The Role of Audience Motivation and Cognitive Engagement in Effective Persuasive Communication
Overview
This reflection paper examines the relationship between audience motivation, attention, and persuasive effectiveness in communication. The author argues that motivating an audience before attempting persuasion is essential, and that understanding the cognitive approaches used in persuasion enables both effective persuasion and resistance to persuasive attempts.
What this reflection paper covers
- The importance of audience motivation and attention in effective communication
- The role of cognitive engagement in considering presented arguments
- Understanding persuasive techniques as a means of both persuading and resisting persuasion
Preview
Discussion Persuasion
One specific lesson I can take from the chapter is that whenever people are motivated, they are able to pay more attention and deliver proper arguments during the communication process. Without paying attention, it is impossible for people to offer effective communication. In this regard, it is important to ensure that I get the audience motivated before I start persuading them about a certain issue. In order to resist the persuasive efforts of other people, it is important to pay attention and understand the implications of any argument presented by the persuading individual. These two elements are important in ensuring that I can effectively persuade other people during the communication process. The advantages of getting people motivated is capturing their cognitive thinking and allow them to consider the issues you are presenting during the process of communication. On the other, one is able to resist the persuasion of other people of he or she is able to understand the cognitive abilities or communication approaches individuals use to transform or persuade people adopt a certain perspective.