Persuasion & Influence in American Life

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Waveland Press, 1992 - Social Science - 418 pages
Persuasion in action is dissected through the fusion of theory and practice in multiple contexts - interpersonal relationships, politics, advertising, social movements, and speaking effectively in diverse settings. Rich illustrations drawn from the mass media, popular culture, and public relations illuminate the concrete skills necessary to become effective, ethical, and credible persuaders. Readers discover that persuasion is an interactive process; it requires willing and attentive participants sensitive to the effects of persuasion on others. The systematic thinking and knowledge essential to planning, composing, and delivering messages to influence others are equally useful in analyzing the ubiquitous persuasive efforts encountered daily. By highlighting the interplay of audiences and messages in every chapter, Woodward and Denton provide a solid foundation for becoming informed, responsible contributors to and consumers of persuasion.

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Contents

ORIGINS OF PERSUASIVE PRACTICE
25
The Advocate and the Manipulation of Symbols
55
Language Interaction and Reality
64
Copyright

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