Tag Archives: persuasion

Researchers identify features that make a message persuasive

Cornell researchers have developed an algorithm that predicts which version of a tweet will be retweeted more.  Here are a few of the things they found most likely to generate retweets (to read more or for the full list please click here):

  • Ask people to share. Words like ”please,” “pls,” “plz” and, of course, “retweet” were common in successful messages.

  • Imitate the style of newspaper headlines. (In their tests, the researchers used the New York Times as a model.)

  • Use words that appear often in other retweeted messages.

  • Use words that express positive or negative sentiment.

  • Refer to other people, not just yourself. Use third person pronouns.

To test your own tweets, visit their website.

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