Final answer:
The direct strategy is most appropriate when the audience is expected to be pleased, mildly interested, or neutral. For communication requiring persuasion or delivering sensitive content, an indirect strategy with tactful language should be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct strategy in communication is typically the most appropriate when the audience is expected to be either pleased, mildly interested, or neutral towards the message being delivered. This approach allows the communicator to be clear and to the point, often leading to better understanding and acceptance of the information. When dealing with delivering bad news, requiring persuasion, or revealing sensitive news, a more indirect approach might be required, allowing for softer language, tact, and diplomacy to be employed.
In comparison to the direct strategy, peripheral route persuasion often includes cues such as celebrity endorsements, positive emotions, and attractive models, but not factual information. For complex choice scenarios like purchasing a computer, the central route to persuasion—which relies heavily on fact and logic—would be more effective, especially with an audience that is analytical and motivated. Integrating different rhetorical strategies like pathos and logos can enhance the persuasive power of a message, particularly when trying to drive political action or communicate difficult subjects.