I love this post by Seth Godin on changing peoples minds.
It fits in nicely with the two lists I have done (so far) on persuasion techniques:
Godin points out that specific people, in specific industries, have an focal point of concern.
And centering your persuasion around that point is often what changes people’s minds.
The banker one made me laugh because my wife is a banker. And sure enough, if you want to increase your odds of her saying yes to a deal you are cooking up, you need to show her how you have eliminated the risk involved.
He says:
If you want to change the mind of a scientist, do more science. Do better science. Get your hands on the data set and prove your assertions.
If you want to change the mind of a bureaucrat, bring more power.
If you want to change the minds of the nerds, build something that’s new.
If you want to change the mind of a teenager, amplify the other teenagers.
If you want to change the mind of the audience, put more emotion into your story.
If you want to change the mind of a believer, bring in the perceived authorities.
If you want to change the mind of a banker, eliminate risk.
If you want to change the mind of an engineer, build a prototype.
If you want to change the mind of a hustler, show the money.
If you want to change the mind of a sports fan, win the game.
Other people don’t believe what you believe, and they don’t see what you see.
