In this Ninja Skill Booster, we explored the art of influencing and persuading through practical techniques and strategies designed to enhance personal and professional interactions.
The session offered attendees a new perspective on building influence with confidence and effectiveness.
Why Influence Matters
In today’s competitive landscape, the ability to persuade and influence is a game-changer. Whether you’re a business owner trying to attract clients, a leader looking to motivate your team, or an individual striving to enhance personal relationships, mastering influence can open doors, foster trust, and drive success.
However, many struggle with influence because they:
- Lack confidence in communication
- Struggle to build authentic connections
- Fail to make a lasting first impression
- Have difficulty navigating different personalities
- Feel unheard or overlooked in meetings and negotiations
This Ninja Skill Booster was designed to break down these barriers and provide attendees with actionable insights to improve their ability to influence effectively.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
1. Building a Strong Personal Brand
Your personal brand is your silent ambassador. It defines how people perceive you and whether they trust you. Participants explored how to craft an authentic brand by choosing three words they want others to associate with them. These words act as a guiding principle for how they show up in business and personal life.
2. The Power of First Impressions
First impressions are formed in just 4 seconds, and the following 4 minutes act as a secondary evaluation. Whether meeting a client, pitching a business idea, or networking, the way you present yourself, your body language, and your tone of voice significantly impacts how others respond to you.
3. Mastering Tone of Voice for Maximum Impact
Your tone of voice conveys emotion, intent, and credibility. A mismatch between what you say and how you say it can lead to misunderstandings. Practising different tones helps to ensure that your message resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impact.
4. Questioning and Listening: The Secret to Influence
Effective influence isn’t about talking more—it’s about asking the right questions and actively listening. Key strategies include:
- Using open-ended questions to encourage deeper conversations.
- Avoiding “why” questions to prevent defensiveness.
- Applying the funnel questioning approach—starting broad and then narrowing down for clarity.
5. Choosing the Right Influencing Style
There are two primary influencing styles:
- Push Style – Direct and authoritative, used to drive immediate action.
- Pull Style – Relationship-focused and collaborative, fostering long-term influence.
The key is knowing when to use each style to achieve the best outcome.
Practical Steps to Apply These Learnings
To truly master influence, it’s essential to take action. Here are some ways to put these techniques into practice:
- Identify and refine your personal brand – Choose three words that define your influence.
- Improve your first impressions – Be mindful of body language, facial expressions, and tone.
- Practice active listening – Engage fully in conversations and use questioning techniques.
- Experiment with different influencing styles – Adjust your approach based on the situation.
What’s Next?
Want to take your influencing and persuading skills to the next level? Join our upcoming Influencing and Persuading Workshop.
Final Thoughts: Influence is a Skill, Not a Gift
Influence is a skill that anyone can develop. It’s not about being the most dominant voice in the room or using manipulation—it’s about truly understanding human behaviour, forging genuine relationships, and communicating with clarity and intention.
By applying these techniques consistently you can strengthen your ability to persuade, foster meaningful connections, and inspire those around you with authenticity and confidence.
