Be Remarkable - On "the art of persuasion"

A recent study by the UK’s AI Security Institute, alongside Oxford and MIT, found that advanced AI chatbots, eg ChatGPT, can change political opinions in users in under 10 minutes. Amazingly, 42% of those changes still held a month later. What does this tell us? I think it shows something very important. It reveals AI’s growing capability for highly effective persuasion, and that comes with serious ethical implications but I think it also opens up the topic of persuasion for this edition of “Be remarkable”

be remarkable (presentations)

As I will have said many times before, the art of persuasion in presentations isn’t about overwhelming people with facts, but about connecting those facts to what your audience already cares about. A persuasive presenter weaves logic, emotion, and credibility into a story that feels both relevant and urgent and in doing that they make the audience "feel" something. It’s not just what you say but how you frame it, using tone, pacing, and visuals to move people from passive listening to active agreement. At its best, persuasion in presentations doesn’t force compliance; it inspires alignment and action. In selling terms, you don't force the sale, they choose to buy!

be remarkable (meetings)

Meanwhile, the art of persuasion in meetings lies in turning discussion into direction, so that time spent talking translates into meaningful progress. Rather than pushing opinions, the most persuasive voices listen intently, draw out the best contributions, and reframe ideas in ways that reveal common purpose. It’s about guiding without dominating. Use questions, clarity, and confidence to help others see that the path forward is theirs too. When this happens, a meeting stops being just another calendar slot and becomes the spark that aligns people, unlocks energy, and drives collective action.

be remarkable (in an interview)

The art of persuasion in interviews is about showing and not just telling, why you’re the right fit. Whilst most list skills, persuasive candidates mix their experiences into stories that demonstrate impact, adaptability, and authenticity. The skill lies in balancing confidence with humility, so the interviewer sees both your competence and your character. Done well, persuasion in an interview leaves the impression not only that you can do the job, but that you’ll elevate the team and make a meaningful difference. A win win for them and you.

Final thought…

Persuasion isn’t about pressure, it’s about translation: taking what matters to you and expressing it in a way that matters to them. The people who persuade best don’t shout louder, they connect deeper. In a world where even machines can move minds in minutes, human persuasion must be intentional, ethical and anchored in truth. Influence well, because the reality is, someone is always persuading someone, whether you choose to or not.