What two conditions allow listeners to resist persuasion? Give examples of ways that those conditions might be overcome.

What will be an ideal response?


- Two conditions allow listeners to resist persuasion: a message's multiple meanings (polysemy) and the boomerang effect of a message that is so powerful that it turns back on the speaker.
- Polysemy enhances persuasion by allowing the audience to focus on an interpretation of the message with which they agree.
- But they also can foster selective acceptance, if people understand the symbol-laden message in different and conflicting ways.
- Under the boomerang effect, a speaker must carefully assess how much audience arousal is appropriate.
- Student examples will vary.

Communication & Mass Media

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