The Art of Gentle Persuasion

When my children are arguing with each other it's usually the louder one that has the weaker argument. We sometimes tend to think that we need to increase our volume to be more persuasive but in fact the opposite is true.

Persuasion comes from gentle reassurance and reinforcement of your point.

The pattern to follow is first state your point then provide supporting information. Then restate your point for emphasis combined with restating the supporting information or additional supporting information.

That's the pattern Nephi used to successfully persuade his brothers to do something they didn't want to do.

It's the same pattern that the Spirit used to successfully persuade Nephi to do something he really didn't want to do.

So next time you are tempted to increase your volume, don't. Try the art of gentle persuasion instead.

- 1 Nephi 4:1-4 and 1 Nephi 4:10-18