Question

Eve is creating an argument for a general audience on why tri-coloured pens are superior to single-coloured pens. Which of the following scenarios would create the highest persuasion?

1) A two-sided message that is well rehearsed. Before giving the speech Eve explains that she is the CEO of a major pen company that has sold billions of pens over the last 10 years.
2) Either a one- or two-sided message, but before giving her speech, Eve makes herself look extremely attractive. The message is well presented and easy to understand.
3) A one-sided message with a lot of eye contact. It does not really matter what is in her speech, as Eve just needs to look credible.
4) A strong two-sided message that is concise and well reasoned. Eve researches many reasons why her product is superior to a usual pen.

Answer 1

The most persuasive scenario among the ones presented would be Eve presenting a strong, concise, and well-reasoned two-sided message based on thorough research. This approach aligns with the principles of the central route to persuasion and leverages the credibility of the messenger to effectively change the audience's attitude towards tri-colored pens.

Step-by-step explanation:

When creating an argument for why tri-colored pens are superior to single-colored pens, several strategies of persuasion can be employed to achieve the highest level of persuasion for a general audience. Research in social psychology suggests that the effectiveness of a persuasive message can be influenced by the message's subtlety, sidedness, timing, credibility of the speaker, physical attractiveness of the speaker, as well the quality and reasoning within the message. The central route of persuasion, which is logic driven and employs data and facts, is likely to be more effective in producing lasting attitude change when the message is strong and well-reasoned.

In the scenarios presented, the fourth scenario where Eve presents a strong two-sided message that is concise and well reasoned, supported by thorough research into why her product is superior, is likely to be the most persuasive tactic. This is because it follows the principles of the central route to persuasion. The credibility of the messenger, as defined by her expertise and delivery of a strong logical argument, will have both an immediate and long-term impact on the audience's attitude towards tri-colored pens.

Therefore, to persuade an audience effectively, it is essential to present a strong, credible message that considers various aspects of the product and the counterarguments. This approach, along with the speaker's credibility, is what ultimately determines the persuasive power of the argument. Other factors such as physical attractiveness and the use of humor or anecdotes to engage the audience can also complement the central message, but are less critical than the message's content and delivery.