Persuasive Speaking

Successful people know how to influence and persuade others to accept their ideas, products or services. Projects cover selling a product, making “cold calls,” preparing a winning proposal, convincing an audience to at least consider your side of a controversial issue or subject, and persuading listeners to help bring a vision and mission to reality.

1. The Effective Salesperson

Time: 8-12 minutes
Objectives:
  • Learn a technique for selling an inexpensive product in a retail store.
  • Recognize a buyer’s thought processes in making a purchase.
  • Elicit information from a prospective buyer through questions.
  • Match the buyer’s situation with the most appropriate product.

2. Conquering the “Cold Call”

Time: 10-14 minutes
Objectives:
  • Learn a technique for “cold call” selling of expensive product or services.
  • Recognize the risks buyers assume in purchasing.
  • Use questions to help the buyer discover problems with his or her current situation.
  • Successfully handle buyer’s objections and concerns.

3. The Winning Proposal

Time: 5-7 minutes
Objectives:
  • Prepare a proposal advocating an idea or course of action.
  • Organize the proposal using the six-step method provided.

4. Addressing the Opposition

Time: 7-9 minutes, plus 2-3 minutes for Q&A
Objectives:
  • Prepare a talk on a controversial subject that persuades an audience to accept or at least consider your viewpoint.
  • Construct the speech to appeal to the audience’s logic and emotions.

5. The Persuasive Leader

Time: 6-8 minutes
Objectives:
  • Communicate your vision and mission to an audience.
  • Convince your audience to work toward achieving your vision and mission.