Persuading others is key to success, says executive coach.

What factors do decision-makers consider when selecting one candidate for a role over another? How do they determine someone's trustworthiness in making judgments? What criteria do they use to choose the right person for important opportunities?

Over the past 12 years, I have provided guidance to top performers at some of the world's largest and most competitive Fortune 500 companies. As a result, I have been a trusted advisor to executives, C-suite leaders, and hiring managers who have relied on me for answers to all their questions.

Your ability to communicate persuasively is crucial in determining whether your opinion is actively sought out or you have to fight to get your voice heard, even with technical expertise.

Influencing others can determine success in various industries and positions. For instance, a subject matter expert who cannot communicate their expertise to decision-makers may not achieve their goals, while a skilled but inarticulate manager may miss out on promotion opportunities.

Your impact and advancement at work depends on your ability to persuade others.

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Persuasive communication doesn't have to involve manipulation, mind games, or politicking. Instead, the most effective communicators are thoughtful professionals who use their perceptiveness strategically. They understand human psychology, including how people think, what motivates their decisions, and how to present ideas in a way that gets noticed, heard, and paid.

Persuasive communication is a skill that can be learned. Here are three strategies to help you get started. Choose one to try today and see how it affects people's responses to your contributions.

1. Lead with your bottom line

To keep decision-makers engaged, avoid taking too long to convey your message, as this may suggest a lack of clarity or control over your own message.

Someone who can articulate their key point in a few crisp sentences suggests expertise and confidence.

I strongly recommend that you consider implementing a new marketing strategy to increase sales.

• "I suggest postponing the product launch until September due to three factors."
• "To prevent user loss, we must redesign our app's navigation by Q3, as indicated by the data."
• "Could you please provide your feedback on the report by Thursday, focusing particularly on aspects X and Y?"

Before your next meeting, summarize your main message in one to two concise sentences.

2. Sell your idea as a way to solve specific problems

Effective communicators understand the importance of adapting their messages to their audience's perspective.

To gain a competitive edge, it's crucial to understand and address the pressures, pain points, and priorities of those in power, and provide solutions that are both clever and directly relevant.

Instead of saying, "This new software will increase productivity by 25%," you might say, "This tool will enable you to complete tasks in half the time, allowing you to focus on more important projects."

I'll get back to you" can be rewritten as "I want to provide you with the most helpful response for your quarterly planning. May I have until Friday to gather the precise information you require?

3. Speak with authority

Rewritten sentence: The way you express your ideas can significantly impact how they are perceived by senior stakeholders.

In my experience, it is best to approach the task with caution and take the necessary precautions to ensure a successful outcome.

"I'm trying to" versus "We're implementing" can convey different tones. The first suggests struggle, while the second implies purposeful action.

Original: The cat sat on the mat. Rewritten: The feline perched on the rug.

• "Had to" can be rewritten as "decided to," "chose to," or "opted to."
• "Guided the team through the project."

Rewritten sentence: The goal is to use more specific language that accurately conveys the magnitude and range of your actions.

An executive coach, human behavior professor, and author of "Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge," Melody Wilding, LMSW, provides scripts for diplomatically saying no at work.

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