Persuasive vs. Directive memo
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Module 4 - SLP
Persuasive Writing: Getting Controversial
Persuasive vs Directive Writing
This assignment has 3 parts. The purpose of this assignment is to help you understand the difference between persuasive and directive communication.
First, imagine that your company headquarters has initiated a Casual Friday rule at your workplace. The rule works fine in most departments, but in your department you have two problems. First, unlike most departments, you deal with the public often and unexpectedly; a customer can come by anytime. Second, your staff tends to overdo. They wear sandals, shorts and ...well, let's say you avert your eyes often.
.
Part 1: Imagine you have authority to order your staff to do what you want them to do. Write one or two paragraphs (about 6 sentences) as an email in directive mode.
Part 2. Now imagine that you do *not* have authority over this group. It's a headquarters policy. However, you want to persuade them to dress differently on Casual Fridays. Write another email message, this time in persuasive mode.
Do not offer a bribe or reward. ("If you do this, you will get time off.") Motivate your reader by appealing to his or her interests, needs and desires. Use logic and reasoning.
Do not make threats. You can't say, "Failure to comply will result in dismissal." Remember, you don't have the authority to do anything. You are relying totally on your persuasive powers.
Think of 2 or more reasons to persuade the other person to do what you want. Consider the other person's perspective. What would motivate him, her or them to act this way? For example, "When you come to work on time, you will work more efficiently the rest of the day and you'll feel more relaxed."
Part 3. Write a paragraph explaining what you learned about the difference between persuasive and directive writing. .
Checklist for Grading:
==> Demonstrate understanding of persuasive vs directive writing.
==> Following directions (necessary for a grade of "B" or higher)
==> Organize persuasive essay (Part 2) into specific points, one pont per paragraph.
==> Support each point with logic and reasoning.
==> Complete all 3 parts of the assignment (necessary to get A- or A)
==>Use of APA formatting if you use references. Guidelines here.
==>Follow word count guidelines for each part of the assignment.
==>Few quotes from sources (use your own words) and absolutely no copying or close paraphrasing from any source without appropriate citation. See the TUI Student Handbook (page 13) for a discussion of unintentional plagiarism.
==> Present your own ideas. It's not hard to find published essays on all sorts of topics. But we want to see your work - not someone else's! You only get credit for work that is 100% yours. In some courses it is appropriate to use quotations. In this course, there is no reason to quote anyone else, except very briefly to support your points.
==>No general statements with "all," "none," "must," "should," "mandatory," and similar terms
==> Business and workplace topics only. Please do not make reference to religion, national politics or anything that's intensely personal.
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Solution Summary
Memo format examples of persuasive vs. directive writing styles regarding abuse of Casual Dress Fridays in the corporate business setting, with examples.
Solution Preview
To approach this assignment, You must first understand the difference between the two writing styles. Directive writing is just that, giving someone a directive, or an order, that they must obey, or suffer the consequences for disobedience. In contrast, persuasive writing attempts to persuade the reader to agree with what you want them to do. To write effectively in persuasive mode, you must understand the interests and motivations of your audience. You can then use points to persuade them that will appeal to their own wants, needs and desires to encourage them to agree with you and do what you want them to do.
The directive style is easier: you simply "lay down the law," and tell them what you want them to do - or else. If they want to keep their jobs, they will comply. If they don't want to comply, they need to leave the job anyway.
To write your e-mail memo to your department's employees, open a new document in MS Word. Word has a wizard program inside it that will help you create professional-looking documents ...
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