Persuasion is a key social mechanic in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, allowing you to manipulate NPCs into liking you more. Whether you’re trying to get better prices from merchants, smooth-talk your way through quests, or just avoid unnecessary hostility, learning how to persuade efficiently will open doors across Cyrodiil. This guide explains how persuasion works in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion, how to master the mini-game, and how to raise your Speechcraft skill quickly.
What Is Persuasion in Oblivion?
Persuasion is tied to the Speechcraft skill and affects how much an NPC likes you. The higher their disposition toward you, the better outcomes you’ll receive in dialogue, bartering, and certain quest scenarios.
There are two main ways to persuade:
- Using the Persuasion Mini-Game
- Casting Charm spells or using Disposition-boosting items
How to Access the Persuasion Mini-Game
To persuade an NPC:
- Initiate a conversation with them
- Select the “Persuade” option from the dialogue menu
- This will open the persuasion interface, where the mini-game begins
You’ll see a circular display with four sections:
- Admire
- Boast
- Joke
- Coerce
Each one affects the NPC’s disposition differently depending on their personality.
How the Persuasion Mini-Game Works
You’re given a set number of rotating wedges that represent varying levels of intensity (from small to large). Your goal is to choose the right action in the most favorable wedge to maximize gains.
- Each NPC likes and dislikes certain actions
- Your job is to click the most favorable action when it has the largest wedge
- Avoid using disliked actions when the wedge is large—it results in a major drop in disposition
- The wedges rotate automatically after each selection, and you must choose all four in each round
Your score at the end of the cycle determines how much the NPC’s disposition rises or falls.
Tips to Win the Persuasion Mini-Game
- Observe NPC reactions – Their facial expressions and tone give away their preferences
- Start with low-risk actions – Use a small wedge for a disliked action to minimize damage
- Save big wedges for the action they like best
- Time your clicks to match favorable actions with large wedges
- Use the “Bribe” option if you’re struggling, especially early in the game
How to Increase Speechcraft in Oblivion
Raising your Speechcraft skill will make persuasion easier and more effective.
Ways to improve Speechcraft:
- Use persuasion on every NPC you meet
- Focus on raising Speechcraft as a Major Skill if you plan to use it often
- Use Speechcraft trainers found in guilds and cities
- Combine with Fortify Speechcraft gear or spells for better results
As your skill increases, you’ll get more forgiveness on poor mini-game choices and larger disposition gains overall.
Use Charm Spells to Persuade Instantly
Charm spells boost disposition without using the mini-game.
- Buy low-cost Charm spells from Mages Guild halls
- Cast them before speaking to an NPC to get better prices or convince them
- You can create custom Charm spells at the Arcane University if you’ve joined the Mages Guild
Charm spells are especially helpful for stealth characters who don’t want to invest in Speechcraft long-term.
Benefits of High Disposition
Getting an NPC’s disposition above 70–80 can lead to:
- Better prices while buying and selling
- More helpful dialogue or quest outcomes
- NPCs being more likely to share rumors or secrets
- Smoother guild promotions and less resistance from certain characters
Final Thoughts
Learning how to persuade in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion adds a powerful tool to your roleplaying and progression strategy. Whether you’re bartering for better deals or navigating complex questlines, mastering the persuasion mini-game—and combining it with spells and gear—can give you a major edge. Practice your timing, observe NPC cues, and keep leveling Speechcraft for smooth talking all across Cyrodiil.