Do you consider yourself a persuasive person? How important is the power of persuasion, in journalism?
"Persuasion is everywhere - from the conversations we have with friends, to the articles that we read. I am persuasive but not pushy. I first ensure that the groundwork is present, there is rapport, and enough evidence to support my belief or viewpoint. I need to be able to prove the upside to whomever I am reaching."
Part of being an excellent journalist is also having the power of persuasion when necessary. There is a difference between persuasion and debating - or even leading and convincing. Persuasion is used when you want to influence someone rather than tell them that they are wrong, and you are right.
The power of persuasion is essential if you are selling or pitching anything. It is also a helpful skill when you want to gain momentum with your coworkers or have your boss better understand your approach on a project. Most importantly, as a journalist, persuasion can be used in your writing or when you need to help someone understand your point of view, or even convince them to interview with you!
It is not a negative thing to be persuasive. Talk to the interviewer about whether or not you consider yourself to be a persuasive individual.
"Persuasion and journalism methods go hand in hand so, yes, I believe that I am a persuasive person. My approach is not sly or combative in any way, however. I go about persuading others by displaying how my approach, or belief, could benefit the other party. In my case at work, the person I want to interview, or the audience that I am trying to capture."
