Communicating with Influence Training

Communicating with Influence Training Outline

Module 1: Influence Fundamentals

Understanding Influence

• Influence vs. manipulation: building trust vs. exploiting it
• How people make decisions (emotion first, logic second)
• Building long-term credibility vs. short-term gains
• Understanding resistance and what creates it

Building Credibility

• Demonstrating competence without arrogance
• Professional presence that commands attention
• Using evidence and data to support positions
• Storytelling that creates emotional connection

Module 2: Strategic Communication

Know Your Audience

• Identifying what matters most to listeners
• Adapting messages to different personality types
• Finding shared interests and mutual benefits
• Speaking their language and addressing concerns

Framing for Impact

• Leading with benefits rather than features
• Addressing objections before they're raised
• Creating appropriate urgency without pressure
• Using social proof and testimonials effectively

Module 3: Influence in Different Contexts

Influencing Up, Across, and Down

• Communicating with senior leadership effectively
• Building peer alliances without formal authority
• Motivating teams through vision and purpose
• Managing competing priorities and resources

Handling Resistance

• Understanding why people resist change
• Responding to aggressive behavior professionally
• Converting skeptics into supporters
• Finding win-win solutions in difficult situations

Module 4: Advanced Techniques

Negotiation and Persuasion

• Questions that get people to convince themselves
• Active listening for underlying needs
• Making concessions that strengthen your position
• Building agreements that stick long-term

Maintaining Ethical Standards

• Balancing your goals with others' interests
• Being honest about limitations and downsides
• Building trust that lasts beyond transactions
• Taking responsibility for influence outcomes

Hands-On Components:

• Role-playing persuasion scenarios
• Real workplace influence challenges
• Video analysis of effective communication
• Peer coaching for specific situations

What You'll Walk Away With:

• Ethical influence techniques for any situation
• Confidence to persuade without formal authority
• Skills to handle resistance constructively
• Systems for building long-term credibility
• Understanding of what motivates different people

Note: For professionals who need to persuade others ethically. Focus on building trust and long-term relationships through authentic influence.