Persuasion in Business and Professional Contexts

Chapter 11 introduces the topic of persuasion in business and professional contexts with a case study involving backlash an article in a medical journal received when it criticized surgeons who post images of themselves in swimwear and/or holding alcohol to social media. The chapter content then begins with the topic of using persuasion to get a job. This section begins by discussing direct persuasion and how to apply the codes of nonverbal communication to the job interview process. Then, this section discusses indirect persuasion in the interview process, which includes recommendations on cover letters and resumes. This section also overviews email etiquette in the interviewing process, as well as social media best practices. The final section of the chapter details topics related to persuasion on the job; these topics include persuading customers and clients and the persuasive essentials of leadership, including impression management, dressing to impress, business and social etiquette, and utilizing power in leadership.