The Illusion of Persuasion
Posted on: 2018/04/18
- In: analysis | opinion
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Most are deluded with the idea we can say something to another person, which will cause that person to change their mind about a particular topic. We think we can persuade others to think like us.
I repeat — that is a delusion.
Now, granted, sometimes we do say things and then, coincidentally, other people changing their view of things. But even when that happens, it’s not because of us, it’s because of them!
People are free-will individuals. They get to make up their own minds. They get to make their own choices. They get to set their own priorities. They get to decide what is important and what is not. They choose what they believe.
People are neither good or bad, just because they disagree with us. They are just different, and that is their choice.
What we can do is inspire or motivate others to act on what they already believe.
I spent much of my career in the direct mail fundraising business. Fortunately, for me, early on, I learned this: It’s not about persuading people to agree with me, it’s about finding people who already agree and motivating them to act on what they believe.
An example: Most political campaign communications are not about changing Rs to Ds or Ds to Rs. It’s about convincing your opposing voters their cause is lost and there is no point in voting; and, at the same time, inspiring your supporting voters, theirs is the winning side and they should “get on the bandwagon” to victory.
In matters of commerce, you’ll never convince someone to buy your product or service, unless they already believe they have the “problem” your product or service resolves.
People do change their minds all the time. But those changes are unpredictable and are caused by far more factors and considerations than what little anyone of us may contribute to them.
So, speak out about what you believe. Believe what you say. But let everyone else do the same.
Give Yourself to Others ... 
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