Human Psychology And Writers` Techniques

Why is it that certain techniques in writing and indeed art, seem to be so powerful and evocative-capable of persuasive power or of capturing and holding the reader`s attention?

Quite simply -it is because of the way we as humans are designed.

Take the `rule of three` for example-

Three is the number of completeness and when related to writing it means that any list of three reasons for a course of action or a position in a debate, can often ironically seem more persuasive than when a forth reason is added. The forth can seem like overkill, while three seem complete.

Similarly with the use of adjectives- two can be insufficient and four unwieldy. Consider these examples:

1)John is a pleasant and sensible boy.

2)John is a pleasant,sensible and thoughtful boy.

3)John is a pleasant,sensible,thoughtful and intelligent boy.

It`s subtle, but there`s no doubt that sentence 2 leaves a more finished and therefore authoritative impression.

And why is this?

It seems that there is something about this number and it`s recurrence in nature that has a profound effect on human psychology. Advertisers know this-hence the ubiquitous use of `the magic number` in adverts.

Also powerful is the use of `Imperative Verbs`-like `Go`,`Stop`,`Listen`,`Push`.

They have the power to get our attention and not surprisingly because as people we are hardwired to receive instruction.

Consider the number of instructions you have heard and obeyed in your lifetime.

Hundreds of thousands probably-consequently imperatives have this hold over us which advertisers exploit.

Consider governmental instructions to eat healthily or to drive safely. Both also use the technique of `direct address`, which is also powerful as an attention grabber.

In a recent anecdote about a terrifying encounter with a bear the Writer changed tack and addressed the reader:

`If you are ever chased by a bear, don`t ever consider attempting to run....`

Then mix of imperatives and direct address skillfully exploited the fact that we as humans are trained to listen and obey. The Writer who uses these, at the very least gets our attention and he certainly exerts an authority.

There are many other methods with similar power which I deal with in my lessons but each one is rooted in our psychology and conditioning.