| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
||||
| |
||||
| |
||||
| |
||||
| |
||||
| |
||||
| |
|
|||
| |
|
|||
| |
|
|||
Persuasive Speaking Tips
Emphasize
the Audience's Benefits with Sound Reasoning
Explain to the audience how they will benefit from performing the action,
taking the position, or purchasing the product recommended. Possible benefits
might be: saving time, saving money, or becoming healthier. Sound reasoning
is the persuasive writer's best weapon. In many cases, it is not enough merely
to identify the benefits of taking a position or an action. The writer needs
to persuade audiences that the decisions or actions recommended will actually
bring about benefits, and explain why. For example: "The new playground
equipment recommended will reduce injuries because …", or "The
modified school lunch menu will increase sales because ... ". Be careful
though, persuasion can be self-serving and manipulative. Consider the needs
and desires of the audience, and build a case using facts and logic rather
than unethical methods.
Address
the audiences' Concerns
It is always a good strategy for persuasive speakers and writers to try to
predict what the audience's responses will be or what arguments they might
have about the issue. Try to counter any negative positions or arguments with
opposing evidence or alternative solutions.
Present
Reliable Evidence Appropriate to the Audience
Reliable evidence is the kind of evidence audiences are willing to accept.
This varies, depending on the field. For example, in scientific fields, certain
experimental procedures are accepted as reliable, whereas common wisdom and
ordinary observations are not. A speaker needs to use common sense to determine
what type of evidence is needed. Understanding the positions of the audience
can help a speaker determine the best line of reasoning.
Organize
to Create a Strong Position
It is not only the variety and amount of information that is important in
a persuasive speaking and writing, but also the way in which audience processes
that information. A persuasive speaker should use the organizational pattern
that best suits the purpose. Often, the "save the best until last"
strategy is most effective. Explain the strongest, most supported reason right
before the conclusion.
Choose
an Appropriate Voice
An important element of persuasive strategy is an appropriate voice for the
piece. For example, if you intend to write for your peers, but you assume
the voice of a superior authority, your audience may resent their implied
role as inferiors. If your audience responds negatively to your voice, it
will not receive your message openly. A writer needs to "speak"
with authority by using reliable evidence, yet not sound as if he or she is
"talking down" to the audience.
Choose
Words with Strong Appeal
Always state opinions and facts honestly, but look for ways to add impact
to the words. Sometimes called "loaded" or "slanted" words,
this vocabulary connects certain emotions with points-of-view. For example,
instead of saying, Pollution is harmful, a more powerful word choice would
be, Pollution is poisoning our planet.
Establish
Credibility
Source credibility is the belief the audience has regarding whether the speaker
is a good source of information and ideas. When people judge the writer to
be credible or believable, they are more likely to accept the evidence and
arguments offered. If people do not find the writer credible, they may refuse
to consider the ideas seriously, no matter how soundly the case is presented.
Keep in mind, that the writer does not necessarily need to be an "expert"
on the topic, but the sources of facts and data should come from competent
and reliable sources.
Adapted from: Saskatchewan Education. (1998). Communication
Studies 20: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level. Regina, SK www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/comm20/mod8.html
Ruth
Sunda, Gifted Resource Teacher
Kyrene de las Brisas Elementary School
Chandler, AZ
May 2006