Instructor Blog: Tips on Effectively Using Persuasion in the Workplace

Bryant & Stratton College is focused on preparing students for the workforce, and workplace capabilities are one way of doing that.

Workplace capabilities are listed on each supplemental syllabus, and one of the workplace capabilities listed is persuasion. Why is this a valuable skill and how will it be accomplished in your courses? Along with the obvious examples of persuading an employer to hire you or give you a raise, persuasion is often seen in more subtle, common examples. When working on a project, you may want to persuade your co-workers to select your approach. You may want to propose a new technology and procedure.

Specific courses at Bryant & Stratton will help you hone your persuasive skills. In ENGL 101, you will persuade your audience regarding a topic and supporting the argument with research. Not only is supporting an argument with credible research an essential part of persuasion, you will include a rebuttal, which involves addressing the opposing point of view. The rebuttal is important because it shows that you have considered the other point of view and any weakness in your stance. In a work environment, this would be recognizing and refuting objections such as finances. In ENGL 250, you will create a proposal for a real or hypothetical supervisor.

This proposal will be supported with research and ready to present to a supervisor. It could be a proposal to implement new technology or change a procedure. I enjoy teaching this course and seeing students actually present their proposals in their current position and have their suggestions implemented. Practicing these skills will give you the confidence to execute proposals in the workforce.

Professional Persuasion

When considering persuasion in a professional environment, it is important to clarify what persuasion is not. Persuasion is not communicating with the pushiness of a salesperson or grossly misrepresenting the opposing side. In the academic and professional world, persuasion means presenting an argument in a respectful manner and supporting your point of view with credible research.

Bryant & Stratton College is focused on preparing students for the workforce, and workplace capabilities are one way of doing that.

Workplace capabilities are listed on each supplemental syllabus, and one of the workplace capabilities listed is persuasion. Why is this a valuable skill and how will it be accomplished in your courses? Along with the obvious examples of persuading an employer to hire you or give you a raise, persuasion is often seen in more subtle, common examples. When working on a project, you may want to persuade your co-workers to select your approach. You may want to propose a new technology and procedure.

Specific courses at Bryant & Stratton will help you hone your persuasive skills. In ENGL 101, you will persuade your audience regarding a topic and supporting the argument with research. Not only is supporting an argument with credible research an essential part of persuasion, you will include a rebuttal, which involves addressing the opposing point of view. The rebuttal is important because it shows that you have considered the other point of view and any weakness in your stance. In a work environment, this would be recognizing and refuting objections such as finances. In ENGL 250, you will create a proposal for a real or hypothetical supervisor.

This proposal will be supported with research and ready to present to a supervisor. It could be a proposal to implement new technology or change a procedure. I enjoy teaching this course and seeing students actually present their proposals in their current position and have their suggestions implemented. Practicing these skills will give you the confidence to execute proposals in the workforce.

Professional Persuasion

When considering persuasion in a professional environment, it is important to clarify what persuasion is not. Persuasion is not communicating with the pushiness of a salesperson or grossly misrepresenting the opposing side. In the academic and professional world, persuasion means presenting an argument in a respectful manner and supporting your point of view with credible research.

Effective Persuasion: Know Your Audience

Any information you can glean about the intended audience will help you select the most effective approach. Should you include spreadsheets, or instead provide a general overview? How can you relate your proposal to something the recipient cares about? For example, if you are proposing a new technology or procedure to a manager, you would emphasize how your proposal would increase efficiency. A professional, respectful tone is essential when submitting a proposal. While you may not always effectively persuade, you can approach persuasion in a way that you can be proud of and maintain a positive relationship with those around you. A courteous, professional approach is in itself persuasive!

Any information you can glean about the intended audience will help you select the most effective approach. Should you include spreadsheets, or instead provide a general overview? How can you relate your proposal to something the recipient cares about? For example, if you are proposing a new technology or procedure to a manager, you would emphasize how your proposal would increase efficiency. A professional, respectful tone is essential when submitting a proposal. While you may not always effectively persuade, you can approach persuasion in a way that you can be proud of and maintain a positive relationship with those around you. A courteous, professional approach is in itself persuasive!