· 7% of our influence comes from the words we share
· 38% from our tonal quality while saying it
· 55% by what our body is doing while were saying it
As you can see we are missing the mark by spending so much time and energy crafting what we want to say which only makes up a small amount of the overall influence we have on others. By focusing on the 7% or the words we say, we are truly missing out on the opportunity to really influence others.
Influence is about getting others to either do something we want them to do or not do something they want to do. Obviously, influence plays a large role in the sales arena and is quite visible in the normal interaction between a seller and a buyer. However, it’s not something that should only be left up to those who interact with customers on a regular basis. It is also evident in daily interactions that managers have with their employees and in interactions that employees have with one another. By looking further at “The 7%-38%-55% Rule of Influence” we also see that perception is a large part of influence. How do others perceive you? You may be surprised not only with how the tone of what you say is perceived but the perception that your body language gives off. It is very naïve to think that others can’t tell from our actions and mannerisms how we really feel. Your words might be saying one thing but your tone and body language might be very well telling a very different story.
The next time you are in the position to influence someone, try focusing on the 93% and you might be surprised at the difference in how you are perceived!