Ewing, Strategies of Persuasion

David Ewing asserts that there are rules that every persuader should know. But it is not as simple as following a few rules of persuasion when you write; a good writer adapts their approach to each different situation. He then gives 11 rules that should be followed when trying to persuade. These are all rules that we have undoubtedly heard before, but he puts them into a context, where it is important to know your audience before you begin writing. Last, he presents some questions to ask about your audience's situation and relationship to you:

Deeply or only mildly interested in the subject of your communication? IPTAY is deeply interested in my subject. The wheels are in motion for the iTiger project and they need recommendations for marketing and PR.

Familiar or unfamiliar with your views, competence, and feelings about them? Here, they are mostly unfamiliar with my views and competence. They are somewhat familiar with my feelings toward the project; they have seen my enthusiasm toward this opportunity in meetings we've had.

Knowledgeable or ignorant of your authority in the area discussed, your status, and your associations of possible importance to them? I would say before I sent my proposal to Mr. Match, they were ignorant of my authority in the area, but they have some background now as to my qualifications on the subject.

Committed or uncommitted to a viewpoint, opinion, or course of action other than the one you favor in your report? I do not believe they have any ideas or opinions on the matter at this point. This needs to be researched further.

Likely or unlikely to find your proposal, idea, finding, or conclusion threatening or requiring considerable change in their thought or behavior? Very, very, very unlikely.

Inclined or uninclined to think and feel the way they do about the subject because of identifiable reasons, prejudices, or experiences? I would say they are probably inclined to feel the way they do about iTiger because of identifiable reasons, such as there commitment to the university and athletics.

Associated formally or informally with groups or organizations involved in some way with the idea or proposal you deal with? Umm, yeah, Clemson, IPTAY.