Persuasive Techniques
We use persuasive language to convince others to agree with our facts, share our
values, accept our argument and conclusions, and adopt our way of thinking. There
are many different ways to persuade people. Here are some of the more common:
Appeals: One persuasive technique is appealing to the audience,s:
o Emotions
o Fears
o Desire to seem intelligent
o Need to protect their family
o Desire to fit in, to be accepted, to be loved
o Desire to be an individual
o Desire to follow a tradition
o Desire to be wealthy or save money
o Desire to be healthy
o Desire to look good
r Desire to protect animals and the environment
o Pride in our country
Often other persuasive techniques can also involve an appeal.
Evidence: Using evidence is very persuasive as it makes the reader see the author as
knowledgeable and the argument as more logical or reliable.
Fxxi*g*ie;: Statistics, expert opinions, research findings and anecdotal evidence.
Attacks: Attacks on opposing views, or the people who hold them can persuade the
audience by portraying views and beliefs which are contrary to the author's
conterition as foolish, dangerous, uncaring or deceitful. Using humor to make fun
of these views can be particularly persuasive. Note: can offend or alienate
audience if overdone.
[,'r*r':i:ri*; 'Town Hall? clown Hallif we consider the Mayor's latest comments.'
fnclusive and Exclusive Language: Inclusive language such as 'we','our,,,us, and
exclusive language such as 'them' can persuade by including the reader, or by
creating a sense of solidarity or a sense of responsibility.
*xnni:i.:i"*l 'People like you and me don't want to see this happen'
Rhetorical Questions: Rhetorical questions are questions that do not require and
answer and are asked for effect only. They engage the audience and encourage
them to consider the issue and accept the author's answer, or imply that the
answer is so obvious that anyone who disagrees is foolish.
f;:i*rn*i*: Do we want our children growing up in a world where they are
threatened with violence on every street corner?
Cause and effect: arguments may claim there is a cause and effect relationship when
really there is just a relationship and other factors should be considered.
