Remember the Persuasion Triad from last time? Even when you nail ethos, pathos, and logos, people will still push back. They'll raise objections, express doubts, or flat-out disagree.

This is where most people panic and their influence crumbles. But what if objections were actually opportunities?

Engagement Message

In one word, how do you react to objections?

Here's the game-changer: successful influencers don't fear objections - they welcome them. They use a systematic approach called the Objection-Handling Ladder.

The ladder has four rungs that guide you from resistance to agreement: Listen, Validate, Reframe, and Respond.

Think of it like climbing toward collaboration instead of falling into conflict.

Engagement Message

What did that person do that made their response effective?

First rung: Listen. Don't just wait for your turn to speak. Really hear what they're saying beneath the surface objection.

Often, "It's too expensive" really means "I don't see the value yet" or "I'm worried about the risk."

Engagement Message

In a few words, what do you think they were really saying?

Second rung: Validate. Acknowledge their concern as legitimate. This doesn't mean agreeing, but showing you understand their perspective.

Try phrases like: "I can see why you'd be concerned about that" or "That's a fair point to consider."

Validation disarms defensiveness and builds trust.

Engagement Message

In one word, how do you feel when validated?

Third rung: Reframe. Gently shift their perspective by introducing new information or a different angle.

Instead of fighting their objection head-on, you're expanding their view. "Here's another way to look at it..." or "What if we considered..."

The goal isn't to prove them wrong, but to open new possibilities.