When it comes to writing, there are two main objectives that a writer may have in mind: informing and persuading. Both are important in their own right, but it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two.
Informing refers to providing information or knowledge about a particular topic. It is the act of conveying facts, figures, and details to the reader. On the other hand, persuading is the act of convincing or influencing the reader to take a particular course of action or to adopt a certain point of view.
While both informing and persuading can be effective in their own ways, it’s important to understand which one is appropriate for a given situation. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between informing and persuading, and explore how to determine which approach is best for your writing.
Define Informing
Informing is the act of providing knowledge or imparting information to someone. It involves presenting facts, data, or details about a particular topic or subject matter without any intention of influencing the recipient’s opinion or behavior. The goal of informing is to educate, enlighten, or clarify a concept or idea to the audience.
Define Persuading
Persuading, on the other hand, is the process of convincing or influencing someone to take a particular course of action or adopt a specific point of view. It involves presenting arguments, opinions, or beliefs that are intended to sway the recipient’s opinion or behavior. The goal of persuading is to change or reinforce the audience’s attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors towards a particular topic or subject matter.
Here’s a table that summarizes the differences between informing and persuading:
| Informing | Persuading | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | To educate, enlighten, or clarify | To convince or influence |
| Intention | No intention to influence | Intention to influence |
| Approach | Presenting facts, data, or details | Presenting arguments, opinions, or beliefs |
| Outcome | Increased knowledge or understanding | Changed or reinforced attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors |
It is important to note that informing and persuading are not mutually exclusive. In many cases, informing can lead to persuading, and persuading can involve informing. However, it is essential to understand the differences between the two and use them appropriately, depending on the goals and intentions of the communication.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, choosing between informing and persuading can make a big difference in the impact of your message. While both have their place, it’s important to understand how to use each word in a sentence to achieve your desired outcome.
How To Use “Informing” In A Sentence
Informing is the act of providing knowledge or information to someone. When using this word in a sentence, it’s important to keep in mind the purpose of your message. Are you trying to educate someone about a topic, or simply provide them with information they may find useful?
Here are some examples of how to use “informing” in a sentence:
- “I am informing you about the new company policy.”
- “The purpose of this meeting is to inform everyone about the upcoming changes.”
- “Her article was informative and well-researched.”
As you can see, using “informing” in a sentence is all about providing knowledge or information to your audience. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as through written content, presentations, or even casual conversation.
How To Use “Persuading” In A Sentence
Persuading, on the other hand, is the act of convincing someone to do or believe something. When using this word in a sentence, it’s important to understand the power of persuasion and how to use it ethically.
Here are some examples of how to use “persuading” in a sentence:
- “I am persuading you to invest in this new product.”
- “The speaker was very persuasive and convinced the audience to take action.”
- “Her argument was so persuasive that I changed my mind about the issue.”
As you can see, using “persuading” in a sentence is all about convincing someone to take a certain action or believe a certain idea. It’s important to use persuasive language ethically and not manipulate or deceive your audience.
Overall, understanding the difference between informing and persuading is essential for effective communication. By using each word in a sentence correctly, you can ensure your message is clear and impactful.
More Examples Of Informing & Persuading Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between informing and persuading, it’s helpful to see some examples of each in action. Below are examples of using informing and persuading in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Informing In A Sentence
- The purpose of this report is to inform the board of directors about the company’s financial performance over the past year.
- Can you inform me about the schedule for the upcoming conference?
- Our goal is to inform the public about the potential risks associated with this new medication.
- The brochure provides information to inform potential customers about the features and benefits of our product.
- It’s important to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking before starting a new prescription.
- The teacher used a variety of resources to inform her students about the history of the Civil War.
- The purpose of the training session is to inform employees about the new safety procedures.
- The news anchor informed viewers about the latest developments in the ongoing investigation.
- The website provides a wealth of information to inform visitors about the company’s products and services.
- The brochure is designed to inform tourists about the attractions and activities available in the area.
Examples Of Using Persuading In A Sentence
- The salesperson used persuasive language to convince the customer to buy the more expensive product.
- The politician made a persuasive argument to win over undecided voters.
- The advertisement used emotional appeals to persuade consumers to try the new product.
- The lawyer used persuasive evidence to convince the jury of his client’s innocence.
- The coach used persuasive tactics to motivate his team to win the championship.
- The marketing team used persuasive messaging to increase sales of the company’s new product line.
- The charity used persuasive fundraising tactics to encourage donors to give generously.
- The teacher used persuasive techniques to encourage her students to take an active role in their own learning.
- The debate team used persuasive arguments to win the competition.
- The author used persuasive language to convince readers of the importance of taking action to address climate change.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to writing, it’s important to understand the difference between informing and persuading. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these two terms interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and ineffective communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Assuming Informing And Persuading Are The Same Thing
Informing and persuading are two distinct approaches to communication. Informing involves providing factual information, while persuading involves convincing someone to take a particular action or adopt a particular point of view. It’s important to understand the difference between these two approaches and to use them appropriately.
Mistake #2: Focusing Too Much On Persuasion
While persuading can be a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that not every situation requires persuasion. In fact, focusing too much on persuasion can actually be counterproductive, as it can come across as manipulative or insincere. Instead, focus on providing accurate and helpful information, and let the reader make their own decision.
