The Persuasive Writer: No Manipulation Required

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From The Word

Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere. (2 Corinthians 5:11, NLT)

A Word For Writers

A persuasive writer uses a variety of techniques to prove, sway, influence, convert, assure, or win over the reader to a point of view. 

Writers of faith are told to be persuasive. Jesus Himself told us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

But when I think of being a persuasive writer, I get uncomfortable.

To be honest, I fear rejection. Readers may disapprove of my zeal. And I don’t want to come across as a slimy, manipulative used car salesman (apologies to all my car salesmen readers.)

Here’s where I take a cue from Paul’s persuasive skills. Scripture describes how Paul spent each Sabbath in the Corinthian synagogue, persuading Jews and Greeks about the gospel (Acts 18:4). But he also spoke quietly with a group of women at Philippi’s river (Acts 16:13). On the other hand, he preached boldly about God’s Kingdom with the Ephesians, which led to deeper discussions (Acts 19:8-9). He reasoned daily with Athenians in the public square (Acts 17:17).

Did Paul manipulate his listeners? No. He adapted his approach, depending upon the listener, using a variety of techniques to persuade. Many believed the truth. Others didn’t or wouldn’t. 

Paul did his part and was obedient to present the truth in a way that could be heard by those at the moment. He left the rest to the Holy Spirit, who is the One who convicts (John 16:8).

A persuasive writer uses a variety of techniques or methods to present the truth. The outcome is up to the Holy Spirit. What a relief!

Writing persuasively? No manipulation required. Just a simple understanding of the best way to present the truth to a specific group of readers.

A Wise Word

A persuasive writer uses a variety of techniques to present truth.

A Word To Pray

Loving God,

Thank you that You are the One who convicts. All you ask of me is to write in the most persuasive way possible for a particular group of readers. Show me the specific techniques to use for each specific project I write. I’ll leave the outcome to you.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

---

More Devotionals for Writers

The Copywriter: Write to Persuade Using Paul’s 4 Tips ...

The Repeat: To Persuade, Say It Again ...

The Argument: To Persuade, Just Give Me the Facts ...

The Positive Word: Long Term, It’s More Persuasive ...

The Statistics: How Jesus Used Numbers to Back Up His Claims ...

The Speech: How Peter’s Words Persuaded 3,000 Listeners ...

The Expert: Gamaliel Offers the Perfect Example of Social Proof ...

The Sequence: Peter Writes a Logical, Persuasive Argument ...

The Facts: They’re Especially Persuasive Combined with a Story ...

The Objection: Why This Persuasive Writing Technique is Powerful ...

Wise Words: Devotionals for Writers ...

More Devotionals for Writers on our Pinterest board ...

Join other Christian Writers in the Writing for Ministries Community ...

Free Mini-Course: Getting Started Writing Devotionals ...

Get more devotionals for writers delivered to your inbox each week.

Return from The Persuasive Writer to Nonprofit Copywriter home

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Powered by SBI! Learn more here.