b"Chapter 5 And in turn, we owe it to ourselves to positively influence the people around us, in order to foster our success while helping the people around us in their own pursuit of success.However, if you don't know such a person, chances are you know a gifted person in your surroundings who can help you in your quest. Duringyourresearchrememberthatapersonwhoreallyknowshowto influence does not sound like nails on a blackboard, but like beautiful music to your ears.So, how do you influence people in a positive way?1.Beauthentic:topositivelyinfluencepeople,beauthentic.Ratherthan being a carbon copy of someone else's authentic version, find out what makes you unique. Discover your unique perspective on an issue, then respect and honor it.2.Listen: to positively influence others, you must listen to what is being said and what is not being said. Therein lies the explanation of what people need to feel validated, supported and seen.If a person feels invisible and unnoticed by others, they are less likely to be positively influenced. Listening responds to a person's primary need for validation and acceptance.3.Become an expert: most people are predisposed to listen to, and even respect, authority. If you want to positively influence others, become an authority in the area where you seek to lead others.Research and read everything you can about the subject at hand, then look for opportunities to put your education into practice. Also, you can discuss on opinions. However, it is unwise to discuss expert facts or untested assumptions.4.Use narratives: I never cease to be amazed at the effectiveness of a story told at the right time.If you want to influence people, learn to tell stories. Your stories should relate to the issue or concept you are discussing. It should be an analogy or metaphor explaining your topic in layman's terms and with vivid detail to influence and make it all happen right.162Germain Decelles"