Theories of Persuasion
Theories of Persuasion
1. Why is persuasion important in an open society?
In an open society we are presented with certain opportunities that other cultures and countries are not. Ever since human beings have been able to want and desire, he has also possessed the urge to direct others to see what he sees. Rhetoric, propaganda, persuasion, these are all just words describing the same thing. Methods of persuasion are all around us. The devices from which we are persuaded come from a number of different places such as advertisements on television, blogs, the internet, radio, colleges, family & friends, and more. One can hope they are well equipped and have a strong ethical tool box.
Not everyone tells the truth, so persuasion in open society can be a dangerous thing. Not everyone educates themselves; some people will simply believe what they are fed if they are well persuaded. Not everyone is of strong moral character. Many are capable of lying, therefore it is important to educate ourselves and hone in on the skills needed to smell out false information.
The art of persuasion can be a very good thing. Persuasion can be positive when the intensions of the source are based in sound ethics. A pastor can persuade a congregation to perform volunteer work in a community. The community work brings a community together and strengthens those involved. As we know not all men are full of good intentions. In fact some are misguided.
A person skilled in persuasion is dangerous, because persuasion can also be used for evil.
When the message is delivered by an amoral or misguided source, the outcome can be gruesome, as in the case of Jim Jones and his unfortunate followers.
The content of the message is important but also whoever gives the message has an effect on people¹s acceptance of it. The major determinant to the communicator’s success is his/her perceived credibility and attractiveness. Goode, Erica (2000)
Credibility or believability is determined by
1. Why is persuasion important in an open society?
In an open society we are presented with certain opportunities that other cultures and countries are not. Ever since human beings have been able to want and desire, he has also possessed the urge to direct others to see what he sees. Rhetoric, propaganda, persuasion, these are all just words describing the same thing. Methods of persuasion are all around us. The devices from which we are persuaded come from a number of different places such as advertisements on television, blogs, the internet, radio, colleges, family & friends, and more. One can hope they are well equipped and have a strong ethical tool box.
Not everyone tells the truth, so persuasion in open society can be a dangerous thing. Not everyone educates themselves; some people will simply believe what they are fed if they are well persuaded. Not everyone is of strong moral character. Many are capable of lying, therefore it is important to educate ourselves and hone in on the skills needed to smell out false information.
The art of persuasion can be a very good thing. Persuasion can be positive when the intensions of the source are based in sound ethics. A pastor can persuade a congregation to perform volunteer work in a community. The community work brings a community together and strengthens those involved. As we know not all men are full of good intentions. In fact some are misguided.
A person skilled in persuasion is dangerous, because persuasion can also be used for evil.
When the message is delivered by an amoral or misguided source, the outcome can be gruesome, as in the case of Jim Jones and his unfortunate followers.
The content of the message is important but also whoever gives the message has an effect on people¹s acceptance of it. The major determinant to the communicator’s success is his/her perceived credibility and attractiveness. Goode, Erica (2000)
Credibility or believability is determined by
References: Charles U. Larson (2010) Persuasion Reception and Resposibility12th Edition Gary C. Woodward & Robert E. Denton Jr (2009) 6th edition Dolan, R.J. (2002) Emotion, Cognition, and Behavior, Science, 298, 1191. Goode, Erica (2000) Brain Abnormality Linked to Pathology, Forensic Psychiatry and Medicine.