Imagine this: you’ve come up with a brilliant idea for a new project. The groundwork is done, you’re full of enthusiasm, and you truly believe this project needs to happen.
But you know—there’s no I in team. Your next step is to get your team on board, inspire action, and ultimately convince them that this is the way forward, so they’re just as invested as you are.
Luckily, you’re well prepared. You’ve got a strong set of arguments and solid reasons to back up your idea—nothing can throw you off course. Pushback? Differing opinions? You’re ready with the perfect counterarguments to win everyone over.
Sound familiar? Then this article is for you. Discover how you can increase your impact and strengthen your persuasive skills in four steps—by asking the right questions and giving space for others to engage.
When it comes to persuasion, many of us believe that saying more is better. After all, you likely have countless reasons why your idea is the right one, and it’s tempting to share them all to get others just as excited as you are.
But remember, most people have a short attention span. Their willingness to simply sit and listen is also limited. Before you know it, your message might come across as “wordy,” “long-winded,” or “unclear” rather than sharp and compelling.
So, keep your pitch and reasoning short and to the point, no matter how much you want to be thorough. This increases the likelihood that people will actually absorb what you’re saying. Plus, it gives them the chance to respond—creating room for discussion and collaboration. A true win-win.
That brings us to the key takeaway of this article: ask questions! What do others think of your idea? What excites them—or doesn’t? Do they have suggestions on how to bring it to life? And, perhaps most importantly, what truly motivates them?
Stephen Covey once said:
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
Instead of listening just to counter the other person’s point, try to genuinely keep an open mind to what they are saying. The better you understand others, the better you can connect with them. Embrace their input, uncover their motivation, and understand the reasoning behind their perspective.
The more open you are to feedback—even when it’s critical—the greater the chance of finding the best solution together.
Make sure you’ve done your homework. That means knowing who’s at the table and what drives them. What kind of arguments will resonate with your audience?
If you’re speaking to a team member who relies on data, back up your points with growth figures and percentages. On the other hand, someone from HR is more likely to support your idea if you can show that it improves employee retention or workplace happiness.
Have the right information at hand and tailor your arguments to the right people.
In short: know your audience. Do your research and adapt your approach accordingly.
Let’s say you’ve truly involved others in your initial proposal. You’ve made space for their input, you understand where any hesitation or doubts come from. Then, someone asks a question you don’t have an immediate answer to.
Instead of going with “fake it till you make it”, be honest. Acknowledge that it’s a great question and let them know you’ll look into it.
Being persuasive doesn’t mean having all the answers—or needing to. Many people assume that not having an immediate answer is a sign of weakness. In reality, acknowledging gaps and leaving space for further investigation demonstrates a thoughtful approach, openness to collaboration, and a commitment to making the right decisions together.
