Question 1

On behalf of your civic organization, you are inviting a motivational speaker to your semiannual meeting. In your request you guarantee the speaker an enthusiastic audience and a positive impact on the community, both of which emphasize

Accepted Answer

Guaranteeing an enthusiastic audience and a positive impact on the community highlights the indirect benefits to the reader (the speaker), such as increased satisfaction from making a meaningful contribution and potentially gaining a favorable reputation, rather than directly praising them or employing a specific communication strategy.

Question 2

When developing a claim message, you should

Accepted Answer

All the options provided are key components of effectively developing a claim message. Closing the message with a clear request ensures the recipient knows what action to take, describing the problem succinctly keeps the message focused, and including relevant materials supports the claim being made.

Question 3

When writing persuasive claim or complaint messages, you should

Accepted Answer

Using a moderate tone in persuasive claim or complaint messages is effective because it helps maintain professionalism and increases the likelihood of a positive response. Aggressive or accusatory language can alienate the recipient and reduce the chances of a favorable outcome.

Question 4

Persuasive claims are often written when

Accepted Answer

Persuasive claims are written in situations where there is a need to convince someone to take action or correct an error, which can include damaged products, wrong shipments, and billing mistakes.

Question 5

Effective persuasive claim messages

Accepted Answer

Effective persuasive claim messages focus on presenting a logical case with clear, factual evidence to support the claim, rather than focusing on blame, anger, or strong emotions.

Question 6

Persuasion in today's businesses focuses on

Accepted Answer

Persuasion in today's businesses is about influencing others, including customers, employees, and stakeholders, to make decisions or take actions that benefit the business. It involves understanding and appealing to their needs, interests, and emotions.

Question 7

Persuasive claim messages are also called

Accepted Answer

Persuasive claim messages are often referred to as complaint messages because they aim to persuade the recipient to address a problem or issue.

Question 8

As a persuasive writer, you should practice all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Offering a bribe or kickback is unethical and undermines the integrity of persuasive writing. Persuasion should be based on credible arguments and evidence, not on unethical incentives.

Question 9

Persuasion is necessary when

Accepted Answer

Persuasion is particularly necessary when your audience may have resistance or objections to your idea, as it involves convincing them to see your perspective or accept your proposal.

Question 10

In the body of a persuasive request, you can reduce resistance by

Accepted Answer

Anticipating objections and offering counterarguments directly addresses potential resistance by acknowledging it and providing solutions or alternative perspectives, making the request more persuasive.

Question 11

Most persuasive requests should be organized

Accepted Answer

Most persuasive requests should be organized indirectly to build a case before presenting the main request, allowing the reader to understand and be persuaded by the argument before being asked to act.

Question 12

Which statement about persuasion in business communication today is  most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Persuasive tactics have evolved with technology and digital communication, leading to more impersonal methods compared to the direct, personal approaches often used in the past. This shift reflects changes in how businesses and marketers reach and influence their audiences.

Question 13

Choose the best closing for a message requesting the receiver's support for a proposed change in a benefits plan.

Accepted Answer

B) is the best closing because it provides a clear call to action with a specific deadline, which helps in planning and shows the importance of the receiver's response in the context of a strategic planning session.

Question 14

When using the indirect strategy in a persuasive message, you should place the reasons and explanations

Accepted Answer

In the indirect strategy for persuasive messages, reasons and explanations are presented before the main idea to prepare the reader and build a logical foundation for the argument, making the main idea more acceptable when it is introduced.

Question 15

Mikhail's claim has been denied once. Now, he is writing a second persuasive claim message to his digital media services company asking for a promised rebate package. Because he expects resistance, what should he do?

Accepted Answer

Appealing to the receiver's sense of responsibility and pride in the company's good name is an effective strategy in persuasive communication, especially when expecting resistance. It encourages the receiver to act positively by aligning the action with the company's values and reputation.

Question 16

Effective persuasion has the aim of __________________ others.

Accepted Answer

Effective persuasion aims to influence others by presenting arguments and evidence to change their beliefs or behaviors.

Question 17

Which of the following messages would most likely require the indirect strategy to persuade an audience?

Accepted Answer

Indirect strategy is often used when the message might meet resistance or when persuasion is needed, such as when requesting favors and action from coworkers.

Question 18

The closing of a persuasive request should

Accepted Answer

The closing of a persuasive request should motivate action, encouraging the reader to take the desired step or make a decision in favor of the proposal.

Question 19

Sammie is planning a persuasive request. What advice should she follow for the opening of her request?

Accepted Answer

Capturing the reader's attention and interest is crucial in the opening of a persuasive request to ensure the reader is engaged and motivated to continue reading.

Question 20

Select the most effective opening for a persuasive request that invites a state representative to speak at your organization's Flag Day celebration.

Accepted Answer

This choice effectively opens with a compliment that acknowledges the representative's achievements, making it more persuasive and engaging.

Quiz 8: Persuasive Messages