Hot Takes, Hotter Writing
How to write persuasively using Monroe’s Motivated Sequence.
Everyone develops opinions on something, some of us call them ‘hot takes’. Whether it is on the latest movie, show, or album, we all have takes. They become ‘hot’ when we must really lay out our case. Sometimes they can be opposed to popular opinion or controversial, but what is most important is to make the stance appealing. In an age of choosing between this or that, it’s best to find yourself prepared to defend your choices — your hot take. If you find yourself in this situation, Monroe’s Motivated Sequence may be the formula you need.
Monroe’s Motivated Sequence was developed in the 1930s by Alan Monroe, a psychologist and speech professor from Purdue University. His sequence serves as a five-step outline:
- Attention
- Need
- Satisfaction
- Visualization
- Action
Typically, this structure is used for speeches, debates, conferences, and any other type of persuasive writing. It is effective not only because it is based on supporting claims with evidence and research but also because it provides the audience with solutions and actionable items. Let’s explore this concept with a hot take: cold showers are better than hot ones.
Attention
Grabbing the audience's attention is crucial to keeping them hooked on your argument. Doing this can be as simple as a story, question, or quote. It can even be creative with a joke, depending on the tone or context of the take. For the context of our shower hot take, an opening can be:
“Jumping into a pool is sometimes scary, right? That is because we are afraid of the cold plunge. Yet, it doesn’t take long to adjust to the new temperature and realize you are fine afterwards, but too often we let a single moment stop us from doing something. The same thing goes for cold showers, now let’s explore the power behind overcoming that fear and embracing the cold.”
Need
Now that you have the audience’s attention, pose them with what the problem may be and convince them it needs fixing. Continuing with the argument:
“While warmer showers may be more comforting, people often overlook the damage it can take if too hot, including aggravating skin, loss of protective hair oils and follicles, and increased acne.”
Satisfaction
Since the need has been established, it’s time to satisfy it. Propose the solution. This step requires you to really persuade your audience that your approach is the most effective out there. This could also mean using some examples or citing some data:
“The fix is simple, make the shift from warm to colder showers. This will understandably be uncomfortable at first but remember that good change starts with uncertainty. The benefits are clear as extensive research reveals an increase in energy levels, mental or physical health, and immunity.”
Visualization
What would the future be like if your solution to the problem was utilized? What if it wasn’t? Painting a picture for the audience of what could happen in either of these realities helps to enhance understanding.
“A warm shower can relax and restore, but a cold shower could be what anyone needs to kickstart their day. Discover a healthier life with lower stress levels and more energy, also being less reliant on things like coffee. It takes courage to face the cold, so also think of how much willpower you would develop and applying that to your everyday life.”
Action
Now that you have made your case, the audience should feel compelled to do something. Give them actionable items to do in their immediate future to solve the issue or outline the tools they have to address it. The point is to leave them with a sense of agency.
“You have the power to implement a positive change in life using an everyday routine. Soon enough, you will realize that you think and feel better with each day you persevere doing it. The healthier, energetic, and more mindful person you can become is just a shower away, so try it today.”
It may not necessarily be regarding your shower preferences but try applying this technique for other argumentative writing pieces you may need. You will find that both your hot takes (or cold ones!) and persuasiveness will improve.