Article: Researchers have concluded that there are three major factors that determine the outcome of requests for favors. These are (1) the asker’s credibility, (2) the demonstration of need, and (3) the offer of repayment. As you brainstorm what you will say in your inquiry, devise ways to foreground your ethos, or personal credibility.  Explain that you are a good, hard-working person. You might say, "I have been at the same job for 12 years," or "I volunteer at my local church." If you are communicating to a specific group, demonstrate your ongoing inclusion. Reddit users, for example, are far more likely to assist someone who has already been a member of their community over somebody who creates a new account and then asks for help. The second, and arguably more powerful, factor has to with the demonstration of need. As you brainstorm what you will say, think of ways to express why you need this help.  Mention the other ways you have tried to solve this problem. You might say, "I have already spoken with a lawyer," or "I have been in touch with my local representatives," or "I have initiated a fundraiser through my church." Mention the other factors that contribute to this need. You might say, "I am also currently putting my daughter through college," or "My husband recently lost his job." Explain why this need is urgent. You could say, "If we do not solve this problem by next Monday, we could lose our house." Third, individuals are more likely to offer help if they feel you will work to repay the favor. You may not be able to repay money, or return the exact favor, but perhaps there is some other way you could “repay”?  Think about what you have to offer. What can you offer the person who helps you? A home-cooked meal? Free advertising on your website? Think of some way you could pay this favor forward. Rather than paying your benefactor back, consider promising that you will help someone else in the future. You might say, "I'm not able to repay this money. However, for every $10 I raise, I will spend a Saturday volunteering at my local soup kitchen." You might say, "Each donor will receive free advertising space on my personal website."

What is a summary?
Foreground your personal credibility. Demonstrate your need. Offer to repay the favor.