CMN 279 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Persuasion, Crimethinc. Publications

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Communication
• Course: CMN 279
• Professor: John Burry

Document Summary

Persuasive messages: a strategy for influencing opinion, overcoming resistance, and motivating action. Persuasive communication motivates readers to accept recommendations and act on requests. Gradually breaks down resistance; establishes rapport with readers by appealing to their needs, interest, values, and powers of reason. Achieves its purpose without threats or manipulation. It doesn"t coerce or make readers do something; it makes them want to do it. Writing persuasively: know your purpose and exactly what you want the reader to do. Make your request seem reasonable, appealing, and beneficial to the reader. Collect the right supporting data: understand what motivates your readers. It should look attractive and professional: be positive and accurate. Please on using a sincere, confident tone and language that reflects your relationship to the reader. Don"t distort or hide information, it compromises credibility: anticipate objections and plan how to deal with them. Persuasion is necessary when you expect resistance or when you suspect readers prefer the status quo.