Persuasive Messages, what are they?

Merriam Webster dictionary defines persuasive as the ability to cause people to do or believe something : able to persuade people.The ability to use an argument or discussion to influence an individual's beliefs or actions.

 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive

In today's business world ones success depends largely on how well one is able to persuade people to believe, accept, and act on what you are saying, convincing others that you point of view is correct is a critical business communication skill. Persuasive messages are a way of presenting information to others in such a way that they are able to see the benefits of your idea, without coercion or tricking them into agreement. Successful persuasive messages blend together four key elements (steps) into a seamless whole. The sequence of the elements may change, all depending on the situation and what the emphasis of the message is, but regardless of where they are placed each plays a vital role in the success of the message.

The four key elements are;

1. Gaining the audience's attention
2. Building interest by convincing your audience that your proposal in worthy
3. Reducing resistance
4. Motivating action

The following posts will delve further into each element explaining how to use each one effectively and in conjunction with each other to form a seamless persuasive message.