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How did Joan of Arc convince Charles VII to support her mission?

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Medieval illustration of the Battle of Crecy shows armored soldiers fighting with swords, shields, and bows as mounted knights and banners fill the background. — Hundred Years’ War Image depicting the Battle of Crécy, during the Hundred Years' War, in which Edward III of England defeated Philip VI of France on August 26, 1346.

Joan of Arc’s ability to convince Charles VII to support her mission was a complex process involving persistence, displays of insight, and rigorous ecclesiastical vetting.

After gaining the trust of the garrison captain at Vaucouleurs, Joan traveled to the dauphin’s court at Chinon. Upon her arrival, she reportedly demonstrated her divine inspiration by identifying Charles, who had attempted to hide among his courtiers to test her. She presented a clear, compelling objective: she would lead the fight against the English and ensure his coronation at Reims, which was essential to legitimizing his claim to the throne.12

To address concerns regarding heresy, Charles subjected Joan to interrogations by theologians at Poitiers. The churchmen ultimately reported that, given the desperate state of the siege at Orléans, the dauphin would be well-advised to utilize her services. Her quiet firmness, piety, and eventual success in rallying the French forces at Orléans solidified her influence with the king and his advisers.13