Margaret’s Persuasion Coach Blog
Book Excerpt: People Resist Being Wrong
I previously posted an excerpt from Bridges to Consensus titled, “The Golden Rule Isn’t Always Enough.” Now, here’s another excerpt explaining one reason the Golden Rule sometimes isn’t enough–people resist being wrong…
Why Didn’t She…?
We all know about fight or flight defenses to situations that threaten serious and imminent danger. They are hardwired, instinctive. But they aren’t the only such defenses. Another is “the immobility tonic,” a rather confusing term. It’s not the kind of tonic that comes in a bottle.
DADA: Phony Candidate Websites
As many of you know, sometimes I post articles in a category I call “Defense Against the Dark Arts of Persuasion” or “DADA.” These posts describe sales ploys or tactics used to influence large numbers of people. This article deals with phony political candidate websites…A New York Times article reports…
Mindful Health & Dealing with Others
Believe it or not, a mindful approach to health strengthens the very mindset used to practice the persuasion, consensus and communication skills I teach. In a fascinating book, Counterclockwise—Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility, author Ellen J. Lange, PhD recognizes the value of conventional medical advice, but…also advocates putting one’s own ideas into the mix, not just blindly following “orders.”
How the Skills I Teach Changed My Life
After reading the phrase, “Learn the skills that changed Margaret’s life,” on my new website chalkboard, one man wrote to me, “I want that story.” So here it is:
Study Notes for “Peaches”
Reading entertaining stories is a fun way to learn interactional skills. Here, as promised, are the study notes for “Peaches.”
New Resource—”Stand Up to Bullying with Ian McKellen”
It’s amazing how many things have come together for me while drafting my third book, “Talking about Touchy Topics.” One such resource is a landing page for information about bullying.
Free Short Story: “Peaches”
Many, many thanks for your patience with my infrequent blog posting lately. I think you’ll approve of the reasons, however. One is that we’re working on a wonderful new web site. I can’t wait to show it off. The other is that I’m on a roll with my third book, Talking...
Fortunate Flu?
OK, maybe “fortunate” is too strong a word. I would rather not repeat this experience, thank you very much. But most of you know I believe a positive attitude—not starry-eyed naïveté, but realistically positive attitude—helps us in every kind of human endeavor,...
Your Opinions Please
When I first crafted a slogan for my consensus-building and communication services, I tried it out on a man I’ll call “Jack,” whom I met at church. The slogan, which had been clicking with my corporate and professional clients, was, “Get what you want from others,...