Question

What is the role of opinion leaders in the formation of public opinion? Why can this be an effective persuasive tactic in affecting public discourse? What are some credibility factors to consider?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Over time, the behaviour, track-record and the overall work and credibility of an individual becomes a part of their identity. This would mean that people might have opinions and notions about that individual based on their judgement of their past behaviour.

These notions might support that these individuals are capable of formulating sound and logical opinions because they have proven to be acute and responsible in the past. Therefore, an opinion leader would generally deliver a well thought of opinion and the public opinion of them might be positive.

Sometimes a public discourse requires a referee to sift the directions of the opinions. These opinions would shift in the direction that the opinion leader might want them to be. This is an effective tactic because generally people simply require an assurance from someone who appears to know what they are doing in order to stick to the best opinion.

Such opinion leaders should be evaluated based on their past work, the results that they have brought about, their consideration for minority groups, their ability to avoid taking selfish steps and their motivation to make the people a priority.

If the actions of the opinion leader do not match their words, it could be an indicator that the person simply poses as a credible leader and isn’t truly “leader material.”

Since opinion leaders are able to actually divert the masses into following their opinions and suggestions, it is a powerful position to hold. Such power should be carefully considered before simply handing it over to anybody at all.