PROBLEM

SOLUTION AND
PERSUASION
(TVL-11)

GROUP 4
LEADER:SAMANTHA CARPIO
ASST. LEADER:JENNIFER IGNACIO
MEMBERS:
RIGOR TIAMZON
EDJAN ANDAG
KYLA GARCIA
ANDREA SAYSON
  PROBLEM SOLUTION

Problem-Solution essays (or, as they may also be referred to, Proposing Solutions or
Proposal essays) serve an important role. These essays inform readers about
problems and suggest actions that could be taken to remedy these problems.

 Basic Features of Problem-Solution/Proposal

Essays
A Well-Defined Problem
A proposal is written to offer a solution to a problem. Before presenting the solution, a
proposal writer must be sure that readers know what the problem is. The writer may also have
to establish that the problem indeed exists and is serious enough to need solving. Sometimes a
writer can assume that readers will recognize the problem. At other times readers may not be
aware of the problem.

A Proposed Solution
Once the problem is established, the writer must present and argue for a particular solution. Be
sure that the topic is narrow and that the solutions are reasonable.

A Convincing Argument
The main purpose of a proposal is to convince readers that the writer’s solution is the best way
of solving the problem.

A Reasonable Tone
Regardless of the proposal or the argument made on its behalf, problem-solution writers must
adopt a reasonable tone. The objective is to advance an argument without “having” an
argument. The aim is to bridge any gap that may exist between writer and readers, not widen it.
Writers can build such a bridge of shared concerns by showing respect for their readers and
treating their concerns seriously. They discuss anticipated objections and reservations as an
attempt to lay to rest any doubts readers may have. They consider alternative solutions as a way
of showing they have explored every possibility in order to find the best possible solution. Most
important, they do not attack those raising objections or offering other solutions by questioning
their intelligence or goodwill.
  PERSUASION

Persuasion is a literary technique that writers use to present their ideas through reason and logic,
in order to influence the audience. Persuasion may simply use an argument to persuade the
readers, or sometimes may persuade readers to perform a certain action.

The Persuasion Process

The process of persuasion typically involves the following stages:

1. Assessing the preferences, needs, and predispositions of a targeted individual or group.

Persuading others is most easily accomplished by explaining how a proposal you are suggesting
would be mutually advantageous. In the sales sector, this stage of the persuasion process is
called “consultative advising,” during which a skillful salesperson will first ask a client about
their preferences or requirements before presenting a product solution.

Examples:

 Analyzing a job and custom-tailoring a cover letter so that it's in sync with the key
qualifications of a position.
 Designing an incentive program for a sales team.
 Developing a campaign slogan for a political candidate.
 Tailoring advertising copy to the preferences of a target demographic group.
 Writing the script for a telephone fundraising pitch in order to raise money for a
charitable organization.

2. Establishing a rapport with targeted stakeholders.

Once you’ve established what exactly target stakeholders need, you can use this information to
begin to build rapport with them. Keep in mind that, in many work environments, building
rapport is a never-ending process. For instance, even after you have achieved team buy-in for a
project, you should continue to build rapport for future collaborations by praising team
members, throughout the phases of the project’s completion, for a job well-done.

Examples:

 Asking a customer how her son or daughter is faring in college as part of building a
relationship with the student and their family.
 Complimenting an employee on the successful completion of a task.
 Composing a letter or email to prospective donors on behalf of a school's fundraising
effort.
  Praising someone after they have completed an especially rigorous stage of their workout
program.
 Recruiting volunteers for a community service project.

3. Clearly articulating the benefits of accepting a proposed agenda or course of action.

Having spent some time in the first stage of persuasion listing the needs of your stakeholders
that you can supply, you’ll be well-equipped to describe to them the benefits of adopting your
proposal. In sales, this stage is sometimes described as making a “value-added” proposition –
but focusing on the benefits of your offering is a good strategy no matter what the
circumstances.

Examples:

 Articulating the benefits of working for an employer as part of a recruiting information

event held on campus.
 Encouraging a patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
 Presenting an argument to a judge for a motion during a trial or pre-trial proceeding.
 Recommending to senior management that they hire additional personnel for your
department.
 Securing and writing a celebrity testimonial as part of a commercial for a product or
service.

4. Actively listening to the concerns of stakeholders and uncovering any objections to a

proposal.
When you are in the situation where you need to persuade others about a course of action, it’s
best to predict and be prepared for possible objections (there is always someone who will try to
throw a spanner into the works!). Objections will be easier to overcome if you’ve clearly made
an effort to listen to and respect other people’s concerns about a new project or venture.

Examples:

 Meeting with a staff member to assess his or her reaction to a proposed restructuring of
the company.
 Securing signatures for a petition.
 Making the decision with your management team to make staff or funding cuts.
 Explaining the necessity of quality control and delayed deadlines during construction
projects.
 Leading a hiring committee that is evaluating several top candidates for a single position.

5. Presenting counterpoints in order to overcome any objections.

This is one of the most challenging stages of the persuasion process. If you’ve accurately
predicted possible objections, though, you should be able to marshal counterpoints
convincingly.
Examples:

 Educating a customer more thoroughly about the multiple benefits of a product or by

presenting competitor analysis.
 Negotiating a salary increase or additional vacation time.
 Negotiating or renegotiating the terms of a contract agreement.
 Presenting a rationale to upper management in order to expand a departmental budget.
 Responding to opposing counsel during a legal court trial.

6. Recognizing any legitimate limitations to a proposal.

People are generally more amenable to persuasion and negotiation if you demonstrate
transparency in the process as well as your willingness to recognize valid objections to your
plan.

Examples:

 Accepting that your team will have to work with a smaller budget than you’d hoped for.
 Accepting that you may not be able to get extra time off work if there is a staffing
shortage.
 Acknowledging that someone has provided you with constructive information you didn’t
know about when you first suggested a project.
 Realizing that you will need to increase your salary offer in order to secure a top-notch
employee.

7. Modifying a proposal as needed in order to find common ground with stakeholders.

Most proposals – be they sales initiatives or workplace negotiations – require compromise. It’s
good to know ahead of time which elements of a proposal you can be flexible about.

Examples:

 Conducting union negotiations for higher salaries or improved benefits.

 Convincing opposing parties in a divorce mediation to accept a fair proposal.
 Offering a proposal to hire an assistant for the lead salesperson in a company who has
indicated that he or she might leave due to concerns about their workload.
 Reducing the established price of a product or service.

8. Clarifying the terms of any final agreement.

No one wants to have to go back and begin the persuasion process all over again because a
stakeholder hasn’t clearly understood the final terms of an agreement or contract. Clarity in
explaining the anticipated consequences of an agreement is crucial.

Examples:

 Educating a new employee about conditions for their hiring and / or termination.
 Establishing learning contracts with students in a classroom environment.
 Reviewing a contract with a client before final signage.
  Providing two weeks’ notice of your intent to leave your job, listing your last day of
work.

9. Conducting follow-up in order to determine if any stakeholders have lingering doubts

about a proposal.
Not only do follow-ups with stakeholders build rapport, but they also help you to track the
success of an agreed-upon venture.

Examples:

 Designing and distributing customer feedback surveys.

 Reviewing online product reviews following a product launch.
 Calling a patient following a medical or dental procedure to check on their recovery
status.
 Asking a client if they require final changes before their official sign-off on a project.

LINKS:
https://blogs.wp.missouristate.edu/writinglab/rhetoric/problem-solution/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/persuasive-skills-with-examples-2059694

https://www.google.com/search?q=persuasion&oq=persuasi&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i60j69i57j0l3.3722j0j7&sourceid=
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