Can I Persuade You?

Persuasion is a wonderful thing if used right. By the end of this article you will see how well using persuasion in your writing can work in your favor. In order to prove a point, I have also decided to share my own personal secret with you!

I will get to my secret later, but right now I want to discuss using persuasion in your writing. Persuasion can be used in any form of writing in which you are trying to bring another person to action. Persuasion can be used to change a person’s mind on certain issues, to get them to donate to a charity, or to encourage them to buy a product or service you may be offering. That’s only naming a few places you will find persuasive messages. Persuasion is all around you, just pay attention and you’ll see it.

There is a difference between using persuasion when talking face-to-face with someone and using persuasion when writing. When you communicate with someone face-to-face you can see each other’s body language, facial expressions and so on. You can play off their reaction to what you are saying because you are getting instant feedback. You can see if they are reacting negatively or positively, and based on their reaction, you will know whether you should continue, or if you should alter your own direction.

Persuasion Without Visual Cues

When you’re writing, you cannot see your reader. You have no clue how they are reacting or what they are thinking. You don’t even know if they are still reading (frightening thought for a writer huh? I’m scared to death right now!), but we can’t let fear of unknowing prevent us from doing what it is we know we do best. What we can do, is remain confident and educate ourselves. Research helps you gain the education you need, and being educated on the topic helps build your credibility. Credibility is something you want to gain as early as you can!

One of the first things you should know before you start writing is what it is you are trying to convey. Are you relaying information? Are you trying to move people into action? You should have a good grasp on what it is you are trying to accomplish. You should also know who your readers are. Is the information you are sharing directed towards men, women, or a certain age group? In understanding your audience you can anticipate their reaction to your words. It is important to be clear of the audience in order to direct what it is you’re writing towards them, and then find the balance of what you are trying to convey and what your readers want to hear.

Get Their Attention 

From the beginning you should grab your reader’s attention with something relevant to the reader (who, what, when, where, how, and why). Don’t forget credibility! Again, it is something important to establish up front. Using humor, if appropriate, can help because it makes you likeable and will keep people interested. You can also keep the reader interested by asking questions. This makes them think about an answer and they may keep reading to find the answer later. You should build desire by painting a vivid picture for them in order for them to see something bigger. Tap into their emotions by asking them to remember something or using a story.

What’s the secret?

If you found any of the information given useful, I have convinced you that I know what I am talking about. Sure I am taking college courses and have learned about persuasion but I am far from a master at the topic. I had to do my research just as everyone should.

BUT WAIT! I have a BONUS secret!

Before we get out of here I thought I would share another secret with you! Not long ago I wrote an article about using seduction when writing your query letter. I have to tell you that before writing that article, I had absolutely NO idea what a query letter even was!

Now, I could be worried about losing my credibility because of my “secret,” but I’m not. Why? Because I am just being honest. Who would you be more likely to believe? Someone you know is dishonest or someone you trust to be honest with you? I know my answer!

Well, there you have it. If you made it to this part of the article, I have done my job. Your curiosity to know what this “secret” was is probably what persuaded you to keep reading and In making you curious I was able to get your attention. I just hope I was able to keep it!

I hope I didn’t bore you and I hope you found the information useful. If you have any tips of your own to share, please do!

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