Written by: Vickie Sullivan | September 29, 2020
To Persuade People, Explain Ideas Better
A lot of us know the methodology behind an idea is important. But as a recent Fast Company article shows us, how we explain those moving parts matters.
While the article has lots of great information, let’s move past the topic and content. A bigger question to ask: How can we do more than tell the typical stories to better explain the background “mechanics” that drive an outcome?
Here are two ways the author of the Fast Company article does it:
• Lead with a practical application: The biggest problem with explaining the mechanics is that many times, we clarify in a vacuum. We accurately describe a process, but folks think, “That’s nice to know, but now what?” Instead, this author latches on to an outcome everyone wants: Persuading a boss to do something. This frames our “why this works” strategies and boosts the value.
Listen: Choosing a Killer Outcome
• Explain, then apply: The dark side of being an expert is we know too much. So, we have to be strategic about how we explain what’s going on in the background. This article is a great one-two punch. It briefly explains the underlying dynamic, then applies that to the situation at hand. Readers get the insight behind the idea, as well as how to implement. It’s the best of both worlds.
Many people have short attention spans and expect great ideas that can be used immediately. These days we can’t simply explain what’s going on. We have to break the parts down to their essence, and then show the practical side.
Now Read This: