Gentle Persuasion: Understanding the power of the written word in shaping our opinions and beliefs

Gentle Persuasion: Understanding the power of the written word in shaping our opinions and beliefs

There's plenty of talk in social media and news about how we are influenced. The equivalent of modern-day Einstein's are hired to “analyze,” “machine learn,” and “AI” our every click of the mouse!!! BUT...have you ever wondered about the power of the words read about work, leadership, or career mobility? Well, I have dedicated more than 15 years to understanding just that!

While in my undergrad, I became obsessed with how writing styles in popular magazines, scholarly journals, and academic publications were guiding my perception and opinion as a reader. I became intrigued by the psychological, social, and neurological aspects of leadership and took that passion into my research on how language is used in leadership studies.

Words, sentences, paragraphs…oh, my! I had no idea what an eye-opening journey I would take or the power of language to shape opinions, influence beliefs, or the strategies to avoid unintentionally becoming a negative self-fulfilling prophecy! My fourth-grade teacher, Miss McCormick, must be relieved that someone was kind of paying attention in her language arts class!!!

Facilitator: Dr. Sam Weisstock

Dr. Sam Weissrock holds her Doctorate and Masters of Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Walden University, Master in Interdisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Continuing Studies from Indiana University. She has served as editor of the Indiana University Southeast Graduate Review-Journal and presented at the Midwest MIS Conference. Her presentations include the impact of media on men and masculinity, the effects of psychosocial support on the goal attainment of men in impoverished communities, and the influence of perception of equality in academic studies on the intersection of gender and leadership.