Cedric Writes
Regular Member
- Aug 19, 2018
- 216
- 116
Copywriting Using Deductive Reasoning
Copywriters have a single, primary goal, which is to produce copy that is persuasive enough to convince the reader to buy a product or service. A practical way to make a compelling argument that customers should choose your brand is by employing deductive reasoning, also referred to as deductive logic.
We typically think of deduction in the context of mathematics or computer programming. But critical thinking using deductive reasoning is a straightforward and useful process that you can implement in your copy to make more compelling and persuasive arguments. Deductive logic applies the following formula:
If A=B and B=C, then A must equal C.
Imagine that you are applying for a job. The application states that before being considered for any position within the company, all applicants must take a skills test. We can deduce that since all applicants must take the test, and since you are applying for a job at this company, then it must be true that you will need to take the skills test.
That was a pretty basic example of deductive reasoning, but you can apply the same principle when writing compelling copy. Deduction is a logical approach to informing and convincing potential customers that your product or service is the best and most reasonable option for them.
What is deductive reasoning, and why should I use it?
Deductive reasoning is a "top-down" critical thinking process that begins with making a general statement and narrows down to a specific conclusion. It is the counterpart to inductive reasoning, which starts with specific arguments and then reaches a generalized conclusion by reducing the facts into probable conclusions. The fundamental differences between inductive and deductive logic lie in the writer's intent and how the information is structured.
We use deductive reasoning when we want to definitively establish a correct and guaranteed conclusion, not just a strong probability. It is best to begin a deductive argument with a broad statement that can be satisfied through different types of supporting evidence.
Another benefit of deduction is that it allows you to start with a strong premise to hold the reader's attention and then end with a sound and convincing conclusion.
How do I use deductive reasoning in copywriting?
Deduction aims to be logical and correct, meaning that when you write a solid deductive argument, the result is a specific conclusion that is undeniably true based on the premises you present.
Using the process of deductive reasoning to make sound, persuasive arguments in your copy involves framing your case using this format:
· Premise #1 (An initial generalized statement that, if it is true, must be true in all cases.)
· Premise #2 (As long as the first statement is true, then the second related premise must also be correct.)
· Testing (Test the premises against one another using a variety of scenarios and back it up with relevant data.)
· Specific conclusion (After testing the relationship between the premises, the outcome determines the argument to be either valid or invalid.)
Start with a broad statement that, if it is true, must be true in all cases. This statement is the foundation for the entire argument. Follow your first premise with another statement that is true when the first statement is true. To validate that the relationship between premises is stable, provide test scenarios to vet the logic used to connect the two statements. If the tests pass, then you can declare your specific conclusion to be valid or invalid.
Deductive reasoning is the antithesis of inductive reasoning, but they do share some common traits. In both processes, you should use statistical evidence backed up by data to present the most persuasive case possible. Customers want to hear specifics.
It is always more convincing to read that a product has 4.5 out of 5 stars rather than "most people like it." This point is backed up by a 2017 survey that Podium conducted showed that 93% of consumers report that reviews influence their purchasing choices!
When should I use deductive reasoning?
You should be using deductive logic in your copy any time you are arguing a case that requires an indisputable conclusion, rather than just a hypothesis. As long as you can provide accurate statements in your premises, employing deduction is a great way to make a solid case to prospective clients and customers and grow your business.
Constructing an argument using deductive reasoning requires you to present your case with actual, generalized facts, and then pare them down to a specific conclusion. This method produces a compelling case by removing any vaguenesses or conjectures that we often tend to see with inductive reasoning. It also helps you, as a copywriter, to gain credibility with your audience.
What does deductive reasoning look like in copywriting?
When making a deductive argument in your copy, begin with general statements that are known to be accurate and narrow them down to the specific conclusion. Let's walk through an example:
It's important to remember that deductive reasoning aims to reach a clear, undeniable conclusion; a hypothesis or probability is not enough to satisfy the requirements of deductive logic.
Conclusion
Persuasive copywriting is critical in gaining customers, whether in print or on the internet, and one of the most effective ways to do this is to make compelling, indisputable arguments using deductive reasoning.
The use of general but factual premises backed up by actual data that lead to a valid, specific conclusion is essential when making persuasive cases to customers. Deductive logic is a vital logical process to add to your copywriting tool kit for creating more compelling arguments.
Copywriters have a single, primary goal, which is to produce copy that is persuasive enough to convince the reader to buy a product or service. A practical way to make a compelling argument that customers should choose your brand is by employing deductive reasoning, also referred to as deductive logic.
We typically think of deduction in the context of mathematics or computer programming. But critical thinking using deductive reasoning is a straightforward and useful process that you can implement in your copy to make more compelling and persuasive arguments. Deductive logic applies the following formula:
If A=B and B=C, then A must equal C.
