The word 说服 is formed by combining two conceptual actions into a single, unified process. The first character, 说 (shuō), represents the act of speaking or explaining. The second, 服 (fú), conveys the idea of submitting, accepting, or being convinced. The formation logically sequences these ideas: through the action of speaking (说), one causes the result of acceptance or conviction (服). Thus, the compound naturally embodies the complete cause-and-effect meaning of "to persuade", using speech to make someone agree.