The 10-Minute International Librarian #62: Think how to convince someone (in a language they understand)

Being able to win people’s support is so often vital in being able to fulfil your mission in a library.

It can be about convincing colleagues to join you in a project, winning the endorsement of a manager inside or outside of the library, or getting changes to wider laws and policies.

This can unlock resources or new possibilities!

But convincing people can take some preparation, both in terms of your message, and how you convey it.

So for our 62nd 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think how to convince someone (in a language they understand).

To do this, you need not only to be clear about what it is that you want, but also to reflect a little on how to present it effectively.

What sort of vocabulary would the person you need to convince respond to? Are there buzzwords you can use, or themes you can raise that will get them more interested?

Think also about what tone will work – formal or less formal?

Take a look at – or think about – how the person you are looking to convince communicates themselves, and what seems to work with them.

Let us know about your experiences in the comments box below!

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Key Initiative 1.1: Show the power of libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.

One thought on “The 10-Minute International Librarian #62: Think how to convince someone (in a language they understand)

  1. Mario Coffa

    Hi Mario, I’m sorry for the inconvenience but I take a few minutes to offer you a small collaboration about my Library World Tour project. In practice, thanks to a series of short interviews, I am collecting the testimonies and experiences of many librarian colleagues like you the only major project that includes the whole planet. I would like your “voice” to complete this great global sharing network. I would be honored with your presence. Let me know. A cordial and affectionate greeting. Mario.

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