346. Jennifer Gardner. The Art of Persuasion.
Jennifer Gardner
January 16, 2025
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Persuasion is a vital skill for anyone looking to advance their ideas and influence others effectively. Whether in the boardroom or everyday life, persuasive communication helps you connect with your audience and achieve your goals. In this interview Jennifer Gardner, a trial lawyer, coach and consultant who teaches executive presence and confidence, shares insights on persuasive communication.
Biggest Misconception about Persuasion: People often think they aren't persuasive or that it's a skill you're born with. Gardner disagrees, emphasizing that persuasion can be learned and is already practiced by everyone to some degree.
Some of the Essential Elements of Persuasive Communication
Authenticity: Be genuine and grounded without undermining credibility.
Data: Support your arguments with evidence and research.
Storytelling: Connect with your audience on an emotional level through relatable anecdotes.
Adaptability: Tailor your message to your audience and the specific context.
Listening: Understand your audience's concerns and desires to make your message resonate.
Physicality: Use body language, eye contact, and pacing to enhance your message.
Additional Tips
Comfort with Discomfort: Accepting that discomfort is inevitable and learning to find safety within yourself during high-pressure situations is crucial.
Less is More: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information.
Silence as a Tool: Use silence intentionally to create a powerful effect.
Handling Objections: Respond strategically based on the situation; sometimes, it's best to remain silent.
Preparation for the Unexpected: Normalize unexpected events and have confidence in your ability to handle them.
Remember that persuasive communication is a skill that can be developed with practice. By incorporating these elements and being mindful of your audience, you can become a more effective communicator.
Jennifer Gardner is a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer, persuasive communications educator, and was recently published in the American Bar Association Journal. She specializes in strategic, empathic, and persuasive communication, focusing on high performers in various settings.
When she is not lawyering, she educates high-performing leaders on how to grow their executive presence and confidence using persuasive communication strategies through her program, “The Art of Influence and the Power Lab,” and for various continuing legal education providers. She also consults with lawyers on strategic messaging for their cases and helps them with their courtroom presence.
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