by METurner

Created on: November 19, 2008

In order to influence others, it is essential to have the power of persuasion. Getting people to do something through advice, or reasoning is not always simple. A story on network news or the front page of a popular news paper reaches thousands of people and the majority of those thousand people will be influenced in some way. The media has many ways of persuading others. When a high level of personal involvement is added to a story, the persuasiveness of the message is significantly increased.

No matter how persuasions are characterized, the ultimate goal of all communicators is to cause the listener or receiver of the message to act upon a specific idea or cause.

Do You Have Evidence?

Persuasion requires evidence. If you're debating an issue, yet have no real evidence or proof of your information, most people tend to scrutinize your information. Facts can't be disputed. It's imperative to research the facts of a matter before the matter is exposed.

Reflect the Appropriate Emotional Appeal

When communicating to the public or a person, you must have the appropriate emotional appeal. Your message should reflect an attitude of genuine love, concern and consideration for family, country and for people in general. Your emotions must be in alignment with the situation at hand. Your emotions alone have the power to influence others. People respond to powerful emotional appeals.

Be Personal

Few people can go against knowledge gained by personal experience. If you've "been there" and "done that" you have the power to influence others by telling your story. Your personal experiences, clearly communicated, will have a stronger and a more meaningful impact upon the listening audience.

What's In It for Me?

No matter what message is being addressed, the average person is constantly thinking, "how will this message affect me" or "what's in it for me?" People never really get tired of hearing the word "you". For example: "You look good"; "you can do, be, have or gain". Think in terms of the audience and be sure to refer to "you".

Use Your Persuasion to better the State of Affairs

Some people are extremely skillful at persuading others to do just about anything. Hitler was a man with such skills. Knowing your surroundings and what is going on in the world is imperative. Be informed and educated enough to know when someone is swaying you in the wrong direction. Influencing others through the power of persuasion is a good thing and this power should be use for a good cause. This power should be used wisely.

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