I think this is a very thoughtful piece. Not many people think about the fact that it is hard to get people to change their behavior based on a simple speech or presentation. Nor do many people think about whether there are ethical implications to trying to manipulate people to do something — even believe they must have your product.

Thanks for opening a discussion about these issues and encouraging us to think about them more fully.

I am a freelance corporate speechwriter. You might want to take a look at my web site (www.starkscommunications.com) for sample speeches and other writing.

Best wishes to you.

Cindy Starks

Yeah, I think you’re right – authenticity is key.

I think that manipulation is when there is no *transparency* – ie when something is being done covertly to have people take a course of action that they wouldn’t otherwise take.

I’m now talking about this question as:

‘What do I want these people to be able AND MOTIVATED to do when I’m done?’

This allows for the passion of the speaker, but reminds us that there is choice from the other side.

Thanks for the input – makes me think and re-think. Which I always like…

Influence/Manipulate – same same as they’d say in Asia. The other really decides if what I’ve said is ‘ok’ or manipulative.
Which is where authenticity is so key. Being authentic of self. And respecting of the others self.

Being respecting of others – as capable people who will move when it makes sense to them. Few people appreciate being talked to as children (including lots of kids!) Considering pre-existing questions is useful here.
And sense is that wonderful mixture of thought, feeling, logic, intuition and emotions.

It’s not that I can’t should not have a perspective or an interest, or that I need to be ‘balanced and present all sides’. Not everything is a formal scientific debate. Some presentations are about balance, others have a passion of ‘though hell should bar the way’ conviction. Authenticity here too.