Covert Persuasion With Presuppositions – Rhetorical Questions
Who Cares How You Use These Powerful Patterns?
This is an article in a series on linguistic presuppositions, which are powerful language patterns that you can use to covertly persuade others either through simple conversation or writing.
Today’s pattern involves the use of “Rhetorical Questions,” which are questions, which don’t require, nor expect, an answer from your listener. They are designed to express and opinion through a supposed answer to the rhetorical question.
For example, if I say in exasperation, “Who cares what we do?” I’m not really asking for a list of people who are concerned with our actions, I’m expressing a supposed truth that nobody cares.
In order to use these in persuasion, it’s helpful to phrase the rhetorical question to minimize any past situation or condition that is contrary to the idea that you are intending to convey, and then follow it with a statement containing your idea, and the positive benefits that will follow if the listener or reader decides to accept your idea.
Idea = exercise is the best way to lose weight.
Does it really matter that you’ve been trying to lose weight for years, and nothing works? What’s really important is that you realize that exercise is really all you need, and consistent, daily exercise will allow you to gradually and permanently lose the weight you want.
Who cares if you’ve spent two years on that mail order diet plan, without any real success? What’s really important is that you are starting a daily exercise program, which has allowed thousands, if not millions to consistently not only lose weight, but keep it off as well.
Idea = dollar cost averaging is the best way to make money in the stock market
Does it really matter that all the pundits on TV are saying that the stock market is in the worst shape ever? What’s really important is that with consistent, dollar cost averaging, you will be setting yourself up for a nice, comfortable retirement, and you will be able to do all the things you’ve dreamed of.
Who cares if your next-door neighbor got lucky with that IPO and make billions overnight? What’s really important is you and your future, and how dollar cost averaging will generate a nice healthy nest egg that will be waiting for you when you’re ready to retire.
Does it really matter that you are just now starting to realize the amazing power of presuppositions? What’s really important is how you plan on using them in the future, both for your benefit, and the benefit of all those around you.
Are you really worried about how you are going to use these powerful language patterns conversationally? Because once you start to see how powerful and useful they are to increase good feelings and potential, you’ll really be wondering how you ever got along without them.
