Persuasion facts for kids

Persuasion, novel by Jane Austen. Illustrated by C. E. Brock for Sir Walter Elliot, baronet, the hints of Mr Shepherd, his agent, were quite unwelcome

The art of persuasion'--returning from a ball in India from "The Graphic", 1890

Persuasion is a form of influence. It is the way to get people to agree with an idea, attitude, or action by rational and emotional means. It is a problem-solving strategy and relies on "appeals" rather than force.

Dissuasion is the process of convincing someone not to believe or act on something.

Persuasion is often confused with manipulation, which is the way to get people to agree with something that is not in their best interest. Persuasion is meant to benefit one or more parties in the end.

Methods of persuasion

• Evidence
• Logic
• Rhetoric
• Scientific method
• Advertising
• Faith
• Presentation and Imagination
• Propaganda
• Tradition

Aids to persuasion:

• Body language
• Communication skill or Rhetoric

Other techniques, which may or may not work:

• Hypnosis

Coercive techniques, some of which are highly controversial and/or not scientifically proven to be effective:

• Brainwashing

See also

In Spanish: Persuasión para niños