don’t know, say so.

5.       Deliver one idea at a time

The human brain has almost infinite capacity to store information but it only can take in so much at a given time. When you talk, you are transmitting information that your listener’s brain needs to interpret and this requires effort. If you are giving too many ideas at a time, your listener will simply lose interest out of exhaustion.  Giving one idea allows more time for the working memory of your listener to process it better and this helps in holding his interest.

6.       Respect your listener

Don’t talk down to your listener. You will lose his interest and that is it.