Context: The ability to persuade is an important skill you will need in the business world. Persuasion is particularly important for any business or organization that sells goods or services. The effectiveness of a persuasive argument depends largely on the reasonableness of the request, the credibility of the sources used to show the need for the request, and the ability to make the request attractive to the receiver. In Preparation: Read The Rhetorical Triangle: Ethos, Pathos and Logos Task: Choose one of the two following scenarios, then compose and record (either audio or video) a short speech to your supervisor. For your chosen scenario, consider especially ethics and culture as you make your argument. The office dress code at your company is strictly business professional attire, which includes strict guidelines on hairstyles, facial hair, minimal jewelry, etc. The employees feel that business casual is more appropriate for your company culture; some might even say the current guidelines are discriminatory toward women and people of color. Youve been designated as the spokesperson to approach the executive leadership team about this proposed change. How will you persuade them to buy into your recommendation? Your boss discourages remote working although it is allowed in other departments and it has proven effective and efficient at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This is starting to impact the morale of your team. How will you persuade him that increased flexibility will be beneficial to the productivity and work-life balance of the team? In each scenario, the goal is to persuade a supervisor to accept your argument to make a significant change to policy. Your speech should include: An effective lead-in (opening hook) A Clear Purpose/Clearly Stated Bottom Line/Direct Ask Key benefits supported with evidence with a particular focus on culture and ethics (This section should also make effective use of refutation: recognize constraints (organizational, legal, ethical, financial, etc), predict audience reaction, and addresses counterarguments Storytelling ClosingShow more
