Behaviour Change Strategy: Persuade
Want to be more persuasive?
Wondering how to sell your ideas and feel heard? Want to be a little bit more persuasive?
Discover the practical tactics of persuasion grouped by specific goals to help you influence behaviour effectively and ethically.
Here’s how you can start:
1
Shape perceptions
Understand and communicate the potential outcomes of behaviours clearly.
2
Provide direction & support
Offer continuous and constructive feedback to encourage or adjust behaviours.
3
Build self-awareness
Equip people with tools to monitor and reflect on their own behaviours.
4
Leverage community
Use the power of community and expert voices to bolster your persuasion.
How Persuade
changes behaviour
Tipping the Balance: Persuasion works by presenting people with a new perspective or piece of information, shifting their perception of the pros and cons associated with a certain behaviour. This change in perception often leads to a change in behaviour, as individuals seek to align their actions with their newfound beliefs.
Commitment and Consistency: When people publicly commit to a behaviour, they're more likely to follow through due to a desire to appear consistent. Persuasion can encourage this commitment by asking individuals to share their goals or intentions with others.
Emotions as Catalysts: Persuasion can also change behaviour by tapping into people's emotions. Evoking emotions like fear, empathy, or pride can create a strong impetus for change, pushing individuals to take action in response to these feelings.
When using Persuade, avoid…
The Dark Side
Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Persuasion can easily slip into manipulation if used unethically. Always ensure your persuasive efforts serve the best interests of your audience.
Information Overload
It's tempting to share all the facts and figures you've gathered, but too much information can be overwhelming. Like a carefully crafted meal, provide just enough information to satisfy without overwhelming your audience.
Resistance is Not Futile
People may resist change, especially if they feel their autonomy is threatened. To overcome resistance, emphasise the benefits of change and empower individuals to make their own decisions.