Written by Toasty Bite, Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages (KSTCL), IIUM Pagoh campus 26 December 2024 KANGAR, 20 December 2024: A groundbreaking initiative, A Persuasive Strategy Workshop was organized by IIUM Pagoh, in collaboration with Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ). The workshop was fully sponsored under the Jamalullail Responsible Research Grant Scheme (JRRGS) 4.0, awarded by Majlis Agama Dan Istiadat Melayu Perlis (MAIPs). Held at the serene campus of UNISIRAJ in Pauh, Perlis which was previously known as Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis (KUIPs), the dynamic one-day workshop aimed at empowering UniSIRAJ students and MAIPs staff with the skills to speak persuasively and influence effectively in both personal and professional settings. With a focus on Islamic principles from Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah, the workshop went beyond theoretical knowledge. It provided participants with practical skills of using persuasive strategies to inspire others to embrace and live by Islamic values. Experts Guidance and Interactive Learning The workshop featured insightful sessions led by Dr. Lilisuriani Binti Abdul Latif @ Bapoo and Dr. Azean Idruwani Binti Idrus, esteemed lecturers from the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages, IIUM Pagoh. The program explored key aspects of persuasion, including its fundamentals, its roles in daily life, and the language involved in persuasive communications. Interactive activities designed by a team of six facilitators, young entrepreneurs from Toasty Bite (KSTCL), added an engaging element to the event. These activities included icebreakers and a pitching competition which was infused with Islamic values. In the workshop, participants got to listen to two short lectures, discuss what had been taught in small groups and tried to craft and deliver persuasive pitches. Through hands-on sessions and constructive feedback, attendees gained confidence and built their persuasive speaking skills in English. By the end of the workshop, participants showcased notable progress where they presented refined and compelling pitches that impressed judges and peers alike. A Diverse Group of Participants A distinctive aspect of this workshop was its diverse group of participants, primarily international students from Nigeria, the Philippines, and Indonesia along with some Malaysian students. Despite the limited Malay language they have, the international students actively engaged with the content, often using Malay phrases like “bagus” and “mantap” to express their understanding, which added a lighthearted and enthusiastic atmosphere. The facilitators played a key role in guiding participants through persuasive techniques, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging critical thinking, navigating them to refine their skills. Positive Feedback and Lasting Impact Despite the workshop’s brevity, the positive feedback from participants was overwhelming. One participant, reflecting on the transformative workshop, passionately suggested that such programs should be held regularly, as well as at various institutions to encourage continuous learning. Another powerful takeaway was a quote from Dr. Lili: “We persuade because there is a problem.” This simple yet profound statement reinforced the idea that effective persuasion starts with understanding and addressing real-world issues. Certainly, feedback from the Persuasive Strategy Workshop affirmed its success, with participants gaining not only new skills but also the confidence to apply them ethically and effectively. For the facilitators, the workshop was a transformative experience that reaffirmed the importance of communication, leadership, and the ability to inspire others. The team expressed optimism about how the persuasive strategies shared during the program would empower participants in their future persuasive speech construction to discuss and solve problems.
