Foreshadowing and the science of persuasion

If your job involves persuading people through the written word, then you should read Something Judicious This Way Comes by Prof. Michael J. Higdon. In this paper, Prof. Higdon explores the use of foreshadowing in narrative, its effect on people’s perception of what they see and hear, and the scientific explanation of how it works. Most important for legal writers, he gives examples of how judges use foreshadowing to make their rulings more acceptable to readers. Lawyers can use the same techniques to make their arguments more acceptable to judges.

Due to its thoroughness, the paper is a bit long—44 pages—but well worth your time. Download it now from SSRN, save it on your hard drive or print out a hard copy, and read it later when you have the time.¹

__________

¹ Extra points to anyone who spots the foreshadowing in this paragraph.

Comments

[Ruth Anne Robbins]

I am using this article in my new course on narrative/storytelling. Prof Higdon also wrote an article about non-verbal persuasion that I recommend.