How to Persuade Without Pressure — The Magic Question That Changes Everything
Jun 06, 2025•36 min
Episode description
You don’t need pressure to persuade — you need the right question.
In this episode, Yale professor and bestselling author Zoe Chance joins Kwame Christian to share the most practical, science-backed influence strategies used by top leaders, negotiators, and communicators. You'll learn how to apply her signature "magic question" in real conversations, how unfair forgiveness can increase loyalty, and why most people misunderstand what real persuasion looks like.
Zoe also breaks down why kindness isn’t weakness, how to influence without manipulation, and what Hollywood gets completely wrong about negotiation. Whether you’re leading a team, managing conflict, or just trying to get through a difficult conversation, this episode will help you shift from force to connection — and become more influential in the process.
You’ll discover:
The 4-word question that changes everything
Why empathy builds more commitment than incentives
A reframe that helps you handle resistance with grace
The mistake most people make when trying to sound powerful
If you’ve ever struggled to be persuasive without losing yourself — this one’s for you.
Connect with Zoe
Follow Zoe Chance On LinkedIn
Buy the Book: Influence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen
Zoe Chance's Website
Contact ANI
Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company
Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn
negotiateanything.com
Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
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