Pick something at school or work that you want your boss, professor, peer(s), or coworkers to do differently. This must be something that requires influence —i.e., something that they will not choose to do by themselves, and that they will not do unless influenced to do it. Your request must also be realistic, meaning that there is a chance that your audience will behave differently if you communicate well, and you would be able to act out this influence attempt if you chose to. What you request also must be important to you, not trivial. If you have trouble picking something, please speak with me. See the part 4 module for material on influence and the SUCCES framework. Then, address each of the following assignment questions:
1. Request. (2 point)
What is your request? Describe briefly what you want them to do. Why does this request require influence? How do you know they are unlikely do it without this influence attempt?
2. Audience Analysis. (6 points)
Who is your audience, and how “involved” are they according to the audience analysis framework? What important identities does your audience hold that you may be able to appeal to? Based on what you understand about your audience, how must you tailor your message?
3. The Message. (6 points)
Include here the content of your message. If the message is to be delivered in writing (e.g., a memo) then include it here verbatim (e.g., include the memo). If you are to deliver the message through a conversation or presentation, then include a script and any accompanying visual aids. For the sake of this assignment, please keep this section under two pages long (double-spaced).
4. Influence Tactics. (10 points)
Which class concepts, such as influence tactics and the SUCCES framework, have you used to make your message more effective? Name each concept that you use and describe how you applied the concept in your message. Also discuss any actions you will take to increase the likelihood of your message succeeding. This is the most important section of the paper (as suggested by the higher number of points tied to it).
5. Reality Check. (1 point)
Will you really deliver this message? Why or why not?
Most good submissions for this assignment are 5-7 pages, not including optional title pages, references, or appendices.
Formatting Requirements (applicable to all assignments in this class)
For each written assignment, use the following format:
• Use headings to separate answers to assignment questions.
• Use one-inch margins, 12-point font, and double-spacing.
• Concise and logical paragraphs are required. Proofread your work for writing errors.
• Submit your paper through the assignment page on Canvas as an MS Word doc(x) or pdf file.
• English-language versions of your sources must be available so that I am able to review them.
• Write clearly, proofread to minimize writing errors, and apply class concepts when appropriate.
Your written work will also be evaluated based on these criteria:
1. Development – Your answers should fully address the assignment questions. Be detailed and specific
without padding your paper with wordiness (e.g. statements & content that add limited value).
2. Clarity – Your writing should contain as few errors as possible and should be clearly structured. Write
as if you are addressing your manager or an important client.
3. Directness – Your writing should be organized around responding to the assignment questions listed
for each paper and you should fully follow assignment instructions.