How to Persuade Like a Pro: Tips for Business Communication

Hey ESF Readers!

Imagine this: You’re in a meeting, pitching a bold idea. The room falls silent, and all eyes are on you. Will your words spark action or fizzle out?
試想一下:你在會議中提出一個大膽的想法,所有人都在看著你。你的話語能否激起行動,還是會悄然消失?


TL;DR:
Persuasion is a critical skill in business. To succeed, focus on understanding your audience, using storytelling, and practicing empathetic communication.
說服力是商業成功的重要技能。要成功,需注重了解觀眾、講述引人入勝的故事以及練習同理心溝通。


Main Points:

  1. Understand Your Audience
    Tailor your message to resonate with your audience’s needs. For example, if you’re pitching to a team worried about deadlines, emphasize how your proposal will save time. Consider cultural differences, such as Taiwan's emphasis on hierarchy—address senior leaders with respect to gain support.
    了解觀眾的需求並調整信息。如果向擔心截止日期的團隊推銷,強調你的建議如何節省時間。考慮文化差異,例如台灣對層級的重視——尊重高層領導以獲得支持。

  2. Use Storytelling to Connect
    Facts alone can be dry; stories make your message memorable. When introducing a new project, share a success story to illustrate its potential impact. For example, a Taiwanese manager could highlight how a similar approach boosted productivity in another department.
    單靠事實可能顯得枯燥,故事讓信息更難忘。例如,台灣的經理在介紹新項目時,可分享成功案例以說明其潛在影響。

  3. Master Active Listening
    Listening is as important as speaking. Show you understand by paraphrasing their concerns and offering tailored solutions. For example, when a client worries about cost, acknowledge it and discuss potential savings or value gains.
    傾聽與表達同樣重要。通過轉述他們的顧慮並提供量身定制的解決方案來表現出理解。

  4. Focus on Non-Verbal Cues
    Your body language and tone can either reinforce or undermine your message. Maintain eye contact, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting. These small changes can make your delivery more compelling.
    肢體語言和語調可能加強或削弱你的信息。保持眼神接觸,使用開放性手勢,避免坐立不安。

  5. Rehearse and Refine
    Practice your persuasive communication in front of a trusted colleague. Focus on clarity, confidence, and pacing. Small adjustments can greatly impact your ability to connect with your audience.
    在可信任的同事面前練習你的說服性溝通。專注於清晰度、自信和節奏。細微的調整可能對你與觀眾的聯繫產生巨大影響。


Persuasive communication can drive success in meetings, presentations, and negotiations. Understand your audience, connect emotionally through storytelling, and refine your delivery with practice. It’s not just about the message; it’s about making it resonate.
說服性溝通能夠推動會議、演講和談判的成功。通過講述故事了解觀眾、建立情感聯繫,並通過練習完善你的表達方式。不僅是信息的傳遞,更在於讓它產生共鳴。


Vocabulary:

  1. Persuasion (說服力)

    • Definition: The ability to convince someone to agree with an idea or take action.

    • Example: "Her persuasion skills were evident in the way she secured funding for the project."

  2. Tailor (調整)

    • Definition: To modify something to suit a specific purpose or audience.

    • Example: "He tailored his presentation to address the concerns of the board members."

  3. Empathy (同理心)

    • Definition: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

    • Example: "Empathy helps leaders connect with their teams and foster trust."

  4. Hierarchy (層級)

    • Definition: A system where people or things are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

    • Example: "Understanding the company hierarchy is crucial for effective communication in Taiwan."

  5. Non-verbal (非語言)

    • Definition: Communication without the use of words, such as body language or facial expressions.

    • Example: "Non-verbal cues like smiling can help ease tensions during a negotiation."

  6. Rehearse (排練)

    • Definition: To practice or go through a presentation or performance.

    • Example: "Before the big meeting, she rehearsed her speech several times to ensure confidence."

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