How does persuade work?

[Taiwan Number One]

Is it like Fallout 3 where there's a chance it could work every attempt? Trying to persuade Mikael in Whiterun, but it fails everytime and I meet the speech requirement according to UESP.

[Delta 1038]

It follows the traditional RPG route of just meeting the requirement but it bugs out from character to character because the game sets the check to THEIR speech, not yours. Do you have the Unofficial Skyrim Patches?

[Brandybuck]

Your speech skill is the percentage chance of success, plus or minus various factors. Just because the UESP says you need a minimum of 17 Speech doesn't mean it's an automatic success. With a 17 Speech you only have a base 17% chance.

[Dexter]

It is best to find an Amulet of Dibella ASAP and use it for all persuassions. Not only does it help the persuassion succeed, it also gives more XP when successful.

Stacking the Amulet with other items like the Masque of Clavicus Vile, potions, the Blessing of Dibella and the Gift of Charity will also incease how much XP you get from each Persuassion Attempt.

Using all those items simultaneously can help increase your speech skill faster.

[Taiwan Number One]

Why doesn't Skyrim tell you any of this? Appreciate the info and tips everyone.