Persuasive Writing Tip: Focus on the Number of Readers

Persuasive Writing Tip: Focus on the Number of Readers

Jul 10, 2017 | Persuasion

If you send a persuasive message to a group, consider two important factors: the strength of your argument and the number of people who will process it. For persuasive writing to be effective, an audience needs to be motivated to read the message (or hear it). And one...
Persuasive Writing Tip: It’s Not Just About the Message

Persuasive Writing Tip: It’s Not Just About the Message

Jun 27, 2017 | Persuasion

If you sit down to write a persuasive message, you probably focus on carefully selecting the right words and emphasizing the appropriate points. But the success of your message might depend on something else. People often decide how to respond to your persuasive...
Persuasive Writing Tip: Ask for Less to Get What You Want

Persuasive Writing Tip: Ask for Less to Get What You Want

Apr 11, 2017 | Persuasion

Reducing the size of your initial request can be an effective persuasive tactic because it makes the request less burdensome to your audience. Let’s say you want management to approve a costly new training curriculum. Rather than ask for the full program, try...
To Move Someone to Yes, Push Your Request into the Future

To Move Someone to Yes, Push Your Request into the Future

Mar 6, 2017 | Persuasion

If you want someone to help you with a task, one way to persuade them is to ask far in advance, because people usually don’t think clearly about future obligations. The issue is psychological distance. People have a different perspective if something needs to be done...
Persuasive Writing Tip: Buzzwords are Risky

Persuasive Writing Tip: Buzzwords are Risky

Feb 27, 2017 | Persuasion

The trendy words and phrases that we know as “corporate speak” tarnish any communication, but using them in a persuasive appeal can be particularly risky. For a persuasive message to influence an audience, people need to see or hear concrete language,...
Persuasive Writing Tip: Change the Frame of Reference

Persuasive Writing Tip: Change the Frame of Reference

Feb 20, 2017 | Persuasion

The ability to overcome resistance is the key to being persuasive, because persuasion is rarely necessary unless the audience says it doesn’t like your idea, doesn’t believe your message, or doesn’t want to do comply with your request. So if resistance is the one...