Avoiding Persuasion Pitfalls (part 1)

"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?

The concept is funny. I envision gangs of scholars in tweed jackets and khaki pants jabbing each other with quills and inflicting massive paper cuts on their intellectual enemies.

How could the scientific study of language incite intense animosity?

Language, despite it's beauty and potential, also divides and separates.

We all have been told, "The pen is mightier than the sword." And with that awareness, I'd like to explore the eight most dangerous words as applied to persuasion.

And this goes for any persuasion, especially when dealing with the affluent because you need the most consistency and confidence in your language to influence this elite group of individuals.

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

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

Rapport is a tenuous thread when it first begins.

Persuasion, done well, starts off as a very weak force. In fact, it's a magnetic force where you're drawing them to you. You do that through rapport so that the affluent think you are them.

Stumbles and blunders in language such as these eight words can stop the rapport from flowing. They cut it off at the knees, so to speak, and cast doubt upon you. That's why I call them 'dangerous'.

BUT.

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

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

"I think you're really fun to be around, but. . ." But, I don't want to be around you anymore.

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

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.

On an advanced level, I love the word try and I use it all the time.

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 are interested. . ."

Does 'if' instill confidence and reassurance? Not really.

'If' lacks intention and strength. It doesn't support you and build you up. And worse, it gives your prospects a way out.

MIGHT.

'Might' is a wishy-washy word.

"I might buy your product." Give me an answer!!!

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.