Persuasive Messages - Motivating Action

The final element in writing a persuasive message or request is motivating action. Once you have laid all the ground work by gaining attention, building interest and reducing resistance, you want to inspire the reader to act. In the same way you need to know your audience before you begin writing, you need to know exactly what outcome you favour.  This will enable you to point your ideas and arguments in the same direction in the all important final paragraph.  Your recommendation should be as confident and specific as possible and in making any requests, never sound apologetic " I'm sorry to ask you this, but...." or supply any excuses "If you can spare the time".

Examples of closing for a persuasive memo recommending training seminars.

Too General

We are certain we can develop a series of training sessions that will improve the communication skills of our employees.

 Too Timid

If you agree that our training proposal has merit, perhaps we could begin the series in June.

 Too Pushy

Because we are convinced that you will want to begin improving the skills of your employees immediately, we have scheduled your series to begin in June

Effective

You will see decided improvement in the communication skills of your employees. Please call me at 800-439-2201 by May 1 to give your approval so that training sessions may start in June, as we discussed. 

The last closing is ideal as it suggests a specific and easy to follow action, stating a deadline and a reason for that date.