Persuasion Isn’t About Facts—It’s About Attitude

Persuasion has been a big part of my career.

It’s helped me get buy-in, lead teams, and make ideas stick.

Over time, people have asked me for advice on how to be more persuasive, and I’ve realized something: I don’t see persuasion the way most people do.

A lot of the common advice out there doesn’t work in real-world situations—especially when you’re trying to influence people who have their own ideas, priorities, and egos.

I’ve learned that persuasion isn’t just about presenting facts or crafting the perfect argument. It starts with your attitude.

If you approach persuasion the wrong way, people will tune you out—no matter how good your ideas are.

To say it another way: If your mindset is wrong, no amount of technique will save you.

So many experts assume persuasion is about having the best argument.

They study frameworks.
They refine their messaging.
They learn influence tactics.

That is part of it. But, they often assume logic alone is enough to win people over.

They think:

• If the data is strong, people will agree.

• If the argument is well-structured, people will listen.

• If they present enough proof, people will change their minds.

Persuasion just doesn’t work that way.

The best persuaders aren’t the ones with the best data.

They’re the ones who make people feel safe enough to reconsider.

This isn’t just about getting people to agree with you—it’s about leadership, selling ideas, and building real influence.

Persuasion Starts With Your Mindset, Not Your Words

Before you focus on what to say, ask yourself:

1. Are you trying to win or trying to connect?

Persuasion isn’t about defeating someone in an argument—it’s about helping them see a new perspective.

Shift from "convince them" to "help them see it differently."

2. Are you making people feel wrong or making them feel curious?

If your tone implies, “You don’t get it,” people will shut down.

Instead of "You're mistaken," try "I used to think that too, but here’s what changed my mind."

3. Are you arguing—or inviting a new perspective?

It’s about creating space for someone to reconsider.

Instead of "That’s incorrect," ask "How did you come to that conclusion?" and build from there.

Most persuasion fails because people push too hard or too fast.

So it’s important to know how to adjust your approach:

Let’s get it…

1. Make People Feel Understood Before You Try to Convince Them

Before presenting your case, summarize their viewpoint in your own words.
Ask, "Would you say that’s accurate?" This lowers their defenses.

2. Give People a Way to Change Their Mind Without Losing Face

Frame new information as an update, not a correction. Instead of "That’s incorrect," say, "There’s actually new research on this that surprised me too."

3. Use the "What Would It Take?" Question

If someone pushes back, ask, "What evidence would convince you otherwise?" 
This forces them to engage in self-reflection instead of just reacting emotionally.

POLL

Persuasion isn’t about proving people wrong—it’s about helping them be open to seeing things differently.

If you can’t persuade effectively, your best ideas won’t gain traction.
If you can’t create buy-in, your leadership will struggle.
If you can’t guide decisions, you’ll always be reacting instead of leading.

Before refining your argument, refine your attitude. Because influence isn’t about what you say—it’s about how people feel when they hear it.

Thanks for reading. Be easy!
Girvin