Mastering the Art of Persuasion: My Take on What Really Works

Let’s be honest—persuasion gets a bad rap. People hear the word and immediately think of slick sales tactics, manipulative tricks, or some kind of Jedi mind control. But here’s the truth: persuasion isn’t about manipulation. It’s about connection. And it’s a skill that anyone—not just lawyers or leaders—can develop

I’ve spent years in the courtroom, on the stage, and in the boardroom, helping people communicate with confidence and impact. In a recent podcast conversation, I discussed what makes persuasion work. I recently had the pleasure of joining Gabriella Mirabelli on her podcast, Up Next with Gabriella Mirabelli, to discuss The Art of Persuasion. Let’s talk about it.

One of the most common things I hear is, “I’m just not persuasive.” And I challenge that every time. Persuasion isn’t a mystical gift—it’s a skill. And guess what? You already use it every single day. Whether you’re negotiating a raise, getting your kids to eat vegetables, or convincing your friends to watch your favorite show, you’re persuading.

The trick? Learning to do it intentionally.

If you want to level up your persuasion game, here’s what you need:

• Authenticity—You have to be real. People can smell insincerity from a mile away. The goal is to be grounded and credible at the same time.

• Data—Evidence matters. If you want to convince people, back up your claims. “Because I said so” only works on toddlers (and even then, not always).

• Storytelling—Humans connect through stories, not statistics. Make it personal, make it relatable, and make it stick.

• Adaptability—There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Read the room. Adjust your message depending on who you’re talking to.

• Listening—Persuasion isn’t just about talking—it’s about understanding. The better you listen, the more effective you’ll be.

• Physicality—Your body speaks louder than your words. Eye contact, posture, and pacing can either reinforce or weaken your message.

Beyond the basics, here are some of my favorite persuasion power moves:

• Get Comfortable with Discomfort—If persuasion were easy, everyone would be great at it. High-stakes conversations come with tension—breathe through it and own the moment.

• Less is More—Don’t overload people with information. Clarity wins over complexity every time.

• Silence is Power—A well-placed pause can be more persuasive than a perfect argument. Give people space to think, and they’ll be more likely to lean in.

• Handling Objections Like a Pro—Not every challenge needs a response. Sometimes, the most persuasive thing you can do is stay quiet.

• Expect the Unexpected—Conversations don’t always go as planned. Instead of panicking, trust yourself to handle whatever comes next.

At its core, persuasion isn’t about winning an argument—it’s about creating a connection. Whether you’re a lawyer, a leader, or someone who wants to communicate with more impact, these principles can change the way you influence and connect with others. 

You can find the full episode here to learn more: The Art of Persuasion