How to Persuade

Do you want to get to 'yes'? Every day we are faced with moments where we either win or lose. The question is: How persuasive are you? Could you be winning more of the time? In How to Persuade, best-selling author Michelle Bowden shows you the research-proven techniques to master the art of persuasion in any situation—whether it's securing that next big deal, convincing your manager to hit 'approve,' or even winning an argument with your friends.  Through real-world examples and engaging activities, this book shows you how to transform your weaknesses into strengths. You’ll build your own personalised plan to move people from 'no' to 'yes'—every time. Learn how to: Recognise and improve your persuasive strengths and weaknesses Build undeniable likeability and trust to compel people to action Arouse passion and enthusiasm for your ideas Win that next big pitch Persuade anyone, anywhere, anytime In How to Persuade, you'll learn all the practical skills, tips and actions you need to get exactly what you want. "Everything you want and need is on the other side of persuasion. This book takes you through the latest thinking on influence and persuasion and gives you all the completely achievable step-by-step actions to make yourself more instantly persuasive." —Alec Gardner, Managing Partner, Australia & New Zealand, AlphaZetta

About the author xi Thank you! xiii Introduction: Welcome to this book xv Part I: How persuasive are you? 1 1. Why be persuasive? 3 2. Are you turning people off? 9 3. You cannot not influence! 17 4. Persuasion versus manipulation 25 5. The four persuasive types 33 Part II: Understanding the types and working out which one to use when 57 6. Type 1: The Wise Owl 59 7. Type 2: The Commanding Eagle 107 8. Type 3: The Friendly Budgie 161 9. Type 4: The Captivating Peacock 213 Part III: Perfecting your pitch process and bringing it all together 265 10. Perfecting your next bid or pitch 267 11. And now it’s up to you 277 Other titles and resources by Michelle Bowden 281 Appendix: Summary of the four persuasive types 283 Index 289