How to Sway Anyone to Your Own Way of Thinking

In 2012 while a final year student at the university, my graduation became strongly doubtful. With a few days to the end of the academic session, the professor who was supervising my project work accused me of plagiarism. It was a allegation that could earn me an extra year. I was confused.

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I Wrote A Letter

At last, I decided to write a letter to my project supervisor. It was a lengthy but deliberate letter. In the remarkable letter, which is still in my library to this day, I told my supervisor that he was right to have thought that my work was indeed plagiarized.

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Thereafter, I presented reasons why he should reconsider his assumptions and agree with me that my work was original. I then supplied some evidence to support my claims.

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Predictably, after reading the letter, my supervisor approved my work without making any corrections. That same year, two of my colleagues had extra year because the professor accused them of similar offences.

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What Did I do Differently?

It was beyond writing a letter. I followed a universal principle which governs the art of dealing with people, convincing them to see things from your point of view. Here we go:

• Identify With the Opposing View
  Begin your conversation by first acknowledging the views of your opponent. Make your opponent look intelligent and smart by identifying with their opinions. Tell them they have every right and reason to hold the opposing opinion. This will immediately prepare the heart of your opponent to hear your side of the story.

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• Present Your Own Side of the Story
  Passionately tell your opponent your own side of the story while supporting your story with any available evidence. Also, show your opponent how his/her views conflict with yours and why you should be believed.

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• Tell Your Opponent that You'll Be Alright

Let your opponent know that whether he/she chooses to believe you or not, you'll be alright. Let him/her know that you're ready to address issues not emotions, that you respect his/her opinions whether you are believed or not.

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PS: The lessons above are drawn from my personal experiences and may not be true at all times. However, I hope that you draw some inspirations from this article.

FURTHER READING

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

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