Margaret’s Persuasion Coach Blog

Many of us erroneously believe that introverts are shrinking violets, and extroverts are chatterboxes. A more accurate understanding of these personality traits can improve our communications and the quality and efficiency of the decisions we make together. Some...

As many of you know, I’m a great proponent of taking a short break from an intense conversation when you feel stumped or when your emotions threaten to interfere with your best thinking. Now there’s even more support for the fact that rational or creative thoughts...

For some of us, the expression “have to” pops out of our mouths almost as easily as “please” and “thank you.” We say it to ourselves in our heads. I look down at the bathroom scale and tell myself, “ I just have to start exercising more." Those who are natural problem...

As some of you know, I’ve started writing my next book. Below is a sneak preview, and at the end, instructions on how to vote on a title. Those whose favorite titles are close to, or inspirational of, my final selection, will be mentioned by name in a special...

In “The Communication Hierarchy,” I recommend face-to-face communication for consensus-seeking, or otherwise important, discussions. If you need a little more motivation to stop typing and start talking, an analysis of 148 studies on the relationship between personal...

I began writing this article toward the end of a downer of a day. Even though I had slept in later than usual, I felt lethargic and low all day long, and it seemed to me that I had accomplished very little. I had a pretty good idea why, too. The day before, I’d gone...

In “The Communication Hierarchy,” we learned the benefits of communicating face-to-face, or at least on the phone, about important subjects, especially those that might be emotionally charged. You may have wondered why I remained silent about silence, the lowest level...

I am often asked whether the consensus-building system I teach will work with teenagers. The short answer is, “Yes indeed!” In fact, one of my students in Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies took my course for the specific purpose of learning to...

The means we choose to communicate can make all the difference in our effectiveness and efficiency. But, as with so many communication and consensus-building skills, our instinctive choices often lead us astray. Here’s a list of communication choices, from lowest...

You know you do better at work, sports, and even leisure activities, after a good night’s sleep. The same holds true for any consensus-seeking, or otherwise important, conversation. Good communication skills require concentration, and sleep enables brainpower....