What qualities do readers and listeners share in persuasion? October 5, 2022 by 8i9x6 Both writers and speakers should be formal and serious at all times. Readers and listeners like to be treated as equals, not patronised or bullied. Writing can never adopt the same tone as speech. In both writing and speech, humour is the most persuasive device. Anger and friendliness can be expressed equally well in both writing and speech. See Answer Readers and listeners like to be treated as equals, not patronised or bullied.