Persuasive Communications on Sustainability
A reader offers this suggestion: (There is a) study which indicated that slamming opposing points of view is less effective than strongly supporting one’s own point of view.
On this matter, I tend to go both ways, so to speak. I would say that 70% of the words I write favor the things for which I advocate: renewables, sustainability, kindness, etc.; with the other 30% I’m “calling out the bad guys.”
This may not be an optimum distribution, but, not to sound arrogant, I don’t care. I believe that writing from the heart is more important than following a rule for effectiveness in the changing of viewpoints.
“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” The Dalai Lama
Love it. Great point.
With a little back ground in writing for effect, I would offer that what works will depend upon your audience. Sometimes its humor, sometimes facts, sometimes attacks, memorable pieces often employ a variety of techniques.
The easiest person to convince will likely be the person who is motivated to believe your every word.
The most difficult person to convince will likely be a student of rhetoric as they may be more interested in your technique as in the veracity of your arguments.
Most often you hope your arguments fall gently on the ears of people outside these extremes.
Man, I just love that photo ! 🙂