Four Part Plan for Persuasive Messages

Four part plan for overcoming resistance and crafting successful persuasive messages

1. Gaining Attention

• Summary of problem
• Unexpected statement
• Reader benefit
• Compliment
• Related fact
• Stimulating question

2. Building Interest

• Facts, figures
• Expert opinions
• Examples
• Specific details
• Direct benefits
• Indirect benefits

3. Reducing Resistance

• Anticipate objections
• Offer counterarguments
• Employ What if? scenarios
• Establish credibility
• Demonstrate competence
• Show value of proposal

4. Motivating Action

• Describe specific request
• Sound confident
• Make action easy to take
• Offer incentive
• Don't provide excuses
• Repeat main benefit