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Persuasion Courses

Persuasion courses can help you learn effective communication techniques, the psychology behind decision-making, and strategies for influencing others. You can build skills in crafting compelling messages, negotiating effectively, and understanding audience motivations. Many courses introduce tools such as persuasive writing frameworks and presentation software that enhance your ability to engage and convince diverse audiences.


Popular Persuasion Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Oral Expression, Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Ingenuity, Creative Thinking, Communication, Creativity, Optimism, Problem Solving, Communication Strategies, Resilience

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    95 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • A

    Alfaisal University | KLD

    فن الإقناع | The Art of Persuasion

    Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    72 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Coursera

    Craft Compelling Narratives: Impactful Storytelling

    Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Storytelling, Storyboarding, Data Literacy, Strategic Communication, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Target Audience, Persuasive Communication, Presentations, Business Reporting, Business Research

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    B

    Board Infinity

    Consultative Selling Foundations for Complex Deals

    Skills you'll gain: Overcoming Objections, Consultative Selling, Closing (Sales), B2B Sales, Consultative Approaches, Sales, Selling Techniques, Consumer Behaviour, Sales Development, Sales Process, Marketing Psychology, Cold Calling, General Sales Practices, Sales Management, Price Negotiation, Sales Presentations, Sales Presentation, Sales Pipelines, Sales Enablement, Prospecting and Qualification

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Alex Genadinik

    Persuasion: How To Persuade When Facts Don't Seem To Matter

    Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Influencing, Sales Presentations, Sales Presentation, Selling Techniques, Communication, Storytelling, Marketing Psychology, Sales Training, Motivational Skills, Leadership, Driving engagement, Communication Strategies, Rapport Building, Emotional Intelligence, Psychology, Decision Making, Case Studies, Target Audience

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Creo Incubator

    Women’s Leadership: Strategy, Relationships & Negotiation

    Skills you'll gain: Empowerment, Negotiation, Professional Networking, Relationship Building, Trustworthiness, Leadership, Business Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Influencing, Relationship Management, Verbal Communication Skills, Rapport Building, Communication, Stakeholder Communications, Business Communication, Professional Development, Communication Strategies, Business Relationship Management, Leadership and Management, Business Strategy

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Influencing People

    Skills you'll gain: Influencing, Persuasive Communication, Leadership, Leadership Development, Professional Networking, Relationship Building, Public Speaking, Rapport Building, Decision Making, Communication, People Development, Tactfulness, Relationship Management, Social Skills, Trustworthiness, Independent Thinking, Organizational Structure

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Foundations of Neuroscience

    Skills you'll gain: Sensory Systems Analysis, Marketing Psychology, Influencing, Case Studies, Persuasive Communication, Advertising, Marketing Communications, Consumer Behaviour, Decision Making, Marketing Effectiveness, Neurology, Behavioral Economics, Marketing, Psychology, Anatomy

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    39 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Macquarie University

    Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact

    Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Storytelling, Influencing, Communication, Leadership, Verbal Communication Skills, Stakeholder Communications, Public Speaking, Communication Strategies, Interpersonal Communications, Meeting Facilitation, Strategic Communication, Discussion Facilitation, Team Leadership, Trustworthiness

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.5K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting

    Skills you'll gain: Tactfulness, Oral Expression, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Communication, Communication Strategies, Presentations, Ingenuity, Creative Thinking, Interpersonal Communications, Cognitive flexibility, Social Skills, Empathy, Composure, Professionalism, Active Listening, Creativity

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    366 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Coursera

    Growing your Influence

    Skills you'll gain: Thought Leadership, Influencing, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Self-Awareness, Lifelong Learning, Willingness To Learn, Professional Networking, Leadership, Professional Development, Trustworthiness, Personal Development, Branding, Adaptability

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    35 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Online Influence and Persuasion

    Skills you'll gain: Social Network Analysis, Social Media Analytics, Network Analysis, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Statistical Analysis, Social Sciences, Research, Data Collection, AI Personalization, Sociology, Data Transformation, Persuasive Communication, Application Programming Interface (API), Extract, Transform, Load, Media and Communications, Scripting, Psychology

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…11

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular persuasion courses

  • Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion: University of Michigan
  • فن الإقناع | The Art of Persuasion: Alfaisal University | KLD
  • Craft Compelling Narratives: Impactful Storytelling: Coursera
  • Consultative Selling Foundations for Complex Deals: Board Infinity
  • Persuasion: How To Persuade When Facts Don't Seem To Matter: Alex Genadinik
  • Women’s Leadership: Strategy, Relationships & Negotiation: Creo Incubator
  • Influencing People: University of Michigan
  • Foundations of Neuroscience: Johns Hopkins University
  • Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact: Macquarie University
  • Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting: University of Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions about Persuasion

Persuasion is the art of influencing others' beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors through communication. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings. Understanding persuasion helps individuals effectively convey their ideas, negotiate successfully, and foster collaboration. In a world where effective communication is key, mastering persuasion can enhance your ability to connect with others and achieve your goals.‎

Careers that involve persuasion span multiple fields, including marketing, sales, public relations, and management. Roles such as marketing specialist, sales representative, project manager, and communication consultant often require strong persuasive skills. Additionally, positions in human resources and customer service also benefit from the ability to persuade effectively, making this skill valuable across various industries.‎

To excel in persuasion, you should develop several key skills. Effective communication is paramount, including both verbal and non-verbal cues. Active listening helps you understand your audience better, while emotional intelligence allows you to connect on a deeper level. Critical thinking and adaptability are also essential, enabling you to tailor your approach based on the situation and audience. Lastly, confidence in your delivery can significantly enhance your persuasive efforts.‎

There are several excellent online courses available for learning persuasion. Courses like Online Influence and Persuasion provide foundational knowledge, while Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion focuses on practical skills for effective presentations. Additionally, Persuasion and Presence for Program and Project Managers offers insights tailored for professionals in project management.‎

Yes. You can start learning persuasion on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many persuasion courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in persuasion, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning persuasion involves a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application. Start by exploring online courses that focus on persuasive techniques and strategies. Engage in practice scenarios, such as role-playing or public speaking, to apply what you've learned. Additionally, reading books and articles on persuasion can provide deeper insights. Regularly reflecting on your experiences and seeking feedback will also help you refine your skills over time.‎

Typical topics covered in persuasion courses include the psychology of persuasion, techniques for effective communication, the role of emotional intelligence, and strategies for influencing others. Courses may also explore the ethical considerations of persuasion and how to adapt your approach based on different audiences and contexts. Practical exercises often accompany these topics to help learners apply their knowledge in real-world situations.‎

For training and upskilling employees, courses like Persuasion and Presence for Program and Project Managers are particularly beneficial. They focus on enhancing persuasive communication in a professional context, which can improve team collaboration and project outcomes. Additionally, courses that emphasize practical applications, such as Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion, can help employees develop their presentation skills, making them more effective in their roles.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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