Mastering the Art of Persuasion: A Harvard-Approved Guide to Compelling Writing and Public Speaking
Humans have been using various forms of communication, including visual, spoken, and written, for as long as we have existed. These methods have been used to inform, persuade, argue, and work collectively. In today’s world of mass media, it’s important to use clear words and letters that resonate with others in order to be seen and heard.
Explain your expertise with
Ethos
Ethos establishes the speaker’s credibility. List your expertise and experience to develop credibility. Use technical words to demonstrate knowledge and deep understanding.
Resonate with
Pathos
Persuade with
Logos
Pathos uses negative or positive emotions to back up your message. Use visual words to convey feelings, and think about metaphors and tropes. Consider the tempo and sound of your comments to influence the audience.
Logos uses reason and logical reasoning. Relate to past experiences and outcomes, facts, and common laws.
Use
Tempo
Include
sound & visual
Tempo refers to the rhythm or pace of the words you use. Varying the tempo can create an exciting and dynamic effect on your audience. For example, short, staccato sentences can make sense of urgency or excitement, while longer, more drawn-out sentences can convey a sense of calm or introspection.
Voice refers to how you use your voice, including pitch, tone, and inflection. A confident and authoritative voice can help establish credibility and persuade your audience, while a friendly and relatable voice can create a sense of connection and empathy.
Sound refers to the actual sound of the words you use, including their cadence and how they sound when spoken out loud. Certain sounds can create specific emotional responses in the listener, such as harsh consonants conveying aggression or soft vowels giving tenderness.
Hook your reader with
Introduction
Explain your position with
Context
Call to action in
Conclusion
The three main parts of your article message: introduction, context, conclusion and call to action.
- Introduction: Mention the topic’s name, break the silence, or begin with a question.
- Context: Here, you can mention some facts and present your arguments and counterarguments. Explain your position and why you think it is true. Back it up using the ethos, logos, and pathos discussed above.
- Conclusion and call to action: Summarize your main points and provide a call to action for the reader.
Following these steps, you can write a compelling blog post that effectively communicates your message and resonates with your audience. Remember always to be clear and concise, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Happy writing!
This was a summary of what I learned in an online Harvard course For more info :