Imagine that you are applying for a job. The application states that before being considered for any position within the company, all applicants must take a skills test. We can deduce that since all applicants must take the test, and since you are applying for a job at this company, then it must be true that you will need to take the skills test.
That was a pretty basic example of deductive reasoning, but you can apply the same principle when writing compelling copy. Deduction is a logical approach to informing and convincing potential customers that your product or service is the best and most reasonable option for them.
What is deductive reasoning, and why should I use it?
Deductive reasoning is a "top-down" critical thinking process that begins with making a general statement and narrows down to a specific conclusion. It is the counterpart to inductive reasoning, which starts with specific arguments and then reaches a generalized conclusion by reducing the facts into probable conclusions. The fundamental differences between inductive and deductive logic lie in the writer's intent and how the information is structured.
We use deductive reasoning when we want to definitively establish a correct and guaranteed conclusion, not just a strong probability. It is best to begin a deductive argument with a broad statement that can be satisfied through different types of supporting evidence.
Another benefit of deduction is that it allows you to start with a strong premise to hold the reader's attention and then end with a sound and convincing conclusion.
How do I use deductive reasoning in copywriting?
Deduction aims to be logical and correct, meaning that when you write a solid deductive argument, the result is a specific conclusion that is undeniably true based on the premises you present.
Using the process of deductive reasoning to make sound, persuasive arguments in your copy involves framing your case using this format:
· Premise #1 (An initial generalized statement that, if it is true, must be true in all cases.)
· Premise #2 (As long as the first statement is true, then the second related premise must also be correct.)
· Testing (Test the premises against one another using a variety of scenarios and back it up with relevant data.)
· Specific conclusion (After testing the relationship between the premises, the outcome determines the argument to be either valid or invalid.)
Start with a broad statement that, if it is true, must be true in all cases. This statement is the foundation for the entire argument. Follow your first premise with another statement that is true when the first statement is true. To validate that the relationship between premises is stable, provide test scenarios to vet the logic used to connect the two statements. If the tests pass, then you can declare your specific conclusion to be valid or invalid.
Deductive reasoning is the antithesis of inductive reasoning, but they do share some common traits. In both processes, you should use statistical evidence backed up by data to present the most persuasive case possible. Customers want to hear specifics.
It is always more convincing to read that a product has 4.5 out of 5 stars rather than "most people like it." This point is backed up by a 2017 survey that Podium conducted showed that 93% of consumers report that reviews influence their purchasing choices!
When should I use deductive reasoning?
You should be using deductive logic in your copy any time you are arguing a case that requires an indisputable conclusion, rather than just a hypothesis. As long as you can provide accurate statements in your premises, employing deduction is a great way to make a solid case to prospective clients and customers and grow your business.
Constructing an argument using deductive reasoning requires you to present your case with actual, generalized facts, and then pare them down to a specific conclusion. This method produces a compelling case by removing any vaguenesses or conjectures that we often tend to see with inductive reasoning. It also helps you, as a copywriter, to gain credibility with your audience.
What does deductive reasoning look like in copywriting?
When making a deductive argument in your copy, begin with general statements that are known to be accurate and narrow them down to the specific conclusion. Let's walk through an example:
- Premise #1: The sole purpose of our product is to make your job easier.
- Premise #2: You are in the market for a product that makes your job easier.
- Specific conclusion: If you buy our product, it will make your job easier.
- Premise #1: The sole purpose of our product is to make your job easier.
- Premise #2: Our customers are pleased with our product.
- Testing: A random survey of 100 customers showed that the average level of satisfaction, on a scale of 1-10, was 9.5.
- Specific conclusion: If you buy our product, you will be satisfied with how much easier it makes your job.
- Premise #1: The sole purpose of our product is to make your job easier, and our customers say they save an average of 2 hours per week when using our product.
- Premise #2: Our customers are pleased with our product, and 90% of them say they would recommend it to a friend.
- Testing: A random survey of 100 customers showed that the average level of satisfaction of the product (on a scale of 1-10 with ten being most satisfied) was 9.5.
- Specific conclusion: If you buy our product, you will save time and be satisfied with how much easier it makes your job.
It's important to remember that deductive reasoning aims to reach a clear, undeniable conclusion; a hypothesis or probability is not enough to satisfy the requirements of deductive logic.
Conclusion
Persuasive copywriting is critical in gaining customers, whether in print or on the internet, and one of the most effective ways to do this is to make compelling, indisputable arguments using deductive reasoning.
The use of general but factual premises backed up by actual data that lead to a valid, specific conclusion is essential when making persuasive cases to customers. Deductive logic is a vital logical process to add to your copywriting tool kit for creating more compelling arguments.