Published in 1936, Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People is still relevant in 2017—offering a dozen tips to persuade even the most stubborn of people.
- Don't try "winning" the argument—avoid it in the first place.
- Respect other people's opinions—even if you think they’re wrong.
- Admit when you're wrong as soon as you realize it.
- Be friendly, no matter how angry the other person may be.
- Find common ground as quickly as possible.
- Let the other person do the talking, while you listen.
- Get the other person to think your conclusion is their own—avoid the urge to take credit.
- Determine why the other person thinks what they do—they believe it for a reason.
- Figure out the other person’s worldview—and how it drives their beliefs.
- Appeal to nobler motives—do the right thing.
- Be dramatic and appeal to emotions—but always be truthful.
- When nothing else works, challenge them to prove why they are correct. iBi
Photo courtesy of Alan O'Rourke
