How persuasive are you?

They're often at the top of companies, or in sales -- those lucky people who seem to be born persuasive, with a seemingly magical ability that makes others listen to them, trust them, and act on what they say. Unfortunately, most of us aren't nearly as skilled at influencing others as we think we are, writes Fortune's Anne Fisher in her August 14 Ask Annie column. Have you been able to win over a reluctant boss (or client, or co-worker) to your point of view? How did you do it? What hasn't worked? What persuasion techniques do you find effective - or not - when people use them on you?