If someone tries to convince another person to change their point of view, attitude, or feelings, they are dissuading them. The action of dissuading is directly related to reason and language.
Strategies to dissuade others
Convincing another person to make him change his mind is a difficult task, since usually each one is firmly convinced of his own ideas.
To dissuade someone it is convenient to be persuasive. Whoever persuades must do so with solid and well-reasoned arguments. The art of persuading has to be done with respect for the other and, at the same time, taking into account that our personal valuation does not have to be valid for the other. Someone will be persuaded if they consider that the arguments received are well intentioned and at the same time useful for their interests.
The attitude towards the person you are trying to dissuade is essential. In this sense, you have to try to be empathetic, close and friendly. Rational arguments can be valid, but they must be accompanied by a certain emotionality.
The use of language has to be appropriate. It is much easier to dissuade someone with kind words than to scold or blame them. Obviously, the tone of voice and gestures should complement the words and arguments.
The politician, the teacher or the doctor have the need to dissuade
A politician may have great ideas and projects, but they are useless if he does not have the sufficient capacity to transmit them. Something similar happens with the teacher, because in his activity it is convenient to communicate to the students something more than simple knowledge. In the case of a doctor, this has to address the patient with professional authority and making him see that the treatment and indications are beneficial to his health.
In perverse deterrence the same mechanisms are used but with bad intentions
If I honestly try to get a friend to change his behavior, I am acting in good faith, as my motivation is to help him. Sometimes others are discouraged not for the purpose of profit, but with some other hidden intention. Whoever dissuades with the aim of manipulating, cheating or stealing, has to convince the other with false arguments with the appearance of truth.
Phrases like "it seemed that he wanted to help me" or "he was someone very close and understanding" are the typical statements that describe very persuasive people who have finally ended up being the opposite of what they appeared.
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