Communication is the most fundamental bridge between people. Yet, over 90% of communication in reality fails, often because we don’t truly put ourselves in the other person’s shoes to understand their perspective, logic, and stance. To persuade others, you must first understand how they think, then respond using their logic. Only then can communication be truly effective.
1. Perspective Taking: See the Issue Through Their Eyes
Perspective taking is more than just a nice phrase; it is the foundation of communication. Genuine perspective taking means setting aside your own position, analyzing and expressing yourself from the other person’s viewpoint — essentially, persuading them with their own logic.
Most communication failures occur because the speaker only considers their own thoughts and feelings, ignoring the other person’s cognitive framework. This leads to unclear messages, rambling content, and even resistance from the listener.
How to Develop Perspective Taking?
- Dual-Sided Thinking
This trains dialectical thinking. When facing a certain opinion, don’t just stick to your own view—try to find legitimacy from the other side’s angle. For example, regarding the topic “banning mobile phone use while walking,” even if you disagree, try to understand supporters’ reasons such as safety and social responsibility.
Such practice helps you shift from a single perspective to a multi-angle mindset, enhancing the persuasiveness of your communication. - Deeply Understand the Other Person’s Position
Instead of rushing to persuade, first truly grasp why they think that way — what needs or concerns are behind it. Then you can respond with language and logic they find acceptable. - Avoid Egocentrism
The highest level of perspective taking is transforming your thinking habit from “self-centered” to “other-centered,” making communication much more effective.
2. Master the “One-Minute Speaking Method”: Precise and Efficient Expression
Whether in daily life, workplace, or meetings, lengthy speeches often tire the listener and lose their patience. Studies show most people’s attention span when listening is about one minute. Therefore, the “One-Minute Speaking Method” is a highly practical communication tool.
What Is the One-Minute Speaking Method?
It’s a technique that condenses what you want to say into under one minute, helping you quickly convey the core message and making it easier for others to understand and accept.
When to Use the One-Minute Speaking Method?
- Daily requests and replies
- Work reports and meeting discussions
- Self-introductions or brief remarks in public
- Any situation requiring concise and clear expression
Basic Quantitative Guidelines of the One-Minute Method
- Around 200 words in one minute, with moderate speaking speed for comfortable listening.
- More than 300 words might sound too fast, so adjust as needed.
- Practice by reading newspaper passages aloud while timing yourself to develop a sense of timing and pace.
Practical Ways to Develop a Sense of Time
- Recording and Reading Aloud: Use a recorder, read a newspaper passage, stop when you feel the time is up, then check if the length and speed fit one minute.
- Marking and Timing: Mark the 200-word point, use a stopwatch, practice repeatedly, adjust your speed, and ensure you can accurately fit your content into one minute.
3. Three Classic Structures for the One-Minute Speaking Method
To make your speech more logical and easier to understand, the one-minute speaking method can be broken down into three common formats:
1. The Concise “Sandwich” Method
Structure: Greeting + Main Content + Name
Like a sandwich, the core message is in the middle, wrapped by brief greetings. Suitable for short daily conversations.
Example:
“Hello, I’m Zhang Hua. Regarding the project progress you mentioned, I have arranged the team to speed it up. Thank you!”
2. Compact Three-Part Structure
Structure: Opening statement → Elaboration (specific example or detail) →
Suitable for meetings or slightly more complex expressions.
Example:
“Good morning everyone, I’m Li Ming. Today I want to discuss internal company communication issues. Previously, delayed email replies between departments caused work delays. I suggest face-to-face communication for important matters. Thank you all.”
3. The Pyramid Script ( First)
Structure: (core opinion) → Main points (1–2) → Evidence or examples → restating the conclusion
Emphasizes stating the conclusion upfront, suitable for formal meetings or reports.
Example:
“I believe important information should be communicated face-to-face first. Firstly, colleagues on the same floor should directly talk to avoid misunderstandings. There was an incident where a colleague misunderstood due to delayed email reading. In summary, face-to-face communication is more efficient.”
4. The Classic Western Communication Method — AREA
The AREA method is known for its rigorous logic and consists of:
- Assertion: State your point clearly at the start
- Reason: Explain why you hold this view
- Evidence/Example: Support your reason with facts or examples
- Assertion: Restate your point to reinforce it
This approach makes your expression structured and clear, greatly enhancing persuasiveness.
5. Five Preconditions for Successful Communication
To make your words clear and easygoing, you must:
- Fully understand what you want to say to avoid rambling.
- Know your audience and purpose clearly to tailor your message to their needs.
- Organize your points logically to avoid jumping around or confusion.
- Keep your theme clear and focused to prevent drifting off-topic.
- Use language and expressions the other person can understand, avoiding jargon or complex sentences.
6. The Three Principles of Communication: Understandable, Concise, Memorable
Effective communication must meet these three:
- Understandable: The listener comprehends without barriers.
- Concise: Words are precise and hit the point.
- Memorable: Leaves a strong impression that makes the other party accept your view.
7. The Perfect Combination of Perspective Taking and the One-Minute Speaking Method
Perspective taking allows you to stand in the other person’s shoes, understanding their logic and emotions. The one-minute speaking method helps you express ideas concisely and logically. Combining these two enables you to truly “use the other person’s logic to persuade them,” significantly improving communication efficiency and achieving ideal outcomes.
Whether you’re in workplace meetings, daily conversations, or social occasions, mastering these two pillars greatly reduces communication barriers and smooths mutual understanding and cooperation.