The general purpose of persuasion is to convince someone to agree with your point of view. The specific purpose varies and could include, political view, religious views, selling them a product and so forth. Businesses and schools teach different methods of persuading. Each of these techniques have the origins in Aristotle's rhetoric. There are three types of persuasion, (1) Logical persuasion. Make a general claim and support it with concrete data. The goal is to persuade the reader to reach the same conclusion as you. The Greek concept of "logos" is translated either as reason or language. (2) Ethical persuasion. You consider and anticipate the other person's point of view and include this in your argument. The goal is to reach a mutual understanding. It is important to convince the reader that you are well informed, credible and honest. (3) Emotional persuasion. This is the most important element. The most effective form of persuasion pulls at the heartstrings.
Letters of persuasion are an important part of the business world. They are used to sell products to consumers, expand business contacts, and elicit and comfort investors. Businesses often use workshops to train employees in the necessary strategies of persuasive letter writing. Employees learn how to (1) construct a message that will appeal to the target audience, (2) anticipate the reader's response, and (3) preemptively respond to the reader's possible objections.
Teaching persuasive letter writing techniques is a valuable pedagogical tool in the classroom. It is informative for both elementary students as well as high school students. The primary purpose is to develop the students critical thinking and writing skills. Students learn how make a general claim and then support it by including, facts, expert opinions, specific examples and personal anecdotes. Students also benefit by becoming aware of the dangers of propaganda and manipulation.
Newspapers offer an important public forum for debate and the exchanging of ideas. The editorial section of the newspaper provides a public space in which readers can attempt to persuade the public about a particular topic. This can include everything from a global environmental issue to problems with the local school board. The goal of an editorial letter, as an instrument of persuasion, is the same.