The Elements of Persuasion

There are many key elements that exist in a literary argument that "grab" my interest and ultimately persuade me. The most important aspect that I search for as I read an authors work is its relevancy to me. If if does not matter much to me or affect me in any way, I will not put forth the effort to read and care about the topic or issue. When an article or other literary work is relevant to me personally, I will wholeheartedly dive into the reading.

Another very important element that allows me to empathize with an argument is the authors credibility. The credibility or the credentials that an author holds is a necessity when fully trying to persuade an audience. If I am reading an argument about a specific issue, I want to know the factual background that the author has in the field of study in terms of the issue. If an author is arguing against a new form of medicine that can potentially cure a disease, I want the author to have a doctorate or other high level of education in medicine or medical drugs. If the author does not have the right credentials for the issue at hand, the argument seems useless. I feel like the author is arguing purely from their own emotions when one does not have sufficient credibility. 

The logic that the author uses is also an essential tool to an arguments persuasiveness. If the supporting facts or evidence of an issue is irrelevant or illogical, then the whole argument is unreliable, useless, and not worth my time to read. 

Lastly, there has to be an emotional tie in that the author adds to fully persuade the audience. The addition of emotion into an argument should not be superfluous in any way, however, it should reach out to the audience in a way that creates an emotional connection in ourselves.