Skill: Persuading Others | Learning Goal: Healthy Relationships
Grades: 9-12 | Activity Type: Lesson | Purpose: 🟢 Core Instruction
Be Good People Curriculum © St. Croix River Education District
How Do I Persuade People?
There’s a difference between persuading and manipulating. We all need to be able to do the first one, to clearly and respectfully share our point of view.
“Some of my friends just have this way of convincing people to go along with them, and I want to be able to do that. Like even when I’m right about something, I still mess it up and end out sounding like an idiot.”
On a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you relate to what she’s saying? Why?
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What’s your take?
What connection(s) do you see between our topic and any of these values? Why?
Maya's trying to convince her friends to stop spreading rumors about why someone switched schools. She knows the real reason is family-related, and the gossip is making the situation worse for someone already having a hard time.
How should Maya handle this situation? What’s important to consider?
What wisdom would you share with a younger person about how to persuade people effectively and also ethically?
Picture this!
TIP #1: |
It helps to think about things from the other person's point of view. What reasons do you think they would find convincing? |
TIP #2: |
Avoid using rationales that are manipulative or threatening, such as suggesting, "You'd do this if you really loved me," or telling the person that if they don't do something, you won't be friends with them anymore. |
Isabella's trying to convince her friends to tell a teacher about a student who seems really depressed lately. They say it's "not their business," but she's genuinely worried about their safety.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Jasmine wants to convince her friend group to start a study club. Everyone's struggling with their classes separately, but she knows they could help each other since they each excel in different subjects.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Tyler's trying to convince his gaming friends to enter a different tournament bracket. They always join the casual league, but he knows they're good enough for competitive now and could win actual prizes.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Marcus needs to convince his group project members to try a different presentation format. Everyone wants to do the usual PowerPoint, but he knows from experience that an interactive Kahoot would engage their class better and get them a higher grade.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
The skills and values that we discussed included: