Sweet-talking

Sweet-talking refers to the act of using flattering, persuasive, and often insincere language to charm or influence someone, typically for personal gain or to achieve a desired outcome. This form of communication often involves excessive praise, compliments, and promises designed to appeal to the listener's emotions and make them more receptive to the speaker's requests. It can range from harmless flirting to manipulative attempts to exploit someone's vulnerabilities. The effectiveness of sweet-talking relies on the ability to understand and exploit the target's desires, insecurities, and biases. It is a tactic often used in sales, dating, and negotiations to create a positive initial impression and build rapport, regardless of the speaker's true intentions or the inherent value of their promises.

Sweet-talking meaning with examples

• The salesman was sweet-talking the potential client, showering her with compliments about her taste and promising exceptional results to secure the deal. He emphasized the benefits and minimized the risks to influence her decision. His smooth words seemed almost too good to be true. He hoped that his charm would lead to a sale, making her believe he was acting in her best interests.
• Maria was sweet-talking her boss to get a day off work, praising his leadership skills and saying how much she admired his vision for the company. She cleverly highlighted her dedication and willingness to work extra hours. She hoped this approach would make him feel valued and inclined to grant her request for personal time.
• He noticed the woman was sweet-talking the bouncer to get into the exclusive nightclub, repeatedly telling him how cool he looked and mentioning her connection to the club owner. She was hoping her sweet words would convince him to bypass the strict entry requirements and allow her and her friends inside without paying.
• The con artist used sweet-talking to gain the trust of the elderly woman, regaling her with stories of how reliable and trustworthy he was before he even had the job of fixing the car. He presented himself as her ideal advisor, hoping to get her to invest her life savings in a risky venture.
• During the negotiation, the union representative used sweet-talking, praising the management team for their hard work, and creating a friendly environment. He used the conversation to soften the terms of the agreement and gain concessions for the workers, creating a sense of unity between both groups.