Tips on effective communication
Regardless of the method you choose , the following are proven ways to help you change the hearts and minds of people you communicate with : Deliver a story or statement that arouses the audience ' s interest / Pose a problem or question that must be solved or answered Provide a bridge between what you know and what they know using a story structure ( see next page ) or well-known topic - find common ground and appeal to their values Offer a solution to the problem you raised , explaining why it will be of benefit to them ( e . g ., cost-saving , beneficial to the community , etc .) State a tangible call to action ( install solar panels ; make Mondays meatfree ; build a cycle lane ) Send a messenger that your target audience finds credible Empathise with challenges they may face in making the change - show them how it is possible ( e . g ., examples of where it has worked before ) Actively listen and respond , asking questions to clarify things they may say and repeating back key points they make to ensure you understand and that they know they are being heard Be aware of structural inequalities - time constraints , low wages , where someone lives , government policies ... all these and more influence someones ability to make a change . However , they may be able to get political to fight for better conditions .
Aristotle ' s rhetorical triangle Credibility
Trustworthiness , respect and / or reputation Tone / style
Emotion
Imagination and emotional resonance Stories
Logic
Reasoning or argument Facts , figures , case studies
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