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Tip 291: Point out what you know for a fact and "What Seems to Make Sense." |
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Always separate facts from subjective opinion. We are constantly taking in information about what happens around us and drawing conclusions based on that information. The problem is that information is rarely complete so we "fill in the blanks" and then forget which part we filled in. Then when we're questioned on a particular piece of information that was an inference rather than fact, we lose credibility for our factual information as well. Head off such situations by pointing out what you know for certain and what you have inferred from those facts. |
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Tip 292: Credit other people for their sound reasoning. |
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Position yourself as an ally of anyone who thinks clearly. When people bring up opposing views, question them about the basis of the views. Understand their reasoning and let them know you understand that reasoning. Only with "we're in this together" positioning will you overcome the feeling of "us" against "them." |
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Tip 293: Recognize that people support what they help create. |
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Rally support for your ideas in a subtle way by asking people to contribute to them. Tell them what you're about, what your goal is; then set about asking for their thinking on the subject before you put together your formal presentation of the idea to the entire group. What figures, resources, or anecdotes can they supply for you? If this plan meets with opposition, what do they think the focus of that disagreement likely will be? If others react negatively, what would they suggest you try as second best? |
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The White House uses this strategy in building support for major legislation in Congress. They seek out the facts, the opposing views, and the supporting views before the vote, not during. |
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Tip 294: Encourage others to state their own needs or problems to be solved. |
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People believe what they do and say themselves. What's better than your overviewing a need that your idea, product, or service can meet? Let your listeners voice those need themselves. Walk to a flipchart and ask the group to help you list problems they're having on the job relative to X. Or grab a |
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