Persuasive Vs. Directive Communication Persuasive Essay

Get out of your comfort zone and don't miss this once-a-year event. Use this opportunity to establish your own place in the office.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED in the EXERCISE:

Direct communication and persuasive communication both aim to make the reader/listener do certain things that the writer/speaker wants them to. Their difference from each other could be seen in their construction and the way they are constructed. Direct communication requires an authority figure directing a person to do what he/she wants done, with or without good reason. As such, the words used would tend to focus on the person giving the direction rather than the person actually doing the task. This type of communication would only work for a certain group of people, particularly those who hold a position of authority. Alternatively, persuasive communication can be used by anyone mainly using persuasive words to convince the one who would do the task that it is beneficial for them. Thus, the focus will be on the task doer himself, rather than the one asking for it (R.F. Abbott, 2007).In my opinion, persuasive communication is generally better than directive communication because it makes the task doer feel valued and fulfilled even before he/she starts doing the job. Psychologists argue that we need to find fulfillment through having goals that are interesting to work on and which use our strengths and abilities. (M. Rudin, 2006). To quote Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." Nevertheless, directive communication should also be used in appropriate situations. For instance, when you feel that a subordinate is losing his/her respect for you and therefore is not obeying you no matter how much you persuade him/her.

REFERENCES

Abbott, R.F. Persuasive Communication in Business. The Sideroad, 2007.

Rudin, M. The Science of Happiness. BBC News, 2006......