Socrates persuades through dialogues, asking questions for people to ultimately buy-in and be persuaded. The technique implies certain understanding and connection they both share – to put it simply, it means it strikes a chord.

To be persuaded requires:

• Understanding the issue in question?
• What are the underlying causes of the issue?
• What are the implications?
• What actions can be taken to address the central issue?
• What is the outcome?

People are more likely to be persuaded when there is logic and facts to support the argument. While facts, data and logic are essential, they in themselves are not sufficient. The persuader has to be seen as credible with integrity and he/she has strong conviction and believes in his/her arguments. Also there is a sense of urgency in taking actions and getting results.

The three elements of facts, conviction and credibility, and a sense of urgency, must be integrated in order for persuasion to succeed.