When we feel strongly about a position or idea, and face someone with a differing opinion, there is a tendency to try to persuade the other person to see it our way.  It's normal to do this, and the process can be healthy.  However, at some point attempts at persuasion, if they go on too long, are perceived as pressure, or selling, or simply trying to get one's own way.  This approach is likely to stop people from listening because of the "too hard" persuasive tactic.

This is an exerpt from Conflict Prevention In the Workplace.  For more detailed help on workplace communication, click here.

You can learn more about cooperative communication by looking at a free preview of the Communicating Cooperatively In The Workplace helpcard.