Communications and Media: Persuasive Approach, Essay Example

Communications and Media: Persuasive Approach

We all have our own methods of persuasion that we employ to get some work done. It can be as mundane as getting a small favor from someone we know or as complicated as seeking to change the other person’s opinion about an issue that is close to his or her heart. My persuasion technique rests on my ability to use data, appeal to reason and rationality and point out deficiencies and inconsistencies in the other person’s logic. Further, I would highlight the strong points of my approach and play on the impeccability of my position. I would explain each of these approaches in the next few paragraphs.

The first thing I would do is to back up my assertions with data. Towards this end, I would come prepared with facts and figures and, marshal them as proof of evidence of my position. Continuing on the same track, I would use these props to appeal to the rational side of my audience and persuade them with reasonable arguments. If the issue is an emotionally charged one, I would not hesitate to use a rhetorical approach that combines appeal to the heart with hard facts to the head.

In my opinion, an aspect of persuasion that I would follow is my pointing out the inconsistencies in the opponents’ argument and using this to my advantage. Depending on whether the audience is hostile or conciliatory, I would change the tone of my approach accordingly. I firmly believe that the best way to persuade somebody is by a combination of what can be called a “carrot and stick” approach that works by using data as well as pointing out errors in the other person’s line of thinking. Of course, the aggressive way might not work always and hence the technique has to be skillfully employed. In conclusion, the persuasive approach that I take would be situation dependent, context sensitive and would rely on quick thinking on the feet.