The Art of Persuasion

What is the Difference between Persuasion and Argument?

• The words "argument" and "persuasion" are often used interchangeably.

Argument

• The purpose of argument writing is to prove or disprove your claim (thesis).

• Using evidence and reasoning the author must demonstrate the truth of the claim (thesis).

Persuasion

• In persuasive writing, the goal of the writer is to convince the reader to accept the claim (thesis).

• Persuasion assertively seeks to influence or change the reader’s opinion and to provoke action based on the author's validity.

Persuasion: 

The act of persuading, convincing, or urging another.

Persuasion is often more effectual than force. --Aesop

WHY?

“The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword”

Is this true?

Aristotle, the Greek Philosopher, Identified Three Appeals to

Persuade:

• Ethos -- The appeal of the standing of the writer or speaker

• Pathos -- The appeal to emotion

• Logos -- The appeal to logic --  deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.

EthosAn Appeal of the standing of the speaker

or writer

PathosAn Appeal to Emotion

LogosAn Appeal

to logic

The Goal of Persuasive Writing

• The goal of Persuasive writing is to convince your audience that your ideas are valid, or more valid than someone else's using appeals -- Ethos, Pathos, Logos.

What is a Persuasive Writing?

• A persuasive writing is something you write to convince someone to agree with your claim and and to convince them to take an action.

• You use ethos, pathos, and logos to support your persuasive writing

• Your persuasive writing can be an essay, a letter or a memo

How Do I Write Persuasively?

• Consider your topic.• Consider your audience.• Brainstorm and map the evidence to

support your topic.• Prepare an outline.• Use Ethos, Pathos and Logos• Use a claim (thesis), Evidence and Warrant

(Very important! More on this in our next lesson)