In the context of business communications, a strong argument refers to a situation in which support for a proposal is generated by:

a person who does not take 'no' for an answer or effective reason and logic

The best way to persuade someone using the problem solving approach is to start with:

clearly and directly explaining your view that the current approach is terrible or pointing out common ground that you share with the audience

With most new proposals that require significant changes and/or significant investment of resources, decision makers and stakeholders will have objections and concerns. An effective persuasive proposal deals with objections by:

Minimizing the legitimacy of possible concerns and exaggerating benefits or Ignoring possible objections so as not to confuse the issue

Which of the following are true (may be more than correct answer)?

It is often difficult to work effectively with those who threaten frequently

Threats are typically a very effective means of persuasive communication if backed up by action

Threats can provoke actions from others which make the situation worse

It is ok to let people know that certain actions will have consequences, if communicated in a positive and supportive manner.

Match the persuasive strategy with the context in which that strategy is likely to be most effective.

Direct request pattern, Problem solving pattern, and Sales pattern

Audience may likely to have any objections to do what you would like them to do.

Audience may not be inclined to accept your idea, and you expect logic to be the best persuasive strategy

Audience may not be inclined to accept your idea, and you expect an emotional appeal to be the best persuasive strategy

Imagine that you are being asked to develop a proposal to give all full-time students a standard laptop computer pre-loaded with necessary software. Match the element of a good persuasive argument listed on the left column with appropriate specific examples.

Identify key decision makers that need to be convinced, Identify common ground, Identify an unmet need or goal of the decision makers, Describe how your proposal will help the decision makers achieve their goals, and Address objections

Students academic success is important to all

Costs can be funded through reduced textbooks rental fees and through increase technology fee

All students should be require to come to class with a laptop

Providing all students with a laptop will remove student barriers to academic success

School's process toward meeting student retention and graduation goals needs to be accelerated to meet system goals

Students should all have the latest Apple laptops because most also have iPhones

Students

Chancellor, Provost, Vice-Chancellor-Finance