Three key strategies to influence decision-makers at work

In today’s competitive workplace, success isn’t just about having the right skills or knowledge—it’s also about how effectively you communicate and persuade others.  

For the past 12 years, Melody Wilding has coached top performers at some of the most competitive Fortune 500 companies, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Through this experience, Wilding has become a trusted advisor to executives, C-suite leaders, and hiring managers who’ve shared their insights on these very questions.  

What Wilding has learned is that while technical expertise is important, your ability to communicate persuasively is what truly makes the difference. It determines whether your opinion is sought after or if you find yourself fighting to make your voice heard.   Wilding has seen this dynamic unfold across various industries and job levels. The ability to influence others can be a key driver of success.

On the flip side, consider the expert who struggles to translate their expertise into terms decision-makers can grasp, or the talented but inarticulate manager who gets passed over for promotions. Your career progression and influence at work hinge on your ability to persuade others.

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The ultimate guide to negotiating a higher salary   Becoming persuasive doesn’t require manipulation, games, or office politics. In fact, the most influential communicators Wilding has worked with are professionals who approach persuasion with thoughtfulness and strategic insight.

They understand human psychology: what motivates people's decisions, how to effectively present ideas, and how to ensure their voice is heard, their ideas are acknowledged, and their value is recognized.   The good news is that persuasive communication is a skill anyone can develop. Here are three strategies Wilding recommends to get started.

Choose one to try today, and observe how much more engaged and receptive people become to your input.  

1. Lead with your bottom line   Decision-makers are often pressed for time and overwhelmed with information. If you take too long to get to the point, you risk losing their attention, or worse, signaling that you’re unsure of your own message.   In contrast, someone who can convey their main point clearly in just a few sentences projects confidence and expertise. This level of clarity immediately grabs attention and suggests that you know exactly what you're talking about. To be more persuasive, start by stating your conclusion, request, or recommendation upfront, then follow with the supporting evidence as needed.  

2. Frame your idea as a solution to specific problems   Skilled communicators excel at re-framing their ideas from their audience's perspective. They understand that decision-makers don’t just want good ideas—they want solutions that address their immediate needs, pressures, and priorities. If you can align your suggestion with their goals, you’ll have a much stronger case.   For instance, instead of saying, "This new system will improve data processing efficiency by 40 per cent," you might say, "This solution will allow you to deliver quarterly reports three days faster, giving you more time to prepare for board meetings."  

3. Speak with authority   Small changes in your word choice can significantly impact how your message is received, especially with senior leaders.   Consider how “I think we should…” comes across as uncertain compared to “In my experience, we should…” which exudes confidence. Similarly, “I’m trying to…” implies hesitation, while “We’re implementing…” suggests purposeful action.   Look for opportunities to replace weak verbs with stronger, more authoritative alternatives. For example: - “Had to” becomes “decided to,” “chose to,” or “opted to.” - “Helped” can be replaced with “guided,” “led,” “advised,” or “oversaw.”   This isn't about using jargon or complex language. It’s about choosing words that reflect your expertise and the significance of what you’re proposing.

By Naila Huseynova