Simple Ways to Avoid Linguistical Pitfalls in Persuasion (Part I)

By: Kenrick Cleveland

"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

Who knew linguistics was such a hotbed of activity?

I have an image of professors in tweed giving their intellectual enemies fierce tongue lashings.

What is it about language that incites so much arguing?

Language is powerful - derisive and divisive at the same time that it is full of potential and beauty.

Keeping in mind the thought, 'The pen is mightier than the sword', I'd like to examine the eight most counterproductive words as applied to persuasion.

Consistency, confidence and congruency are the most important tools for speaking with our affluent prospects and these eight words erode all three of these.

There are always exceptions to the rule, and these eight dangerous words to persuasoin are no different. There are times when you'll want to use them. See if you can discover these exceptions and use them to your benefit.

If you're just starting out in persuasion, these are most definitely words you need to avoid because they have a way of backfiring.

When we first begin to understand the importance of rapport, it can be a tricky thing to keep hold of.

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.

Whatever you say before the word 'but' is automatically canceled out.

"I like you, but..." What am I saying? I don't like you.

"Your product seems to fit my needs, but. . ." I'm not going to buy it.

As you can see 'but' cancels out absolutely everything before it. It's all gone.

TRY.

Try is not doing. It presupposes that you're going to fail. It doesn't exist. Either you do what you say or you don't, but 'try' is that in between nothingness.

I actually love the word 'try' and I use it all the time though until you're more advanced in persuasion, 'try' not to use it at all.

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' is a weak, weasley little word. It doesn't support self-confidence, doesn't support you having a strong intention. It gives people an out, it gives yourself an out.

MIGHT.

'Might' is a wishy-washy word.

"I might be able to help you." Well, can you help me or not?

Don't let these little linguistical pitfalls take away your personal power. When you speak authoritatively, you garner the respect of the affluent. The reward for this is their business.

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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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