Persuasive Communication
The title text feels persuasive, no? The font’s called ‘Impact”, after all.
Listed below are links to some external English learning
resources.We encourage you to explore them to polish your
English skills.
BBC Learning English YouTube Channel
English Club
Powerpoint for Windows training
1.2.1 - Origins of Persuasive
Communication
1. Introduction: Why Study Communication Historically
Communication is the most frequent human activity after breathing.
It permeates daily life: education, work, business, relationships, and
technology.
Studying history clears conceptual confusion and provides perspective.
Communication has evolved alongside society, power structures, and
technology.
1
,2. Ancient India (≈ 5000 years ago): Mahabharata &
Persuasion
Example: Battle of Kurukshetra
Arjuna (army commander) refuses to fight upon seeing relatives
on the opposing side.
Krishna (charioteer) delivers a ~45-minute discourse (700–800
shlokas).
This discourse is the Bhagavad Gita.
Result: Arjuna is convinced, picks up his
bow, and the war begins.
2
,3
, Key Insight
This episode is a classic example of persuasive communication.
Audience (Arjuna) initially unconvinced →
speaker (Krishna) persuades → action
taken.
India has a strong historical connection to
persuasive communication.
3. Ancient India (≈ 2500 years ago):
Chanakya & Leadership
Communication
Example: Chanakya and the Magadha
Empire
Chanakya trained a common man to
become king.
Communication was a key part of
leadership training.
Chanakya’s Teachings
Kings must:
Inspire people
Converse effectively
Persuade other kingdoms for trade
and diplomacy
4
The title text feels persuasive, no? The font’s called ‘Impact”, after all.
Listed below are links to some external English learning
resources.We encourage you to explore them to polish your
English skills.
BBC Learning English YouTube Channel
English Club
Powerpoint for Windows training
1.2.1 - Origins of Persuasive
Communication
1. Introduction: Why Study Communication Historically
Communication is the most frequent human activity after breathing.
It permeates daily life: education, work, business, relationships, and
technology.
Studying history clears conceptual confusion and provides perspective.
Communication has evolved alongside society, power structures, and
technology.
1
,2. Ancient India (≈ 5000 years ago): Mahabharata &
Persuasion
Example: Battle of Kurukshetra
Arjuna (army commander) refuses to fight upon seeing relatives
on the opposing side.
Krishna (charioteer) delivers a ~45-minute discourse (700–800
shlokas).
This discourse is the Bhagavad Gita.
Result: Arjuna is convinced, picks up his
bow, and the war begins.
2
,3
, Key Insight
This episode is a classic example of persuasive communication.
Audience (Arjuna) initially unconvinced →
speaker (Krishna) persuades → action
taken.
India has a strong historical connection to
persuasive communication.
3. Ancient India (≈ 2500 years ago):
Chanakya & Leadership
Communication
Example: Chanakya and the Magadha
Empire
Chanakya trained a common man to
become king.
Communication was a key part of
leadership training.
Chanakya’s Teachings
Kings must:
Inspire people
Converse effectively
Persuade other kingdoms for trade
and diplomacy
4
