Persuasive messages often appeal to an audience's self-interest or deep-seated needs and desires. Listed to the right are themes that commonly move people. Use one or more of them as the basis for "selling" your library program, service, or materials.

Ask yourself, which need or desire will most likely interest my target audience and how will my library meet it? Then come up with an interesting way to say this. Be convincing!

• Make money
• Save money
  
• Save time
  
• Avoid effort
  
• More comfort
  
• Better health
  
• Cleaner
  
• Escape pain
  
• Gain praise
• Be popular
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Be loved/accepted
  
• Be more attractive
• Keep possessions
  
• More enjoyment
  
• Satisfy curiosity
  
• Protect family
  
• Be stylish
  
• Have beautiful things
  
• Satisfy appetite

• Be like others
• Avoid trouble
  
• Avoid criticism
  
• Be individual
  
• Protect reputation
  
• Be safe
  
• Make work easier
  
• Be secure
• Have choices