ABSTRACT
This chapter explores persuasion that occurs in business and professional settings. Both professional and personal relationships have a power dimension. Professionalism is important when it comes to impression management and etiquette, especially when it comes to persuasion. Persuasive communication is critical to job applicants in any hiring situation. Nonverbal communication research reveals the persuasive cues potential employers look for. Nonverbal communication is critical to successfully interacting with customers, clients, or potential business contacts. Elements such as email and social networks can be very persuasive in a business context. The chapter gives attention to indirect persuasion, or the more subtle cues that impact getting a job. One very important aspect of direct persuasion to consider within the category of haptics is the professional handshake, which can be distinguished from the social handshake. One of the more fascinating persuasive functions of nonverbal communication in customer relations is its ability to regulate conversation.
