Convincing the Opposition
After this lesson, we will spend the next five lessons going over how to actually write persuasively, rather than looking at the underlying concepts behind persuasion. In this lesson, we are going to look at how you can convince the opposition that your point is right, and that it is what they should follow. We have extensively gone over the ways this can be done, and now we will go further by giving real examples of how those concepts can work in your favor to convince the opposition.
Once you convince the opposition, you achieve your goal. Once you achieve your goal, your persuasion has successfully helped further your cause, whatever that may be. After each point, we will give an example using the asking for a raise persuasive letter.
First, you want to use examples that are local to your audience. The reason you want to do this is because it will be more relative to them and therefore you will have a better chance of convincing your audience.
- Wrong: "Several people in my position elsewhere in the country are making 30 percent more than I am."
- Right: "Our competitor in this city is currently paying those in my position 30 percent more than what I am making."
As you can see, you have used a local example with asking for a raise by citing what others make. In the first example, it is easy for your employer to refuse the raise based on this because it is not relevant. Other communities have higher or lower standards of living than the one you live in. In the second example, you are saying that the competitor in that same city pays their employees more. As a result, you are giving a local example and a veiled threat that you will go to the competition if you don't get a raise.
Second, you want to use the best evidence that you can. You want to research and put facts, quotes, and figures into your persuasive argument. You should not rely too heavily on examples for evidence, but they do help to beef up your persuasive argument and help you achieve your goal.
- Wrong: "I deserve a 30 percent raise."
- Right: "The standard of living since my last raise has grown by 17 percent in this community. In addition, I am now working several more hours than I was hired on to do. On top of that, I have a new baby and I am concerned about how my current level of pay will affect him. I have a letter of recommendation from my direct supervisor that attests to my reliability and technical expertise in my position."
Third, you want to show the other side of your argument effectively and accurately. You need to accurately represent their motives and their point of view as well. This shows that not only have you researched what the other side feels, but you are also showing that you can agree with them and have a common ground, and you don't think they are wrong, but that your idea is simply a better alternative.
- Wrong: "I know you have the money in the company so there is no reason for you to refuse me."
- Right: "I do understand that profits have slipped for the company, but I feel my request is fair and in line with the company's current revenues."
In the wrong example, you are not representing the other side and only using speculation. The company could be near bankruptcy for all you know, and by demanding money in this manner, you only hurt your argument. However, in the second example, you are acknowledging that profits have slipped but that you feel that you are being fair with your request. You can also say that more money will make you more productive and thereby help create more revenue for the company.
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