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.
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Cognitive flexibility, Ingenuity, Communication, Creativity, Optimism, Problem Solving, Rapport Building, Resilience, Research, Cultural Diversity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Contract Negotiation, Conflict Management, Mediation, Leadership, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Influencing, Relationship Building, Collaboration, Game Theory, Strategic Decision-Making
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Alex Genadinik
Skills you'll gain: Business Development, Strategic Partnership, Negotiation, New Business Development, Relationship Building, Business Relationship Management, Professional Networking, Business Strategies, Sales Prospecting, Business Communication
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Alex Genadinik
Skills you'll gain: Sales Strategy, Marketing Psychology, Marketing Materials, Copywriting, Sales, Sales Process, Selling Techniques, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Target Audience, Promotional Strategies, ChatGPT
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Tactfulness, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Communication, Cognitive flexibility, Presentations, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Communications, Communication Strategies, Empathy, Composure, Social Skills, Professionalism, Active Listening, Optimism, Driving engagement, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Alfaisal University | KLD
Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Influencing, Persuasive Communication, Leadership, Professional Networking, Initiative and Leadership, Relationship Building, Public Speaking, Decision Making, Negotiation, People Development, Social Skills, Organizational Structure
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Writing and Editing, Editing, Constructive Feedback, Concision, Writing, Organizational Skills, Proofreading, Storytelling, Productivity, Planning, Detail Oriented, Time Management, Brainstorming, Content Creation, Overcoming Obstacles, Resourcefulness, Lifelong Learning, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Persuasive Communication, Storytelling, Influencing, Communication, Leadership, Verbal Communication Skills, Stakeholder Communications, Public Speaking, Communication Strategies, Interpersonal Communications, Meeting Facilitation, Executive Presence, Strategic Communication, Discussion Facilitation, Team Leadership, Active Listening
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Risk Management Framework, Persuasive Communication, Storytelling, Influencing, Governance, Risk Management, Change Management, Organizational Change, Communication, Conflict Management, Leadership, Business Transformation, Risk Analysis, Negotiation, Operational Risk, Business Risk Management, Risk Mitigation, Intercultural Competence, Stakeholder Management, Process Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Psychology, Influencing, Case Studies, Persuasive Communication, Advertising, Marketing Communications, Consumer Behaviour, Decision Making, Marketing Effectiveness, Neurology, Behavioral Economics, Marketing, Psychology, Anatomy
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Storytelling, Infographics, Peer Review, Motivational Skills, Constructive Feedback, Driving engagement, Performing Arts, Concision, Diagram Design, Action Oriented, Trustworthiness, Communication Strategies, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Composure
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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:
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.