Micro-credential
Persuasion for Policymakers
Understand how to persuade and influence government decision-makers and stakeholders.
Start date
2 November 2026
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More start dates
Duration
6 weeks / 42 hours
Study mode
Online
Fees
$1990.00 (inc GST)
Learn more
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What you will learn
Gain contemporary skills and knowledge for your job now.
The ability to persuade and influence is an essential skill for policymakers and public managers. Whether it’s presenting advice to a senior decision-maker, influencing a group in a meeting or convincing colleagues to support an initiative, the ability to persuade is pivotal to effective public leadership.
This micro-credential will arm you with the skills you need to persuade and communicate effectively. You will be introduced to the latest thinking in the fields of social psychology, communication, and the art of rhetoric.
It is ideal for professionals working in or with governments, including NGO's, who are seeking a greater understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical strategies needed to craft persuasive communication.
Explore the foundations of persuasion and examine critical skills needed for effective communication
Study core elements of the communication process, including storytelling, and learn to apply 'sticky principles' to your work to effectively communicate your ideas.
Gain tools to better understand the art of rhetoric
Analyse classic rhetorical frameworks and explore their relevance to contemporary policymaking and public management. Assess and compare case studies that demonstrate effective use of rhetorical techniques.
Examine how power, influence, and authority shape decision making in government
Compare and contrast power and influence, and use established theoretical models such as the six sources of influence to build rapport and trust. Examine the seven bases of power to unpack how personal power differs from positional power.
Understand the importance of narrative and storytelling to governance
Draw on key concepts, including the pyramid principle, to structure arguments and write persuasive public policy stories. Learn to develop narrative storyboards that will help you plan your communication techniques.
Analyse and present a real-world example of persuasion in public policy
Use the techniques you've learned in this course to present an example of persuasion in public policy or government. You'll deliver a thoughtful analysis that demonstrates a strong understanding of the art of persuasion.
This micro-credential is offered by the Melbourne School of Government. Sign up to the School’s monthly e-news for course, research and event updates.
Please view the video below to learn more about this course.
Who you will learn from
Learn from skilled academics and professional experts who will share invaluable knowledge you can use in your job.
Hamish Park
Teaching Specialist
Hamish Park is a Senior Fellow at Melbourne Law School, Director of Melbourne Leadership Group, and a Board Director at Monash Health. With a 25-year management consulting career, he spent over a decade inside the Victorian State Government, serving three premiers in senior advisory and Chief of Staff roles. He holds a Master’s in Management from Harvard University and Commerce and Arts degrees from the University of Melbourne. He is a certified leadership coach and accredited DISC practitioner.
More from this series
Take multiple courses to deepen your knowledge or stack towards a full degree.
The Craft of Government series
Designed by leading experts from the Melbourne School of Government, this series of micro-credentials will equip you with the analytical skills needed to understand the complexities of public management.
You'll enhance your ability to think and plan strategically, develop your knowledge of public policymaking, and learn to work confidently with governments to solve society's most pressing challenges.
Explore more from the Craft of Government series:
Fees
For individuals
To take Persuasion for Policymakers as a stand-alone Melbourne MicroCert, you'll pay the normal course price.
$1990.00 (inc GST)
Please contact Student Support to discuss discounts and payment options for University of Melbourne staff or alumni, or to pay by invoice.
Dates
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