Mistake #3: Using Misleading Or Inaccurate Information To Persuade
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to persuade others is using misleading or inaccurate information to support their argument. This is not only unethical, but it can also damage your credibility and undermine your message. Always make sure that the information you are providing is accurate and supported by reliable sources.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
Here are some tips for avoiding these common mistakes:
- Take the time to understand the difference between informing and persuading, and use them appropriately
- Focus on providing accurate and helpful information, rather than trying to persuade
- Make sure that the information you are providing is accurate and supported by reliable sources
- Always be honest and transparent in your communication
Context Matters
When it comes to crafting effective content, the choice between informing and persuading can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of different contexts can help writers make informed decisions about which approach to take.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between informing and persuading might change:
Education
In an educational context, the primary goal is typically to inform rather than persuade. For example, a science teacher might explain the properties of a chemical reaction, or a history teacher might describe the causes of a particular war. In these cases, the focus is on providing factual information rather than convincing the audience of a particular point of view.
Marketing
On the other hand, in a marketing context, the goal is often to persuade rather than simply inform. A company might create an advertisement that aims to convince potential customers to buy a particular product. In this case, the focus is on highlighting the benefits of the product and creating a desire to purchase it.
Politics
In a political context, the line between informing and persuading can be blurred. Candidates might provide information about their policies and positions, but the ultimate goal is to persuade voters to support them. Debates and speeches often involve a combination of informing and persuading, as candidates seek to present themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy while also convincing voters to choose them over their opponents.
Journalism
Journalism is another context where the choice between informing and persuading can be complex. While the primary goal is to inform readers about current events, journalists must also consider the impact their reporting might have on public opinion. For example, a news story about a controversial policy might include quotes from both supporters and opponents, but the way those quotes are framed can influence how readers perceive the issue.
As these examples show, the choice between informing and persuading can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. By understanding the goals and expectations of different contexts, writers can make informed decisions about how to craft effective content.
Exceptions To The Rules
While informing and persuading are two distinct communication techniques, there are certain scenarios where the rules for using them might not apply. Here are some exceptions to keep in mind:
1. Crisis Communication
In situations of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, the primary goal of communication is to inform and educate the public. Persuasion should take a backseat to transparency and accuracy of information. In such cases, it is important to provide clear and concise information to the public to help them make informed decisions.
2. Advertising
While the ultimate goal of advertising is to persuade customers to buy a product or service, informing the audience about the features and benefits of the product is equally important. Informative advertising can help customers make informed decisions about their purchases, which can ultimately lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
3. Education
In the field of education, the primary goal is to inform and educate students about various subjects. However, persuasion can also play a role in education, especially when it comes to changing attitudes and behaviors. For example, teachers might use persuasive techniques to encourage students to adopt healthy habits or to promote positive social values.
4. Political Communication
Political communication often involves a combination of informing and persuading. While the primary goal is to inform the public about the candidate’s policies and positions, persuasion is also used to convince voters to support the candidate. However, in some cases, political communication can cross the line into propaganda, which is a form of communication that aims to manipulate the audience’s emotions and beliefs.
| Informing | Persuading |
|---|---|
| Provides accurate and objective information | Attempts to change attitudes and behaviors |
| Focuses on educating and informing the audience | Focuses on convincing the audience to take a specific action |
| Uses evidence and logic to support claims | Uses emotional appeals to influence the audience |
While informing and persuading are generally used in different contexts, there are some exceptions where the rules might not apply. It is important to understand these exceptions and to use the appropriate communication technique depending on the situation.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between informing and persuading, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are a few exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these concepts in sentences:
Exercise 1: Identifying Informing Vs. Persuading
Read the following sentences and determine whether they are examples of informing or persuading:
- “The capital of France is Paris.”
- “You should really consider buying this product.”
- “The Earth revolves around the sun.”
- “You won’t regret investing in this company.”
- “Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.”
- “You need to try this new restaurant in town.”
Answer Key:
| Sentence | Informing or Persuading? |
|---|---|
| “The capital of France is Paris.” | Informing |
| “You should really consider buying this product.” | Persuading |
| “The Earth revolves around the sun.” | Informing |
| “You won’t regret investing in this company.” | Persuading |
| “Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.” | Informing |
| “You need to try this new restaurant in town.” | Persuading |
Exercise 2: Writing Informing And Persuading Sentences
Write three sentences that inform the reader and three sentences that persuade the reader. Use the examples in this article as a guide.
Answer Key:
- Informing: “The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world.” “The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.” “The human body has 206 bones.”
- Persuading: “You’ll love this new restaurant in town. The food is amazing!” “Investing in this company could be the best decision you ever make.” “Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer. Buy now and save 20%!”
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your ability to identify and use informing and persuading in your writing. Remember, informing provides information while persuading aims to convince the reader to take a specific action or adopt a certain point of view.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between informing and persuading is crucial for effective communication. Informing is about providing accurate and objective information, while persuading is about convincing someone to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint. Both have their place in writing and speaking, but it’s important to use each appropriately and to be aware of the potential biases that can come with persuasion.
Some key takeaways from this article include:
- Informing and persuading are two distinct communication styles with different goals and techniques.
- Informing is focused on providing factual information, while persuading is focused on changing someone’s beliefs or behavior.
- Effective communication requires a balance of informing and persuading, depending on the situation and audience.
- Using persuasive techniques without being transparent about your intentions can be unethical and undermine trust.
It’s important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve both your informing and persuading skills. By understanding the nuances of language and how to use it effectively, you can become a more compelling communicator and achieve your goals more successfully.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.