Master the Art of Persuasion in Daily Talks

Intermediate Level | June 4, 2025

혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

How to Improve Persuasive Communication at Work

Have you ever tried to convince someone at work but felt like your words didn’t land? Maybe you were explaining a new idea, sharing feedback, or asking for support—and the other person just nodded politely or changed the subject. That can feel frustrating. But don’t worry. You can learn how to improve your persuasive communication in your everyday conversations.

Let’s break it down together.

What Is Persuasive Communication?

Persuasive communication means guiding someone to see your point of view or take action. It’s not about arguing or forcing your ideas. It’s about connecting, building trust, and showing why your idea matters. This skill is especially important for busy professionals who need to influence coworkers, clients, or managers.

Start with Connection

Before you try to change someone’s mind, connect with them. Use their name. Ask how they’re doing. Mention something you have in common. When people feel seen and respected, they listen more closely. This small step builds the foundation for persuasive communication.

Use Simple, Clear Language

Don’t try to sound fancy. Clear is always better than complicated. Instead of saying, “Our strategy aligns with key performance indicators,” you can say, “This plan helps us reach our goals faster.” Simple words are easier to understand—and easier to agree with.

Share a Short Story

People remember stories more than data. If you want to persuade, share a quick story from your experience. For example: “Last month, we used this method with a client, and it cut their work time by 20%.” Real stories build trust and show your idea in action.

Focus on Benefits

When you want to persuade, show the other person what’s in it for them. Instead of saying, “We need to change our system,” try, “This new system will save you time and reduce mistakes.” Make your idea helpful to the listener.

End with a Simple Ask

Finish your message with a clear, polite request. For example: “Would you be open to trying this new approach next week?” A question like this invites a response without pressure. It makes the other person feel included in the decision.

Quick Practice Challenge

Think of something you want to suggest at work. Try saying it using the 5 steps:

Start with connection
Use simple words
Share a short story
Highlight benefits
Make a clear ask

Practice saying it out loud. The more you practice, the more natural persuasive communication will feel.

Final Tip

You don’t need to be a perfect speaker to persuade. You just need to be clear, kind, and confident. Start small. Try one of these tips today, and see how people respond. You might be surprised!

Vocabulary List

Persuade (verb) — To convince someone to do or believe something.
Example: I tried to persuade my manager to approve the new schedule.
Connection (noun) — A feeling of trust or familiarity between people.
Example: Building a connection helps people listen to your ideas.
Strategy (noun) — A plan to reach a goal.
Example: Their strategy helped the team finish early.
Foundation (noun) — The base or beginning of something strong.
Example: Respect is the foundation of good teamwork.
Data (noun) — Facts or numbers used to understand something.
Example: The sales data showed a big improvement.
Benefit (noun) — A good result or positive effect.
Example: One benefit of exercise is better sleep.
Approach (noun) — A method or way of doing something.
Example: Let’s try a new approach for this project.
Polite (adjective) — Respectful and kind in communication.
Example: She gave a polite answer, even when she disagreed.
Confidence (noun) — A strong belief in yourself.
Example: Speaking every day builds confidence.
Suggest (verb) — To offer an idea or plan.
Example: I suggest we take a short break before the next topic.

5 Questions About the Article

What does persuasive communication mean?
Why is it important to build connection first?
What should you use instead of complicated language?
Why are short stories helpful when persuading?
What’s one way to finish a persuasive message?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

When was the last time you had to persuade someone at work?
Which step in the article feels easiest for you?
Which step feels hardest? Why?
How do you feel when someone shares a short story with their idea?
What’s one small change you can make to sound more persuasive this week?

📢 Want more tips like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here to join us!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips.