What is it that has all these academics drawing blood?



It's a funny image--gangs of scholars in tweed and khaki dueling with quills and fierce verbal jousting.

How could the scientific study of language incite intense animosity?

The power of language is in its dichotomy--while on one hand it creates beauty and potential, on the other it is derisive and divides us.

Keeping in mind the thought, 'The pen is mightier than the sword', I'd like to examine the eight most counterproductive words as applied to persuasion.

Consistency, confidence and congruency are the most important tools for speaking with our affluent prospects and these eight words erode all three of these.

There are always exceptions to the rule, and these eight dangerous words to persuasoin are no different. There are times when you'll want to use them. See if you can discover these exceptions and use them to your benefit.

If you're just starting out in persuasion, these are most definitely words you need to avoid because they have a way of backfiring.

When we first begin to understand the importance of rapport, it can be a tricky thing to keep hold of.

The goal of rapport is to become a magnetic force with your affluent clients and prospects. You draw them to you and have them thinking, 'This person is like me. I want to work with him.'

Stumbles and blunders in language such as these eight words can stop the rapport from flowing. They cut it off at the knees, so to speak, and cast doubt upon you. That's why I call them 'dangerous'.

BUT.

This word has very strange properties. It simply cancels everything that goes before. Whatever is said before the word but is gone, it gets canceled out.

"I'd really love to buy your product, but. . ." Hmm. .. that doesn't sound like a sale, does it?

"Your product seems to fit my needs, but. . ." I'm not going to buy it.

After 'but' rears its head, everything said prior, is extinguished.

TRY.

Try is not doing. It presupposes that you're going to fail. It doesn't exist. Either you do what you say or you don't, but 'try' is that in between nothingness.

Try is an excellent word to use on an advanced level, and until you're there, don't use it.

IF.

'If' weakens what you're saying. In that way, it's a lot like 'try' in presupposing that you 'might not' do as you say.

"If you like what I'm telling you about today, maybe you'd like to see about possibly, you know, signing up."

Is that confidence? Is that reassuring to hear? Nope.

'If' isn't supportive. It is weak and lacks intention. It gives people a way out. 'If' gives you a way out.

MIGHT.

'Might' is a wishy-washy word.

"I might buy your product." Give me an answer!!!

Might takes away your personal power. If you speak authoritatively, you will be respected by the affluent and rewarded with their business.