Archive: Persuasion
Persuasion vs. Propaganda: Not Exactly the Same
People often perceive persuasion and propaganda to be one and the same, but there are important distinctions. Both are tools that attempt to influence an audience’s thinking, and it’s true that cult leaders and dictators are among the best persuaders because they use...Writing that Persuades: Urge the Audience to Expect Regret
To persuade someone to do (or not to do) something, suggest that she consider a possible negative outcome. Expecting regret can bring compliance. Pretend you sell car insurance, and you urge a customer to buy a policy. It’s possible he will decline, even if he...Persuasive Writing: Overcoming Resistance to Your Message
If you want to persuade someone to say yes, improving the positive features of your offer is not the only way to overcome resistance. When people make decisions, they often have mixed feelings because there are pros and cons to almost everything. So they balance the...Persuasive Writing: Make the Message Relevant
If you are trying to persuade someone in a written message or speech, they need to carefully consider your position. And for them to take the time to do it, the issue must be personally relevant. Social psychology experiments show that persuasion does not occur when...Persuasion: People Will Reciprocate Favors, Even if You Won’t See Them
It pays to act thoughtfully and generously if you want to persuade, because the beneficiaries of your kindness are likely to reciprocate, even if you are not aware of it. The principle of reciprocity, a key to being persuasive, says that when someone performs a kind...By Ken O’Quinn
Focus on Them
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
As a contributing author in this book on leadership, Ken offers insights and tips for managing difficult conversations, providing effective feedback, and being authentic. Order here.
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
Provides the right words and phrases for any situation - quickly. The book was reprinted in Japanese because of high-volume sales there.
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
The Association for Talent Development invited Ken to write this 22-page booklet for the TD at Work series.
Current Blog Post
Accomplishments or Potential to Achieve: Which is More Persuasive?
If you want to persuade your superior to promote you over someone else, you could emphasize what you have accomplished, …