Outline
The art of persuasion recognizes that, effective communication and power of persuasion are inseparable because communication cannot be complete if a speaker does not make effort to influence listeners. However, research has shown that, for the listener to be influenced, the speaker must be aware of the direction he/she is leading the listener. A successful model of effective communication requires that, all parts of components of persuasion function harmoniously. These include attitude of the listeners when being convinced which is built through the rapport the speaker has with listeners. Presence of a rapport makes listeners honor the speaker and develop interest with what is being said in order to help the speaker achieve his/her goals. The objective of the research paper is to find out how the power of persuasion may help one improve his/her communication skills.
Introduction
Power of persuasion is based on emotions and logic as well as character to control persuasive thought. These are the cornerstones that determine successful persuasion and forms fundamental basis of interpretation of other people’s messages in order to win them so as to think in a certain way. Emotion refers to a powerful feeling characterized by an impulse to external expression while logic is a branch of science that focuses on valid reasoning as well as correct inference. Character on the other hand comprises of total sum of traits that distinguish a person and make who somebody is. The topic is of much interest because in the modern world, issues such as politics largely depend on persuasive tactics that one has where the power lies in the tongue. Research has shown that, ethos is very significant in any argument and it refers to the advocate’s character according to the perception of his/her listener. The most significant component of ethos is the speaker’s integrity because when the listeners perceive the speaker is honest and of high integrity, the speaker stands a better chance over others who may not be having such characters. The latter would have his persuasive ability diminished if the audience is aware of his selfish motives because they would have doubt over him. (Wring 2001)
Among the things that stand out in the research, are the importance of being truthful and fair as one speaks. This should be accompanied by exercise of justice in resolution of dispute as shared values because they reinforce the mind of the listener. It is also important for the speaker to be honest because it enhances ones integrity and this is what matters most in success of persuasions. Studies have shown that, perception of integrity can possibly be created because it does not necessarily require basis in facts. However, the process is hard and uncertain and requires that, if the speaker is addressing problems or areas of weaknesses, it is important to admit those facts that are unfavorable as this enhances credibility. Power of persuasion enables the speaker to demonstrate a character of fair play and always avoid extreme positions during decision making and when giving personal views. The power of persuasion is therefore enhanced if the speaker does not assert facts that his/her listeners may not easily believe. This is because if the audience perceives facts as false, the speaker loses credibility and consequently the power to persuade the listeners is greatly reduced. Even if the speaker is convinced about the truth of what he/she is addressing, it is advisable to omit the issue if it is suspected that, the listeners may doubt it.
Conclusion
The research is likely to improve communication because once the rules of successful persuasion are learnt, they fit any speaker because they are similar and one does not have to appear obvious to his/her listeners that he/she is an effective persuader. Knowledge in the power of persuasion provides an understanding of the importance to propagate perceived authority and honesty as well as likeability among the listeners. If the speaker has one or all of these characteristics, listeners agree with the person’s requests even without being very careful in all the acts. The listeners assume they are always saved whenever they are addressed by the speaker and this eases the process of decision making. (Perloff, 1993)
References
Wring D. (2001): Power as well as Persuasion: political communication and Party development: Palgrave-Macmillan pp56-61
Perloff R. (1993): The Dynamics of Persuasion: Lawrence Erlbaum pp28-32