Tag: persuasive writing
Using ‘scarcity’ in persuasive writing
This is the second in a six-part series on influence and persuasion, loosely based on Dr Robert Cialdini’s work. Cialdini describes an experiment in which two ...
Read More
You won’t believe this (or, How NOT to be ‘in-credible’)
Which of the following is more credible? Computer A is significantly faster than Computer B. Computer A is 40 per cent faster than Computer B. ...
Read More
A 2300-year-old persuasion tip
To see a 2300-year-old persuasion tip, cast your vote on what you think is the most powerful key to persuasion.
Read More
Writing tips from PUAs (pick-up artists)
With a little creative licence, the same techniques that charm women can charm your readers. I've adapted tips from pick-up artists (PUAs), and applied them ...
Read More
Video: Writing to Persuade – 6 steps
Persuasive writing - 6 steps to influencing your readers - video interview - 7 mins
Read More
Influence through “Scarcity”
Social researcher Cialdini tells of an experiment in which two groups of people were asked to rate choc-chip biscuits. Group A took theirs from a ...
Read More
Influence through “Social Proof”
Feeling sheepish? Your readers are. Well, they (like all of us) can act like sheep when making decisions. Ever notice yourself checking what others are ...
Read More
Influence through “Commitment & Consistency”
Here’s how to literally change readers’ minds. Cialdini tells of a researcher who “surveyed” residents, asking them to predict their response if they were asked ...
Read More
Influence through “Reciprocation”
This is a series of persuasive writing tips based on Cialdini’s “Influence” principles. This one’s about the Reciprocation Rule. If someone does you a favour, ...
Read More
Influence through “Authority”
Continuing our series on persuasive writing tips applying Cialdini’s “Influence” principles, here’s how you can use “Authority” to win readers over. To Cialdini, “authority” is ...
Read More