Persuasion, seduction and manipulation
Running head: Human Communication
Human Communication and How Persuasive,
Seductive and Manipulative We Can Be
COM 323 Human Communication and How Persuasive,
Seductive and Manipulative We Can Be
“Persuasive strategies rarely come in a “one size fits all” variety. There probably never will be a single, unified theory of persuasion capable of encompassing all persuasive phenomena in every context.” (Seiter, 2006) As you go through our day whether you are climbing the corporate ladder, a full time student or a stay home parent it is close to impossible to avoid persuasion. At work and at school you are sure to come across a form of persuasion from a coworker or fellow student, and as a stay home parent it is literally unavoidable while watching cartoons with your kids or listening to the radio. What we may not realize is that persuasion comes at us in many forms.
Learning to identify the difference between persuasion, manipulation and seduction can be extremely difficult, but as a society that thrives on communication it is something we need to learn. In this essay I will explore the definitions of persuasion, manipulation and seduction. Using the definitions as a guide I will also explore how each one relates to the other and give examples of these strategies in action and the difference in who they target and why.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines persuasion as: the act of causing people to do or believe some thing: the act or activity of persuading people; a particular type of belief or way of thinking. Without even knowing it we are persuaded and also persuade other people. When your waiter/waitress comes to your table and asks you if you need anything else, they are causing you to consider a dessert or possibly another drink when it may not have even been on your mind before they asked. As students we are persuaded by grades, the higher quality of work we submit the better our grade will be for the assignment and the better
Human Communication and How Persuasive,
Seductive and Manipulative We Can Be
COM 323 Human Communication and How Persuasive,
Seductive and Manipulative We Can Be
“Persuasive strategies rarely come in a “one size fits all” variety. There probably never will be a single, unified theory of persuasion capable of encompassing all persuasive phenomena in every context.” (Seiter, 2006) As you go through our day whether you are climbing the corporate ladder, a full time student or a stay home parent it is close to impossible to avoid persuasion. At work and at school you are sure to come across a form of persuasion from a coworker or fellow student, and as a stay home parent it is literally unavoidable while watching cartoons with your kids or listening to the radio. What we may not realize is that persuasion comes at us in many forms.
Learning to identify the difference between persuasion, manipulation and seduction can be extremely difficult, but as a society that thrives on communication it is something we need to learn. In this essay I will explore the definitions of persuasion, manipulation and seduction. Using the definitions as a guide I will also explore how each one relates to the other and give examples of these strategies in action and the difference in who they target and why.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines persuasion as: the act of causing people to do or believe some thing: the act or activity of persuading people; a particular type of belief or way of thinking. Without even knowing it we are persuaded and also persuade other people. When your waiter/waitress comes to your table and asks you if you need anything else, they are causing you to consider a dessert or possibly another drink when it may not have even been on your mind before they asked. As students we are persuaded by grades, the higher quality of work we submit the better our grade will be for the assignment and the better
References: CNN (2013) "Detroit woman shot after apparently approaching home for help." CNN. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2013. . Eisman, A. (2003). The media of manipulation: patriotism and propaganda – mainstream news in the United States in the weeks following September 11. Critical Quarterly, 45(1/2), 55. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2006. Print. Seiter. Perspectives on Persuasion, Social Influence, and Compliance Gaining (1st ed). Pearson Learning Solutions. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/0558414850/id/ch03lev2sec