Tuesday, October 3, 2023

10 lessons from Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact by Phil M. Jones:

 


1. Words have power. The words you choose can have a big impact on how others perceive you and how they respond to you.


2. Be clear and concise. When you're trying to influence someone, it's important to be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid using jargon or technical language that your audience may not understand.


3. Use the power of storytelling. Stories are a great way to connect with people on an emotional level and to persuade them to take action.


4. Be specific and credible. When you're making a request or trying to convince someone of something, be specific and credible in your communication. Provide evidence to support your claims and use testimonials from others to build trust.


5. Use the power of "yes." People are more likely to say yes to a request if they've already said yes to something smaller. Start by asking for something small and work your way up to the bigger ask.


6. Make it easy to say yes. When you're asking someone for something, make it as easy as possible for them to say yes. Be clear about what you're asking for and make sure that the request is reasonable.


7. Use the power of social proof. People are more likely to do something if they see others doing it. Use social proof to your advantage by mentioning the number of people who have already taken the action you want them to take.


8. Create a sense of urgency. People are more likely to take action if they feel a sense of urgency. Create a sense of urgency by using words like "now" and "limited time offer."


9. Use the power of reciprocity. People are more likely to do something for you if you've already done something for them. Offer something of value in exchange for the action you want them to take.


10. Be persistent. Don't give up if someone doesn't say yes right away. Be persistent and follow up with them over time.


Jones' book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use the power of words to influence others. The lessons he teaches can be applied to all aspects of life, from business to personal relationships.


Here are some additional lessons that can be gleaned from the book:


• Be authentic. People can spot insincerity from a mile away. Be genuine and authentic in your communication, and people will be more likely to trust you and be persuaded by you.


• Be respectful. Even if you disagree with someone, it's important to be respectful of their opinion. When you're respectful, people are more likely to be open to hearing what you have to say.


• Be positive. People are drawn to positive people. Focus on the positive aspects of what you're asking for or trying to convince someone of.


• Be grateful. When someone says yes to your request or takes the action you want them to take, be sure to thank them. Gratitude shows that you appreciate their help and that you're sincere in your communication.


Exactly What to Say is a practical and actionable book that can help you to become a more persuasive communicator. By following the lessons in the book, you can learn how to use the power of words to influence others and achieve your goals.



10 lessons from Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

 1. The power of compounding Small habits, when repeated consistently, can have a massive impact over time. It's like investing money in...