When it comes to persuasive writing or speaking, one of the most effective strategies is the motivated sequence. This technique involves arranging your content in a specific order to maximize its impact on your audience. The motivated sequence typically follows a structure that starts with grabbing the audience’s attention, then establishing a need, presenting a solution, visualizing the benefits of that solution, and finally, calling the audience to action. Here are five examples of how the motivated sequence can be applied in different contexts:
1. Introduction to a Fitness Program
- Attention: Start with a striking statistic about obesity rates or the benefits of regular exercise to grab the audience’s attention.
- Need: Explain how lack of exercise can lead to various health issues and how improving fitness can significantly enhance one’s quality of life.
- Satisfaction: Introduce your fitness program as the solution, highlighting its unique approach, success stories, and the benefits of joining, such as personalized training and community support.
- Visualization: Paint a vivid picture of how participants will feel after achieving their fitness goals—more energetic, confident, and healthy.
- Action: End with a clear call to action, such as signing up for a free trial session or consulting with a personal trainer.
2. Promoting Sustainable Products
- Attention: Highlight a shocking fact about environmental pollution and waste management to capture the audience’s attention.
- Need: Discuss how current consumer habits contribute to these problems and the urgent need for a shift towards sustainability.
- Satisfaction: Present your sustainable products as the solution, emphasizing their eco-friendly materials, recyclability, and how they can reduce carbon footprint.
- Visualization: Describe a future where sustainable living is the norm, and your products have contributed to a cleaner, healthier planet.
- Action: Encourage the audience to make a change by choosing your sustainable products over traditional ones and to share their commitment to sustainability on social media.
3. Launching a New Educational Course
- Attention: Begin with an interesting fact or a thought-provoking question related to the course topic to engage the audience.
- Need: Explain the gap in current education or training programs that your course aims to fill, and the benefits of acquiring the knowledge or skills your course offers.
- Satisfaction: Present your course as the comprehensive solution, detailing its curriculum, esteemed instructors, and the support system in place for learners.
- Visualization: Help potential learners envision themselves successfully applying the skills they’ll learn, advancing in their careers, or achieving personal growth.
- Action: Direct them to enroll in the course, offering any incentives such as early bird discounts or free introductory sessions.
4. Advocating for Mental Health Awareness
- Attention: Share a personal story or a surprising statistic about mental health to capture attention and empathy.
- Need: Discuss the prevalence of mental health issues, the stigma surrounding them, and the importance of seeking help.
- Satisfaction: Introduce resources or initiatives that provide support, such as counseling services, support groups, or hotline numbers.
- Visualization: Paint a picture of a society that openly discusses mental health, where seeking help is normal and valued, and where everyone has access to the resources they need.
- Action: Encourage the audience to take a step, whether it’s sharing their own story, volunteering with a mental health organization, or simply being more supportive of those around them.
5. Pitching a Tech Startup
- Attention: Start with a compelling demonstration or a unique value proposition that sets your startup apart.
- Need: Explain the problem your startup solves and how it addresses a significant gap in the market.
- Satisfaction: Present your startup as the innovative solution, highlighting its competitive advantages, potential for growth, and the team’s expertise.
- Visualization: Describe the future of the industry with your startup as a leader, and the impact it will have on users and the market as a whole.
- Action: Invite investors to be a part of this vision, outlining the next steps for investment, partnership, or collaboration.
Each of these examples illustrates how the motivated sequence can be tailored to fit various contexts, from promoting products and services to advocating for social causes. The key is to genuinely understand your audience’s needs and tailor your message in a way that resonates with them, inspiring action and change.
