Quotes about Persuasion

The ability to have our own way, and at the same time convince others they are having their own way, is a rare thing among men. Among women it is as common as eyebrows.

I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.

The only way a woman can ever reform a man is by boring him so completely that he loses all possible interest in life.

Arguments are to be avoided, they are always vulgar and often convincing.

You can force the people to obey; you cannot force them to understand.

Arouse in the other person an eager want. He who can do this has the whole world with him. He who cannot walks a lonely way.

If you argue and rankle and contradict, you may achieve a victory sometimes; but it will be an empty victory because you will never get your opponent's good will.

The only way I can get you to do anything is by giving you what you want.

PRINCIPLE 1 The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. PRINCIPLE 2 Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong." PRINCIPLE 3 If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. PRINCIPLE 4 Begin in a friendly way. PRINCIPLE 5 Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately. PRINCIPLE 6 Let the other person do a great deal of the talking. PRINCIPLE 7 Let the other person feel that the idea

If a man's heart is rankling with discord and ill feeling toward you, you can't win him to your way of thinking with all the logic in Christendom. Scolding parents and domineering bosses and husbands and nagging wives ought to realize that people don't want to change their minds. They can't be forced or driven to agree with you or me. But they may possibly be led to, if we are gentle and friendly, ever so gentle and ever so friendly.

Remember what Lincoln said: 'A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.

PRINCIPLE 1 Don't criticize, condemn or complain. PRINCIPLE 2 Give honest and sincere appreciation. PRINCIPLE 3 Arouse in the other person an eager want.