Journalistic Question Associated with Persuasion in Reporting

Study Notes

Which Journalistic Question is Associated with Persuasion?

Persuasion, or influencing others, is a crucial skill in various aspects of life, including personal and professional situations. In the context of journalism, persuasion plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and driving people to take action. Among the five journalistic questions, the one associated with persuasion is:

Why?

This question helps journalists delve deeper into the underlying reasons and motivations behind a particular event or issue, allowing them to present a more comprehensive and persuasive argument in their reporting. By addressing the "Why?" question, journalists can:

Identify the target audience: Understanding the needs, goals, fears, and beliefs of their audience helps journalists tailor their message to resonate with them more effectively.
Explore the limbic brain: People are more likely to make emotional decisions when the issue at hand is personal to them or relatable to their experiences. By tapping into the limbic brain, journalists can create a deeper connection with their audience and make their arguments more persuasive.
Use persuasive language: Crafting compelling stories that appeal to the audience's logic and values can help journalists influence others and drive them to take action.
Leverage credibility: People tend to trust experts or credible sources, so journalists must use persuasive language that establishes their authority and credibility in their reporting.
Employ persuasive techniques: Journalists can use various communication techniques to open people up to their ideas, such as the principle of reciprocity (offering value before asking for something in return) and the principle of authority (positioning themselves as experts or credible sources).

In summary, the "Why?" question in journalism is associated with persuasion because it helps journalists identify their target audience, explore the limbic brain, use persuasive language, leverage credibility, and employ persuasive techniques to influence others and drive them to take action. By addressing this question, journalists can effectively shape public opinion and contribute to the betterment of society.

Description

Explore the journalistic question associated with persuasion in journalism and how it plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and driving people to take action. Learn how addressing the 'Why?' question helps journalists identify their target audience, use persuasive language, and employ various techniques to influence others.