Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Rodrigo Duterte played the political game like a master strategist. The man went from being a mayor to the President of the Philippines with sheer force of will, and a few genius (or controversial) moves along the way. If you want to persuade people, dominate debates, or even just win an argument with your friends, take notes! Here’s how Duterte did it, and how you can, too.

1. Speak the Language of the People

Duterte Move: He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He spoke like a regular guy, throwing in colorful words (sometimes too colorful) and delivering straight, no-BS talk.

Your Move: Want to be persuasive? Drop the corporate jargon. Talk like a human. Whether you’re pitching an idea or writing a social media post, make it relatable. Speak their language, not a dictionary’s.

2. The Strongman Persona

Duterte Move: He positioned himself as the no-nonsense, tough-on-crime leader. A strong figure people could rally behind.

Your Move: Confidence wins. Whether you’re in a job interview or making a point in a group chat, stand firm. Even if you’re unsure, act like you are. People follow those who seem like they know what they’re doing.

3. Fear Factor Marketing

Duterte Move: He didn’t just promise change; he made people feel the urgency. Crime? Drugs? Chaos? He made them front-page issues and then positioned himself as the only solution.

Your Move: Want people to take action? Make them feel the need. Whether you’re selling an idea, a product, or even convincing your friend to watch your favorite show, highlight what they’re missing out on.

4. The Anti-Establishment Card

Duterte Move: He wasn’t just another politician. He was the outsider, the rule-breaker, the guy who “wasn’t like the rest.”

Your Move: Sometimes, breaking the mold is the best way to stand out. Think different. Whether you’re launching a business or making a bold career move, being a little rebellious can work in your favor.

5. Emotional Storytelling

Duterte Move: He didn’t just state facts; he told powerful stories, stories of crime victims, families destroyed by drugs, and his own experiences in Davao.

Your Move: Facts are great, but stories sell. If you want to be convincing, make people feel. Whether you’re selling an idea or just trying to be more persuasive in daily conversations, use storytelling to create impact.

6. Controversy = Free Publicity

Duterte Move: He made headlines every single day. Some loved him, some hated him, but everyone talked about him.

Your Move: If you want attention, you need to stir the pot (but wisely). Be bold in your opinions, challenge conventional thinking, and don’t be afraid of ruffling a few feathers.

7. Be a Walking Catchphrase

Duterte Move: He had iconic lines, some so blunt they’d make your grandma faint. But they stuck. They became headlines, memes, and rallying cries.

Your Move: Want to be remembered? Have a catchphrase. Whether it’s a personal brand slogan or something witty you always say, make it stick.

8. Master the Media (or Attack It)

Duterte Move: He didn’t just let the media define him, he controlled the narrative, called out journalists, and used social media as his personal battlefield.

Your Move: Your image is in your hands. Want to control how people see you? Manage your online presence, craft your own narrative, and don’t let others define you.

9. Give the People a Villain

Duterte Move: Every hero needs an enemy. Whether it was drug lords, corrupt politicians, or the media, he always had a ‘bad guy’ to fight.

Your Move: If you’re trying to rally people to your side, define the problem clearly. Who or what are you up against? It could be outdated ideas, a tough market, or even just procrastination, make it a fight, and people will join your cause.

Bonus Tip: Want to Command Attention? Start Here.

One of the key things that made Duterte so powerful was his presence. And what’s one thing every persuasive leader has? A powerful voice. If you want to sound confident, persuasive, and attention-grabbing, you need to train your voice.

Try the “Voice of Power” Speech Training Program 

This bestselling program on Amazon is used by public speakers, CEOs, and politicians to develop a strong, commanding voice. If you want to sound more authoritative and persuasive, check it out here. 

Final Thought: What’s Your Power Move?

Duterte won not just because of his policies, but because he understood people. Which of these strategies do you think is most effective? Or do you have your own secret persuasion trick? Drop it in the comments!