At one point or another in our lives, we come across a situation where we know what we want, its staring us in the face, we just do not know how to make it happen. Whether it be a promotion from a boss, to convince a friend to help you move, to get your mate to take you to a nice dinner, or even to persuade your roommate that they should take the trash out, even if it is not their turn, we all have been there. If only there was a simple way to make all of these situations result in your favor, life would be that much easier. Well actually, there is. The history of persuasion and rhetoric runs long and deep. We have encountered inspiration from the great minds of Aristotle, Abraham Lincoln and even Homer Simpson. This history of rhetoric, created by the Greeks, has developed into more of an art. It has assisted those who employ its techniques into accomplishing varying degrees of tasks for more than a thousand years. Hopefully, the following examples will help you in persuading your way to what you want.

In your company meeting, you present an idea you have been working on for days, that you are sure has the potential to turn into something great. But, as soon as you vocalize your thoughts, a co-work expresses doubt over the idea. Instead of getting angry or frustrated and jumping to the defense of your undoubtedly amazing idea, try the technique of Concession. Something like, “Okay, let’s tweak it.” Now focus the discussion on revising your idea as if the group has already accepted it.

You are expected to pitch a proposal to your professor next week in class, and the idea you have has also been used elsewhere. Instead of reiterating the idea that others have probably already heard or seen in use elsewhere, describe its success, more than its components. Do this in a very vivid fashion as though the audience itself has accomplished it. Then, show how much more skill and resources your plans dedicates to the idea. Lastly, feel free to use your favorite cliche, for example, “With the additions of my plan to this great idea, its a slam dunk!”

This technique can be slightly misconstrued, but useful nevertheless. Seduction (the nonsexual kind of course) is manipulation, manipulation is half of argument, and this means that many of us shy away from it. We all employ these on a daily basis, but we just aren’t aware of it. When you are trying to drive an idea home, seduce your audience. Make them desire the act. For example, the idea you are trying to incorporate at work includes the benefit of increased efficiency. Paint your picture in a way they can’t say no to it. Get them to envision the act of taking longer lunch hours, or getting home earlier to spend time with their family. The brain is an ultimate pleasure seeker, and these images will stick with them longer than charts and graphs, guaranteed.