• Problem description
Six of our computers were recently infected with the ‘Melissa’ virus, and we lost at least 25 work hours trying to repair the problem.
• Unexpected statement
If you checked carefully, you’d probably find that 20 percent of your customers account for 80 percent of your profits.
• Reader benefit
Now you can immediately protect all your computers from the latest viruses with our online anti-virus program.
• Compliment
Because no one generates as much audience enthusiasm as you do in your presentations, we are asking you to speak . . ..
• Related fact
A virus is a computer program written to perform malicious tasks.
• Stimulating question
How would you like to cut employee overtime costs in half?
Building Interest Samples
• Supply facts and figures.
Currently 16,000 known computer viruses are in effect, and the number increases by 300 to 400 each month.
• Give examples.
One company lost valuable data and had no recent backup disks to replace infected files.
• Cite expert opinion.
“Hostile code can hit without warning,” says virus specialist Dr. Tony Timm, “so companies must have a virus antidote or they risk all their operations.”
• Provide specific details.
In a test comparing six of the leading anti-virus programs, our program was
flawless in virus detection, easy to administer, and low in ownership cost.
• Mention direct benefits.
Our anti-virus program can protect you from subtle corruptions of data that may go unnoticed for months.
• Mention indirect benefits.
Your company continues to be a pacesetter in the health care industry by setting an example for other organizations that are bewildered with the increasing number of viruses.
Guffey, Business Communication: Process and Product, 4e
Chapter 10 Masters © 2003 South-Western
BCOM
Tip Sheet for
Persuasion
–
Gaining
Att
ention and Building
Interest
Gaining Attention Samples
•
Problem
description
Six of our computers were recently infected with the
‘Melissa’ virus, and we
lost at least 25 work hours
trying to repair the problem.
•
Unexpected statement
If you checked carefully, you’d probably find that 20
percent of your
customers accou
nt for 80 percent of
your profits.
•
Reader benefit
Now you can immediately protect all your computers
from the latest
viruses with our online anti
-
virus
program.
•
Compliment
Because no one generates as much audience
enthusiasm as you do in your
presentations, we are
asking you to speak
. . ..
•
Related fact
A virus is a computer program written to perform
malicious tasks.
•
Stimulating question
How would you like to cut employee overtime costs
in half?
BCOM Tip Sheet for Persuasion – Gaining Attention and Building
Interest
Gaining Attention Samples
• Problem description
Six of our computers were recently infected with the ‘Melissa’ virus, and we
lost at least 25 work hours trying to repair the problem.
• Unexpected statement
If you checked carefully, you’d probably find that 20 percent of your
customers account for 80 percent of your profits.
• Reader benefit
Now you can immediately protect all your computers from the latest
viruses with our online anti-virus program.
• Compliment
Because no one generates as much audience enthusiasm as you do in your
presentations, we are asking you to speak . . ..
• Related fact
A virus is a computer program written to perform malicious tasks.
• Stimulating question
How would you like to cut employee overtime costs in half?