Stop Talking and Start Listening to Become More Convincing.
If you want to change someone’s point of view, it’s easy to assume that if you speak enough, people will listen to you. However, this is often not the case. In fact, if you want people to side with you in solving a problem, it’s best to listen to their opinion first.
As explained in the Harvard Business Review business blog, silence gives the person you are talking to a chance to explain their position. No one likes to be yelled at, so this opportunity helps them feel respected as equals in conversation, which makes them more receptive. Hearing also gives you the opportunity to see the situation from their perspective. If you can understand how they see things, you can better understand how to refer to them:
It’s easy to get used to persuasion through arguments. But controversy does not change attitudes – if anything, it makes people more irreconcilable. Silence is a very underestimated source of strength. In silence, we can hear not only what is said, but also what is not said. It may be easier to reach the truth in silence.
Of course, listening is more than just waiting your turn. This requires that you understand and accept someone’s position as valid. However, listening does not mean giving in. It’s good to have your own position. However, if you treat him as the only true one, you will not be convinced.
If you want people to listen, stop talking | HBR
Photo by Tim Pierce .