Linguistical Pitfalls in Persuasion (Part I)

Posted in: no category in kapoke's Blog

Linguistical Pitfalls in Persuasion (Part I) Linguistical Pitfalls in Persuasion (Part I) by Kenrick Cleveland

'Linguistics is arguably the most hotly contested property in the academic realm. It is soaked with the blood of poets, theologians, philosophers, philologists, psychologists, biologists, anthropologists, and neurologists, along with whatever blood can be got out of grammarians.'- Russ Rymer

What is it that has all these academics drawing blood?

It's a funny image--gangs of scholars in tweed and khaki dueling with quills and fierce verbal jousting.

And what is it about the study of language that could have these normally peaceful types (poets, writers) soaked in blood?

Language, despite it's beauty and potential, also divides and separates.

Keeping in mind the thought, 'The pen is mightier than the sword', I'd like to examine the eight most counterproductive words as applied to persuasion.

And this goes for any persuasion, especially when dealing with the affluent because you need the most consistency and confidence in your language to influence this elite group of individuals.

Every single one of these words has an exception, and feel free to explore and discover the exceptions and use them to your advantage.

However, if you're a beginning persuader, these words should be avoided at all cost.

Rapport is a tenuous thread when it first begins.

Persuasion, done well, starts off as a very weak force. In fact, it's a magnetic force where you're drawing them to you. You do that through rapport so that the affluent think you are them.

These words that you're going to learn right now snap the thread of rapport, they break it, and they cast doubt where none need exist. And for that reason I call them DANGEROUS words.

BUT.

'But' cancels out everything that was said before it.

'I wanted to buy you a present, but. . .' Yeah. I'm not getting a present, am I?

'Your product seems to fit my needs, but. . .' I'm not going to buy it.

After 'but' rears its head, everything said prior, is extinguished.

TRY.

Trying always presupposes failing. Either you're going to do it, or you're not going to do it. There is no such thing as 'try'.

I actually love the word 'try' and I use it all the time though until you're more advanced in persuasion, 'try' not to use it at all.

IF.

'If' is a weak word similar to 'try'. It presupposes that you 'might not' do as you say.

'If you are interested. . .'

Doesn't sound too confident, too reassuring, too convincing, does it?

'If' isn't supportive. It is weak and lacks intention. It gives people a way out. 'If' gives you a way out.

MIGHT.

'Might' is a wishy-washy word.

'I might buy your product.' Give me an answer!!!

It just takes away all the personal power. Watch your personal power, enhance your power every single time you can. Speak with authority and you will be respected by the affluent AND rewarded by them.

Kenrick Cleveland teaches strategies to earn the business of affluent prospects using persuasion. He runs unique public and private seminars and offers home study courses, audio/visual learning tools, and coaching programs in persuasion strategies.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard