How to Persuade Readers/Audience

Persuading others is a difficult task. No one is expected to persuade every reader or audience member, but you can get all of your readers or audience to think critical about your view.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Strong set of facts
• A command of your point of view
• A way to connect your points to the audience’s needs and wants

1. Tell your audience why you believe in the point you are arguing for or against. People will not believe in something if they believe you don’t.

2. Present solid facts on what you are arguing for or against, or are trying to persuade your audience to do. Emotional appeals are fine, but when people are asked to believe in something they never thought of or don’t agree with the best way to get them on your side is to present facts that they can’t disagree with.

3. Mention reasons why some people may not take your side. The point of a persuasive speech is to get one’s audience to agree with his or her point of view, but everyone may not agree with you or have questions about what you are arguing for or against. By stating opposing view points you recognize those members of your audience, show your audience that you are not blinded by your own personal view. But remember that you still hold strong to your views, and immediately after giving views different from your own that you tell your audience why your view is better.

4. Tell your audience how adopting your viewpoint can be beneficial to them. For example, if you’re trying to persuade your audience to quit smoking tell them how it will add more years to their life and save them money from not buying a new pack of cigarettes every week.