How do you use technology to negotiate and persuade?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step is to choose the right platform for your communication. Depending on your situation, you may need to use email, phone, video call, chat, or social media. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider factors such as urgency, formality, tone, feedback, and rapport. For example, email is good for sending detailed information and documents, but it may lack emotional cues and immediacy. Video call is good for building trust and rapport, but it may require more preparation and technical skills.

2 Prepare your message

The second step is to prepare your message for your audience. You need to know your purpose, your main points, your evidence, and your call to action. You also need to know your audience's needs, interests, values, and objections. You need to tailor your message to fit the platform, the context, and the relationship. For example, if you are using email, you need to write a clear subject line, a concise introduction, a logical structure, and a polite closing. If you are using video call, you need to dress appropriately, use a professional background, and maintain eye contact.

4 Listen and respond

The fourth step is to listen and respond to your audience's feedback. You need to show that you are attentive, respectful, and open-minded. You also need to ask questions, clarify misunderstandings, and address concerns. You need to use active listening skills, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and reflecting, to demonstrate your understanding and empathy. You need to use positive communication skills, such as acknowledging, praising, and thanking, to build rapport and trust. For example, if you are using social media, you need to monitor comments, likes, and shares, and reply promptly and politely. If you are using video call, you need to nod, smile, and use verbal cues, such as "yes", "I see", and "go on".

5 Negotiate and persuade

The fifth step is to negotiate and persuade your audience to accept your proposal or solution. You need to use persuasive techniques, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, to appeal to your audience's credibility, emotions, and logic. You also need to use negotiation strategies, such as framing, anchoring, and compromising, to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. You need to be assertive, but not aggressive, and cooperative, but not submissive. You need to avoid fallacies, biases, and manipulations that may harm your reputation and relationship. For example, if you are using email, you need to provide facts, figures, and testimonials to support your claim. If you are using phone, you need to use stories, anecdotes, and humor to connect with your audience.

6 Follow up and evaluate

The sixth step is to follow up and evaluate your communication. You need to confirm the agreement or action plan, and express your gratitude and appreciation. You also need to monitor the progress and results, and provide feedback and support. You need to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement. You need to seek feedback from your audience and others, and learn from your experience. For example, if you are using chat, you need to send a summary of the conversation and a thank-you note. If you are using video call, you need to ask for a rating or a testimonial.