10.1Document for Analysis:Poor Persuasive Request Inviting Speaker to Discuss Seven CardinalSins in Food Service
(L.O. 1–3)
The following letter from a programchair strives to persuade a well-known chef to make a presentationbefore a local restaurant association. But the letter is not verypersuasive. How could this message be more persuasive? What readerbenefits could it offer? What arguments could be made to overcomeresistance? How should a persuasive message conclude?
Your Task Analyzethe following invitation and list its weaknesses, and write arevision.
Current date
Ms. Danielle Watkins
The Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dear Ms. Watkins:
We know you are a very busy hospitality professional as chef atthe Beverly Hills Hotel, but we would like you to make apresentation to the San Francisco chapter of the NationalRestaurant Association. I was asked to write you since I am programchair.
I heard that you made a really good presentation at your localchapter in Los Angeles recently. I think you gave a talk called“Avoiding the Seven Cardinal Sins in Food Service†or somethinglike that. Whatever it was, I'm sure we would like to hear the sameor a similar presentation. All restaurant operators are interestedin doing what we can to avoid potential problems involvingdiscrimination, safety at work, how we hire people, etc. As youwell know, operating a fast-paced restaurant is frustrating—even ona good day. We are all in a gigantic rush from opening the doorearly in the morning to shutting it again after the last customerhas gone. It's a rat race and easy to fall into the trap with foodservice faults that push a big operation into trouble.
Enclosed please find a list of questions that our memberslisted. We would like you to talk in the neighborhood of 45minutes. Our June 10 meeting will be in the Oak Room of the WestinSt. Francis Hotel in San Francisco and dinner begins at 7 p.m.
How can we get you to come to San Francisco? We can only offeryou an honorarium of $200, but we would pay for any travelexpenses. You can expect a large crowd of restaurateurs who areknown for hooting and hollering when they hear good stuff! As youcan see, we are a rather informal group. Hope you can join us!
Sincerely,
