Study Questions:

SQ1 – What is persuasion? How do we use it? What are its principles and functions?

SQ2 – What are the three elements of persuasion?

SQ3 – Who are the two social psychologists related to the art of persuasion? Describe their theories/principles.

SQ3 – What is an argument and strategies?

The art of influencing has been in existence throughout history, and it still exists today. Your ability to persuade an audience is fundamental in influencing others and creating essential change.  It is not only important in business to be skilled at persuading others, but also to identify persuasive messages directed at you. Employing effective persuasive messages will result in influencing others to accept what you have to offer.  Everyone has their own priorities, interests and ideas. At times, you will find it necessary to use persuasive communication techniques to influence others to achieve the goals of the company, while maintaining their individual goals.

The persuasive communication messages can be oral or written, using various media types. To be effective it is essential to establish credibility, make a reasonable request while presenting benefits, anticipate and overcome objections and come to an agreeable solution.  This module will take you through the necessary steps to build an effective persuasive communication message in any format. Basically, you are selling an idea, using the “art of persuasion’. Your team will exercise the ‘art of persuasion’ when presenting the team’s ‘recommendation for action’ in your team project when you present your persuasion speech at the end of the semester.