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Business Communications >Unit 03 >Chapter 08 >Writing Effective Persuasive Claims and Complaints

Writing Effective Persuasive Claims and Complaints

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Author: Ryan Smith

Effective claim and complaint messages:

  • vent anger.
  • make a reasonable request.
  • provide a blow-by-blow description of details.

View Expression

A successful persuasive claim or complaint message uses a calm tone while making reasonable requests and providing highlights of the details involved.

How should you open a persuasive claim or complaint message? Check all that apply.

  • With a point of agreement
  • With an objective statement of the problem
  • With a lengthy review of what you have done to solve the problem
  • With a personal introduction

View Expression

Opening your message with a point of agreement or an objective statement of the problem is an effective persuasive technique that will motivate change.

Select the correct response

How should a complaint message begin?

  • Using logical development
  • Details of the situation
  • As emotional appeals
  • Demanding action

View Expression

Strive for logical development in a claim message. Don't provide a blow-by-blow chronology of details; just hit the highlights. An effective claim message makes a reasonable and valid request, presents a logical case with clear facts, and has a moderate tone. Anger and emotion are not effective persuaders.

Select the correct response

What should be included in the closing section of a persuasive message for a claim?

  • Why your claim is legitimate
  • Sincere praise
  • A clear statement of what you want done

View Expression

Close with a clear statement of what you want done: a refund, replacement, credit to your account, or other action. Be sure to think through the possibilities and make your request reasonable. Praise might be viewed as manipulative and ineffective. Explain precisely what happened or why your claim is legitimate in the body of the message.

Identify the key elements to incorporate when making a request for a claim or adjustment. Check all that apply.

  • Reasonable request
  • Anger
  • Logical development
  • Statement of what you want done
  • Allow company to choose solution to issue
  • Clear facts

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