Make sure you're right

Research shows humans prefer cockiness to expertise. We naturally assume confidence equates with skill.

So stop saying, "I think" or "I believe." Stop adding qualifiers to your speech. Stand behind your opinions--even if they are just opinions--and let your enthusiasm show. People will naturally be more persuaded.

• If your audience is likely to disagree, speak faster. It gives them less time to form their own counterarguments and you have a better chance of persuading them.
• If your audience is likely to agree, speak slower. It gives them time to evaluate your arguments and factor in a few of their own thoughts.

Gaining agreement has an enduring effect, even if only over the short term. So instead of jumping right to the end of your argument, start with statements or premises you know your audience will agree with. Build a foundation for further agreement.

Tossing in an occasional--and heartfelt--curse word can actually help instill a sense of urgency because it shows you care. 

Authenticity is always more persuasive. And if you feel strongly enough to slip in a mild curse word, feel free. 

Always know your audience. Don't push for instant agreement if someone's personality style makes that unlikely. But don't ask for thought and reflection if your audience loves to make quick decisions and move on.

Sharing an opposing viewpoint or two is more persuasive than sticking solely to your argument.

The people in your audience are more likely to be persuaded when they know you understand they could have misgivings. So talk about the other side of the argument--and then do your best to show why you're still right.

While it's tempting to use scare tactics, positive outcome statements tend to be more persuasive.

So if you're trying to produce change, focus on the positives of that change. Take your audience to a better place instead of telling your audience what to avoid.

As a general rule, men tend to feel competitive in person and turn what should be a conversation into a contest we think we need to win.

The opposite is true if you're a woman hoping to persuade other women. According to the researchers, women are "more focused on relationships," so in-person communication tends to be more effective.

Remarkably persuasive people understand how to frame and deliver their messages, but most important, they embrace the fact that the message is what matters.

Be clear, be concise, be to the point, and win the day because your data, reasoning, and conclusions are beyond reproach. And always use your persuasion skills for good, not evil.