9 Summary

The main learning points from this session are:

• Messages can be made more persuasive by credible supporting evidence and data.
• A more persuasive message delivery draws on personal experiences, enthusiasm and conviction.
• Credibility is enhanced by appropriate language use: hedging and boosting language is particularly valuable and, if the situation demands, stirring words that convey emotion.
• Messages can become more persuasive if they are concise. The rule of three is a useful principle; i.e. crystallising information into three key points to emphasise it and make it memorable.
• The listing of structure and positive language (from Session 2) combined with logic, data, and emotion (from this session) was used to help summarise the ingredients of an influential message.

The main focus of the next session is to apply what you’ve learned so far to video examples, some of which include a feedback element in working teams. It is an opportunity to consider your own approach to giving feedback and to explore the possible boundary between harsh feedback and bullying.

You can now go to Session 6 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .