Power of Persuasion: When to persuade

Notebook: Persuasion is influencing someone or trying to get someone to think, believe, or act in a particular way.



When to persuade: Vote with your feet

(start by the windows)

Windows: Unnecessary to use persuasion

Middle of room: Unsure

Toward Expectations wall: Persuasion is needed.


Persuasion assumes the need to give an opinion, to point something out, or to broaden an individual's awareness, or to change someone's mind. Persuasion presents ideas or issues that educated people can and do view differently, and the use of persuasion suggests that appropriate arguments with strong examples and relevant evidence can influence person in some way, or at least allow him/her to recognize the writer's point of view.

So, if our purpose is to influence others when writing persuasively, we DO NOT need to use persuasion when there is already widespread agreement about a situation or issue.