Learn new words:
How to persuade someone in English.

Duration: 50 minutes.

Let’s take a look at today’s lesson

In this lesson, we will talk how to talk about the art of persuasion.
We will watch a short video and learn related vocabulary about the subject.

Lesson Key: (U) = Understanding. (R) = Reading. (W) = Writing.

In today’s lesson, we’ll be focusing on the topic of persuasion.

In an office context, persuading people can indeed present a formidable challenge. Within the professional setting, individuals often hold diverse perspectives, priorities, and objectives, making it crucial to navigate these differences effectively in order to influence others.

Whether it involves gaining support for a new initiative, securing resources for a project, or rallying team members towards a common goal, the art of persuasion becomes paramount. The ability to communicate compellingly, tailor arguments to resonate with different stakeholders, and demonstrate the value and feasibility of one’s ideas are all essential skills for achieving successful outcomes in the office environment.

However, it is important to approach persuasion ethically and respectfully, ensuring that the process remains transparent, collaborative, and mutually beneficial for all parties involved.

Decide which sentences are asking or persuading someone to do something.

1. I’d really appreciate your help with this.
2. Why don’t you give it a go?
3. I’m not very good at that.
4. You’d really be helping me out.
5. I don’t usually do that kind of thing.
6. You’d be brilliant at it!
7. Come on! There’s nothing to lose!
8. OK, I’ll think about it.

Here are three phrases commonly used to persuade people in the office, along with explanations and examples of their use.

These phrases are designed to persuade by appealing to logic, encouraging exploration, and highlighting alignment with broader objectives. Remember to adapt them to suit the specific context and audience you are addressing in the office.

Phrase	Explanation	Example
“Consider the benefits”	This phrase encourages others to think about the advantages or positive outcomes of a particular course of action or idea.	“I understand there might be concerns about implementing a new software system, but let’s consider the benefits it will bring in terms of efficiency and productivity.”
“Let’s explore the possibilities”	By using this phrase, you invite others to open their minds and consider different options or approaches to a problem or situation.	“Instead of sticking to our traditional marketing strategies, let’s explore the possibilities of leveraging social media platforms to reach a wider audience.”
“Aligning with our goals”	This phrase emphasizes the connection between the proposed idea and action and the goals or objectives of the organization.	“Investing in professional development programs for our employees aligns with our goals of fostering a culture of continuous growth and enhancing employee satisfaction.”

Task 1: Let’s watch the video from the British Council, and after I will ask you some questions.

Convincing individuals can pose a genuine hurdle. Have a look at this video to enhance your proficiency in English speaking and acquire valuable phrases for persuading and compelling others with your concepts.
Remember to follow the instructions of the presenter.

Read the transcript to help you hear the words.

Ana: Hi! I’m Ana. Welcome to Wht to say!

Do you know what to say when you want to persuade someone to do something? Listen out for useful language for persuading someone to do something. Then, we’ll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

Paul: OK. Yeah, all right. I’ll send them over tomorrow. OK, yep, bye. People are always asking for favours. Paul, can you do this? Paul, can you do that?

Noelia: Hey, Paul, have you got a minute?

Paul: Go on, then.

Noelia: I’ve got a small favour to ask you.

Paul: Right.

Noelia: So … how would you feel about DJing at the office party next week?

Paul: Office party? I don’t usually do work parties.

Noelia: Oh, right. So where do you usually DJ then?

Paul: No, I mean I don’t usually go to work parties, let alone DJ at them.

Noelia: Come on, I think you’d be brilliant at it!

Paul: Oh, I don’t know …

Noelia: Look, I wouldn’t usually ask, but you are the only DJ I know.

Paul: I’m not a very good one though. My music taste is … quite strange. Everyone will probably hate it.

Noelia: Come on! These guys will dance to anything when they are at a party! Why don’t you give it a go? You’ll be great!

Paul: Urgh … I think I’m probably busy that day anyway.

Noelia: Come on! There’s nothing to lose!

Paul: Except my reputation and credibility …

Noelia: Paul, you’d really be helping me out.

Paul: OK, I’ll think about it.

Noelia: Great! Thanks, Paul!

Ana: Hello again! It’s very difficult to say no to Noelia! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for persuading someone to do something? Listen to me and then repeat.

I’ve got a small favour to ask you.

How would you feel about DJing?

You’d be brilliant at it.

I wouldn’t usually ask, but you’re the only DJ I know.

Why don’t you give it a go?

There’s nothing to lose.

You’d really be helping me out.

OK, I’ll think about it.

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to persuade someone to do something in English. Bye for now!

Task 2: Drag and put the words into the blanks.

Draggable Phrases

favour

feel

be

usually

at

nothing

give

out

A: Hey, Sunil, have you got a minute? I’ve got a small _________________ to ask you. B: OK.
A: How would you _____________ about presenting the marketing awards ceremony with me?
B: Presenting? I’ve never done anything like that before.
A: You’re a great speaker! And funny. I think you’d _____________ brilliant _____________ it.
B: Oh, I don’t know …
A: Look, I wouldn’t _____________ ask, but you’re the only person who could do it. Why don’t you ___________ it a go?
B: Urgh … But what if I make a bad joke?
A: Come on! There’s _____________ to lose! B: Mmm … A: Sunil, you’d really be helping me _____________ .

Persuading someone to do something

1. favour|favor|thing 2. feel. 3. be. 4. at. 5. usually|normally 6. give. 7. nothing. 8. out.

Task 3: Questions about the video.

Select the best option to complete the sentences.

Noelia wants Paul to DJ at a party for
a. her friends.
b. the people they work with.
c. their customers.

Noelia says Paul would
a. be good at it.
b. enjoy it.
c. learn something new from it.

Paul thinks his music taste is
a. excellent.
b. out of date.
c. weird.

Noelia says their colleagues will dance to
a. any pop music.
b. any type of music.
c. anything from the 90s.

Paul is worried about
a. his DJ equipment.
b. missing the party while he’s DJing.
c. what people will think of him.

In the end, Paul says
a. yes.
b. no.
c. maybe.

Answers

1. b. 2. a. 3. c. 4. b. 5. c. 6. c.

Talking about persuading people.

Are you good at persuading people to do things?

Foto de Aatik Tasneem na Unsplash

Learn new words:How to persuade someone in English.