Good Example Of Essay On The Power Of Persuasion

Persuasion is a powerful tool that individuals use against others every day. At times, persuasive methods can be so subtle that we do not even realize that we are being persuaded to believe something or make a decision. It is important to understand the power of persuasion, as well as the different methods used to persuade others. What is more important, perhaps, is to understand the certain type of person who is most likely to use these tools for personal gain, rather than that of the greater good. Individuals who work in sales, or who are recruiting for a company is likely to persuade others in order the benefit monetarily or in an attempt to help their company. Another group that typically employs strong persuasion tactics to gain followers is religious groups. In order to assess their tactics, react to their persuasion, and reflect on how such tactics could be resisted in the future, I willingly exposed myself to the persuasive methods of a local religious group.
I approached this willful persuasion emersion with no specific mindset. I did not want to be internally set against it but I did not want to be compliant with the religious group’s every wish either. I wanted to remain aware and vigilant, but not come off so aggressive I became unapproachable. This would have been bad for analysis. My approach worked and they immediately employed their techniques of persuasion. I was unaware of just how many tactics they would attempt to use on me. Initially they began with the foot-in-the-door tactic, which consisted of the offering of a modest request followed by a very extravagant request. This was cleverly disguised in the form of me simply confessing a short list of my sins, which sounded easy, and then devoting me entire life to Christ. However, my entire life’s devotion was camouflaged under a blanket off small, daily changes I would be making in order to get into heaven, and be accepted by the church. The next persuasion tactic used by this religious group was that’s-not-all technique. Initially I was promised a clearer conscious. This was followed by a cleaner life, free of sin and hate. Then I was promised the company of happier individuals, as well as more happiness myself. Many more small rewards continued to piling up, all leading to the very large reward of everlasting life in heaven with god, if I renounced many of the ways I lived my normal life in an attempt to merge with the church.
While those two tactics were very noticeable, the most obvious techniques the religious group used on me were that of social proof and conformity, and conveying illusions of authority, honesty, and likeability. When the primary individual speaking to me was at the height of his persuasion, he spoke of the multitudes of people that were happier and more satisfied with their lives because of religion. At one point, others from the group were even called over to attest this this truth, admitting that joining the church had improved their lives and overall happiness. The individual, and the group, were attempting to persuade me by showing me proof that the church’s way of life did enhance the wellbeing of its members. In doing so, the group hoped I would conform to their standards so that I would achieve the same happiness and comfort. Finally, the individual and the group attempted to assert illusions of authority, as well as honesty over me. I use the term “illusion” with seriousness because the basis of their authority revolves around the bible and their belief in god. Their root of persuasion was that they were in on a secret that I had not yet been told and in order to gain access to said secret, I would have to effectively hand myself over to them and allow my life to be dictated by their rules. If I did not, they would not allow me into the everlasting kingdom of heaven. They would pray for my condemned soul, because they were nice in that way. The individual I initially spoke with attempted to maintain an honest repose with me by sharing how he himself had been, what he referred to, as lost prior to joining the church. He related by lost to being like me, and in an effort to further persuade me made sure that I knew he bore me no ill will for being a heathen, but was instead here to save my mortal soul. How thoughtful of him.
I understand that the primary persuasive concept that religious groups have on their side is the promise of happiness and everlasting life. It is also worth mentioning that religious groups are very social and, if one joins a church and is willing to act properly, they are typically guaranteed a social circle forever. Unfortunately, it is within these crucial persuasive tactics that the logical fallacies in the religious group’s persuasive techniques lie. In a rudimentary way, religion is a reward system. You trade a lifetime of good deeds for an afterlife in heaven. To a lesser extent, you also trade a lifetime of good deeds for the companionship provided by the church, as well as the happiness and wellbeing that religion is supposed to bring. The principally agreed upon payoff is heaven though, which is a fallacy. Heaven is promised in the bible, which was written by men. There is no way to know if anything in the bible actually happened, or if god exists at all. The basis for the persuasive technique is rooted more firmly in herd mentality than it is in fact. The existence of god cannot be proven, nor the existence of heaven or the promise of an eternally glorious afterlife. Therefore, the only real promise I received from my religious pursuers was that if I agreed to live a different life, I would be allowed to visit their church and be their friend until I pass away.
I attempted not to approach this experience with any specific mindset. Despite this, it was difficult not to immediately see which techniques were used. Subsequently, I also noticed which fallacies emerged, as I have noted. I responded kindly, but firmly. Recognizing the tactics for what they were I began to ask questions. Why were the followers of such a kind, loving god expected to give so much? Why was god so judgmental? Could I join the church and still be myself? Finally, I asked how he even knew heaven existed. All of my questions received typically unsatisfying answers. My interrogation prompted my persuader to invite his fellow worshippers over to show how happy religion had made them. I quickly excused myself, realizing that my experience with persuasion had served its purpose.
It is obvious from how I reacted to the onslaught I endured that I do not need to articulate how to resist the powers of persuasion in the future. Fortunately, I am learning how to recognize persuasive techniques and understand when they are being used for good, and when they are being used for personal benefit. However, if another individual were facing the same situation there are helpful hints that may help him or her resist persuasion. One of the reasons that I was not swayed by the persuasive techniques is because I knew what they were. Simply being aware of which persuasive technique was being used helped me understand what was happening. Understanding logical fallacies and being able to spot them as they arose also helped me see the conversation for what it was. I did not need to be combative or aggressive, but being aware of how others may attempt to approach me in an effort to use me helped make me immune to the situation. I do not wish to make others less trusting, but it is important to recognize an individual’s intent before believing everything they say. I encourage others to act in this manner when approaching similar situations. Being aware of the type of individual who may use persuasive techniques is another helpful tool for resistance. Having these two pieces of information in mind pushed me to be more inquisitive, which helped me ask questions. I was able to push my persuader out of his natural comfort zone. In doing so, I found that he seemed to be running off a script that he had, at the very least, run through in his own mind. Because I had deviated from it so sporadically, he was left to his own devices and I was able to see how illogical his persuasion techniques appeared to be. The fallacies in his argument, as well as the basis of his persuasion techniques, also became easier to spot. While I am uncertain if this is the case with all situations such as this, I suspect it is very similar. With that in mind, I would encourage others to ask questions, and to steer the conversation when approached by somebody on the prowl to persuade.
In sum, while I am not an expert in the art of persuasion, I am also no longer a novice. I am beginning to see that the only way to learn more about the art of persuasion, its techniques, and logical fallacies, is to experience these types of situations firsthand. I am becoming better able to spot persuasive techniques when they are being used on me. Prior to this situation, many of these techniques may have been lost on me and though they may not have worked, I would not have been able to recognize them for what they were. More importantly than recognizing persuasion techniques, I am learning to recognize certain types of people. Salespeople, religious groups, and those looking to only benefit themselves will most likely use persuasion techniques of any kind to convince me of anything, as long as it benefits themselves. This awareness is helping me cultivate an inquisitive nature that is allowing me to spot logical fallacies easier and sooner. This curiosity, in turn, is helping me resist harmful persuasion when I need it most; I am less susceptible to the whims of others. I only hope others maintain this attitude when they are approached by the powers of persuasion.