b"Chapter 5 CONVINCESome consider George C. Parker themostconvincingAmerican who ever lived.Atthebeginningofthetwentieth century, once or twice a week for severalyears,Mr.Parker convincedpeoplethatheowned the Brooklyn Bridge.After convincing them, he sold it to them.Its buyers usually found out about the scam when the police stopped them for setting up toll barriers ontheirbridge.AlthoughMr.Parkeriscertainlynotagoodrolemodelwhenitcomesto honesty, there is no doubt that he knew how to get others to share his point of view.Once you know exactly how to convince someone, in the right way and above allhonestly,youwillbeabettercommunicator,politician,salesman, entrepreneur, professional.Here are ways to cleverly convince someone without being dishonest:1.Give them the opportunity to explain themselves: when was the last time someone convinced you by verbally attacking you? Probably never.Even though you're submissive on the surface, in your head you're still clinging to your beliefs. In fact, you are irritated and resentful of the other person.2.The reverse approach is much more efficient: listen respectfully to the other person. In fact, let them come first. As soon as you decide you want to convince them, say,I'd like your opinion on X, could you please share with me? Here are some alternatives:I know you will have well thought out opinions on Y, are you open to discussing it? 168Germain Decelles"