Well contrary to the common belief, an assertive person is able to make others accept his/ her opinion not because he is more superior to them, rather because he is able to understand what other person actually wants and then putting forward a view/opinion that is not condescending to them but gives a direction to the discussion towards a plausible solution or conclusion.

Art of persuasion is not about being dominant over others, its about understanding why others are saying what they are saying and then helping them understand what you think about it.

It's quite simple to understand that no one will hear or accept your views, if you you have no idea of what you are talking about.

So before you get eager to apply these principles and end up arguing to save yourself from embarassment, learn.

Read, Reasearch and Review about the topic of discussion, if you want to persuade anyone to accept what you are saying it's should make sense.And then have enough confidence in yourself, that you know what you are speaking about.

One thing we need to understand is that no one ever wants to hear NO, Or appear Wrong.

Neither you, nor me and definitely not, the person you are trying to persuade.

So it's never about what you want them to hear, it's always about what is it that they would like to hear. So admit this and use it to make them hear you, how?

This is how. Never say negative words or have a arrogant or a demeaning behaviour, always be calm, polite and respectful even if the other person is blatantly wrong.

Always try to make your point, in a positive approach.

Yes you read it right,

Don't care about what others will think about you once they hear what goes on in that beautiful, interesting, mysterious mind of yours. If you have followed all the above points, then you can be clear that you have understood what others are saying, you know what you are saying and what you say is your opinion and it matters.