Directions:
Read the following case carefully. Then write a one page, single spaced persuasive message following the task instructions. Make sure to follow what you have learned from Chapter 9 when writing this message, using the AIDA approach. The outline provided in the Portfolio 3 Assignment will also be helpful for this persuasive message. Please note that the plagiarism/AI scanner is on. E-Book is attached, chapter 9 is from p.228>230.
Exam: Write a Persuasive Business Message
As someone who came of age in the “post email” world of blogs, wikis, social networks and other Web 2.0 technologies, you were rather disappointed to find your new employer solidly stuck in the age of email. While you use email, it is only one of many tools you use to communicate (both personally and professionally). In fact, your use of social media on the job has recently allowed you to find potential sales contacts at several large companies, connect with peers from other companies, and learn about some upcoming legislative matters that could hamper your company’s current way of doing business (not to mention it’s how you found this job).
Sadly, waiting in your email in-box this morning was a message from the CEO, announcing that the company is now cutting off access to social networking websites and banning the use of any social media at work. The message says that using company time and computers for socializing is highly inappropriate and might be considered grounds for dismissal in the future if the problem gets out of hand.
Your task: Send a message to your immediate superior explaining why you believe the new policy should be reversed. Using your boss’s favorite medium (email, of course) write a persuasive message, explaining why Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms are valid and valuable business tools.
Note:
Be creative in what company (fictional or not)/who you write to/any other. necessary facts to make your audience/purpose more concrete.
Look at chapter 9 for help and ideas.
Consider the AIDA approach.
Don’t forget audience and purpose as you put this together.
Remember that this is an email – audience is very important (do they have time to read a very long and verbose email? Probably not so be concise)!
For this message, keep the following in mind (Chapter 9 goes into detail on this):
AIDA Approach (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
Indirect/Direct Approach depends on PURPOSE/AUDIENCE
Balance emotion (pathos) with logic (logos) for a stronger message – also establish ethos
Anticipate the counterargument and be ready to refute it
Argument vs. Rhetoric – this is more argument!
Organize as an email OR a formal letter that you would send/drop off – up to you this time
