How to Get People to Willingly Change Their Minds

It can be difficult to change someone's mind if he has strong beliefs.

Getting people to change their minds willingly requires the art of persuasion. To influence the way another person views a situation, you must be credible, believable and considered trustworthy. People are more prone to changing views when they like the person with whom they are speaking. Consider first how strongly an individual holds his beliefs, as certain areas of thought are more difficult to influence than others.

Instructions

1. Learn about the audience you wish to persuade. Estimate how strongly he holds his beliefs on the subject, and use this to guide the direction you take in your argument. Weigh the person's past experiences, self-esteem and commitment to the issue. If the listener feels strongly about his beliefs, be respectful, firm and assertive when talking with him. Address the ideas that lead him to feel so strongly about the subject in the first place. If he is less committed, focus instead on facts and persuasive evidence.

2. Explore any expertise you have on the subject. The more you are perceived as an expert, the more likely people will listen openly to what you say. Expertise includes relevant education, experience and work within the subject area.

3. Present evidence to your audience. Scientific data, expert opinions and past experiences all work to change minds.

4. Smile genuinely to increase your likability. Dress with care, and present yourself appropriately for the situation. Poor grooming or hygiene automatically puts off or distracts listeners from what you have to say.

5. Give people a chance to respond, and listen in return with an open mind. People are more receptive to change when they feel they are being heard.

6. Posit your argument clearly, and do not make generalizing or false points. Keep your statements simple and bolster them with facts, personal anecdotes and experience. Don't be demanding; You can't order a person to change her mind, but you can ask her to do so.

References

• California State University, Sacramento, Online Writing Lab: The Rhetorical Square
• Shippenburg University; Persuasion; Dr. C. George Boeree; 1999