“Through Clearness of Speech”
What could be more important than clarity? As I teach in my School of Entrepreneurship, your team can never be more clear than you are. So you need to get clear first. The Shogun says –
“The first quality of the speaker who would be convincing should be to think deeply of what he wishes to say.”
Now watch this. He then goes on to say that you need to be clear of what you are going to say AND HOW you are saying it to your particular audience – it matters.
“As soon as he knows how to transform his thoughts into clear-cut images,…he will be careful to project them into the minds of others under the form of lights and shades.”
He talks about using language that your audience can understand. (Clearly, he did not know I was going to read this book, or he would have dumbed down the language. But it was 838 years ago, and he didn’t know I was coming, so I will give him a pass.)
He says to interest men in what you are saying, you have to establish some commonality with them. “Like attracts like”. Don’t talk over them.
He also says “Don’t lie”.
“It has been remarked with what facility people follow noble impulses, heroic appeals, and generous outbursts.”
Conciseness and clearness are great forces in the work of influencing.
Keep it coming. Good stuff
This book is awesome! Thanks.
Good morning Larry,
I have been a follower of think daily, for about seven years. Have not taken the opportunity to comment, but wanted to take the opportunity and leave a comment on your teachings and interpretation of the word influence. I have been blessed to own two companies, one of them over 35 years, and have Had the opportunity to coach, teach, speak, with employees and peers. This year as we do every every year, instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I challenge my team to a “One Word” challenge. Asked not to pick an easy word, but one that would challenge and define them for the year. My word this year was. Influence!
Two weeks later, you started the series on the word Influence and have been eager every day to see what the next teaching was. I believe in faith, certainly in great timing. You you have an incredible talent and blessing! As I stated, the timing has been impeccable for such a powerful word! In a space where there are many opportunities to listen to people of influence, you have to be very careful and intentional who you listen to, and who you trust! Thank you very much for taking the time to write the blogs that you do! It makes a difference! Have a phenomenal week!
God Bless
I am enjoying it immensely! I think I would also enjoy the source material if you would share it with me.
Larry,
Thoroughly enjoying the words and teachings from the shogun on Influence!
Thanks for sharing.
Learning to persuade is speech is the key to almost all achievement in business(and politics and other areas). Any help with methodology should be attended to. Thanks.
I am finding this segment very interesting, valuable and entertaining.
Absolutely fabulous! I clearly thought of using language you would understand! Just kidding. This has been an inspirational series. Thanks for doing the research.
Great stuff Larry.
Very much appreciating this topic from years ago!
Love hearing about the concepts on influence. Thanks for sharing!
I am greatly enjoying your thoughts on this book! It’s amazing how much wisdom is out there that we could learn from if we would only read it! What would happen in this world if schools were to focus more on literature like this?!
Excellent interpretations Larry! Thank you for sharing in a way we can understand and apply in our modern world. The Shogun was way ahead and an example of how high quality thinking prevails and endures. Great work!
Very much enjoying this bit on Influence! Its critical to leadership and who wouldn’t want to learn more..