Persuade Me!

It’s a WIN/WIN solution!

Persuasion is generally an exercise in creating a win-win situation. You present a case that others find beneficial to agree with. You make them an offer they can’t refuse, but not in the manipulative Godfather sense.

It’s simply a good deal or a position that makes sense to that particular person.

A little persuasion never hurt anyone…

And it can certainly come in handy…

Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest boxers of all time

Ali was a great persuader:

•He could persuade people to believe that he was going to win every match he entered the ring to fight

•He backed up his talk with his pure skill in the ring

Ali had a famous catch phrase:He said he could float like a butterfly,

And sting like a bee.

We want to write like Ali fought:

•Float like a butterfly by developing a strong idea, organizing the writing in a way that has the best and most persuasive impact on the reader, and using language that is precise and engaging.

•Sting like a bee by using reasons that are so convincing that the reader will have a hard time arguing against our points.

• Before the reader even knows what has happened, your idea, organization, and style will have him down for the count and begging you to let him do what you wanted him to do!

Persuasive writing:

• attempt to convince through well-reasoned arguments, clear structure, strong evidence, compelling examples, persuasive language, and raw emotion

• Includes –– Statement of position– Facts & examples– Expert opinion if you have one– Anticipation of the counter argument

First Decide on your Audience

• Who am I writing this for?

• What are they concerned with?

• What will be important for them to know?

• What might they disagree with me about?

All Great Writing has a(n):

•BEGINNING •MIDDLE• END

BEGINNING

YOU’VE GOT TO GRAB THE READER AND HOLD ON!

For your lead use:•An anecdote•Startling Fact/ Statistic – News•Background Information•A Narrative•A Description – Thought, Feeling, Idea•Rhetorical Question

The MiddleAlso known as

The Body

How can I convince you?Let me count the ways…

• Use experts andimportant people thatsupport your sideof the argument

• 4 out of 5 doctors recommend brushing with chocolate cupcake icing just before bed to avoid the nasty bed bug kiss.

Statistics Show….

• Using logic, numbers, facts, and data to support your argument

In 2007 over one million people surveyed responded that they prefer a 4-day work week.

• Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

Aw come on…don’t you have a heart?

• appeal to your audience’s emotions

• Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

• Won’t you give an adorable dog a home?

Would I lie to you?

• make yourself seem trustworthy andbelievable

• I have been a caring and responsible member of this community for years.

HURRY!

• building a sense of urgency for your cause

• If something isn’t done to stop the spread of cooties within the next week, we will have an epidemic on our hands!

Don’t forget the COUNTER ARGUMENT

• Take an educated guess – anticipate – what your audience might say about your argument.

• Answer their concerns before they have time to express them.

• While it can be very expensive to provide a laptop for every student, the savings from purchasing textbooks and outfitting computer labs will more than cover the cost.

Ta Daaaaa!The End

Don’t forget to bring closure to it…• Wrap it up

• Close with a personal thought or feeling that reviews your opinion for the reader.

• Ignoring the pollution problems facing our lakeside community is a risk that we just cannot afford to take if we want to maintain our beloved way of life. Join me in voting to protect our natural lake environment.

Let’s see what we can do!

Let’s see how we could plan this essay…

• Everyone has a favorite holiday or time of the year. Cinco de Mayo celebrates a significant battle at Puebla, Mexico in 1862 for Mexico’s independence.

• Write a persuasive essay, identifying your favorite holiday or time of the year. Be sure to explain why this is your favorite time and provide specific examples for support.

•

Are you getting the swing of it?

Working with a partner, Plan this essay…

This is an image of Dominican American professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez, nicknamed A-Rod, is often regarded as the best all around baseball player. However, he is best known for signing one of the richest contracts in sports history, over $250 million in 10 years.

A common sentiment is that professional athletes are paid too much money. Write a persuasive essay in which you agree or disagree with the sentiment. Be sure to provide specific examples to prove your argument.

You had to know it was coming…

It’s time for you to tackle one all on your own!

Good Luck!

This is an image of a professional woman talking on a cell phone. Talking on the phone has been and is a great pastime, and people are on cell phones in more public places than ever. Unless otherwise indicated, you can take your cell phone anywhere. There have been and will continue to be discussions about the pros and cons of cell phone use in public places.

Cell phones have been banned in many public schools because of the disruption they can cause to learning. Your principal and teachers are considering banning them at LMS now as well. How do you feel about this? In a letter to your teacher, present your views on whether students should be allowed to use cell phones on public school campuses. Be sure to support your stance with specific examples and details.