influence and persuasion

Influence is the ability to affect someone’s thoughts, feelings, or actions, often subtly guiding their decisions without direct orders. Persuasion is a specific form of influence that aims to change opinions or encourage particular choices through reasoning, emotional appeal, or credibility. Both involve communication strategies that build trust and understanding, making others more receptive to your ideas or requests. While influence can be passive, persuasion actively seeks to shape mindset or behavior, often used in negotiations, marketing, or leadership to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.