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Linguistical Pitfalls in Persuasion (Part I)

"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?

The power of language is in its dichotomy--while on one hand it creates beauty and potential, on the other it is derisive and divides us.

'The pen is mightier than the sword'. We've all heard that saying. What follows is a list of eight words that diminish the power of what we can do with language.

These words diminsh persuasion not only in daily interactions, but in your interactions with your affluent prospects and clients. Most specifically in groups of elite individuals do we need to be congruent in our actions and words.

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

Be very, very cautious, especially if you're a beginner with these skills. In general, you should ignore these words, stay away from them, don't use them at all. They will absolutely backfire.

Understanding the importance of rapport is key. After that, gaining and keeping rapport can be quite tricky.

The goal of rapport is to become a magnetic force with your affluent clients and prospects. You draw them to you and have them thinking, 'This person is like me. I want to work with him.'

The eight most dangerous words in persuasion kill the rapport that you have established, they stop it from growing and cast doubt.

BUT.

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

"I'd really love to buy your product, but. . ." Hmm. .. that doesn't sound like a sale, does it?

"I'd like to go out with you, but..." I'm not going to go out with you.

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

TRY.

There is no such thing as try. Try doesn't really exist. Try always presupposes failure, so you've tried and tried and tried and tried. You either do it, or you don't do it. You either are or are not. You are not in the middle.

Try is an excellent word to use on an advanced level, and until you're there, don't use it.

IF.

'If' weakens what you're saying. In that way, it's a lot like 'try' in presupposing that you 'might not' do as you say.

"If you want to sign up for our service. . ."

Is that confidence? Is that reassuring to hear? Nope.

'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.

Article Source: http://www.dummiesguideto.com

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

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