THE POWER OF PERSUASION

Introduction to persuasive writing

What is persuasive

writing?

What is the purpose of persuasive

writing?

How do we persuade people?

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES

Power of Three■ What is it?

Including lists of three items/resources in your writing.

■ Example:

The horrifying, sickening and shocking statistics were used to prompt action from the audience.

■ Why use it?

It is suggested that a trio of descriptors is more memorable and engaging for the reader.

Emotive language■ What is it?

Words, phrases and imagery that elicit an emotional response.

■ Example:

The abandoned children had to fend for themselves.

■ Why use it?

It has a greater emotional impact on the reader.

Rhetorical Questions■ What is it?

Using a question to which there is only one answer, or to which no answer is needed.

■ Example:

-Time and time again the Minister has lied to us and broken his promises. Are we supposed to

trust and believe him again?

-Don’t you remember what it was like to be a teenager?

■ Why use it?

Suggests to readers that there is only one answer (the one the writer agrees with)

Writing Task #1■Use a rhetorical question to convince

your friend that dogs are better than cats (or vice versa)

Say again■ What is it?

Repeating arguments, images, expert evidence, appeals, emotive language, big statements.

■ Example:

-Now is the time to change our country.

Now is the time to make a difference.

■ Why use it?

Emphasises key parts of the argument and helps readers remember them

Writing Task #2■Use ‘say again’ to convince your friend

to dye their hair green

Undermine■ What is it?

Destroy/criticise the opposing argument.

■ Example:

Their arguments are based on opinions, rather than fact, and are simply uneducated and untrue.

■ Why use it?

Helps to strengthen your case by highlighting the flaws in opposing arguments.

Anecdote■ What is it?

Including little stories to illustrate a point.

■ Example:

In my work with at-risk youth I discovered the importance of teenagers being given a platform for leadership.

■ Why use it?

Shows the writer’s personal investment and experience with the issue.

Direct address■ What is it?

Using words that include the reader/viewer in the issue, such as ‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’, ‘you’

■ Example:

If we don’t do something now, it’ll be too late!

■ Why use it?

Personally involves the reader in the issue, making them feel that they have a vested interest.

Writing Task #3■Use a direct address to convince the

school to get rid of uniforms

e.g. We all agree that these uniforms are restrictive and dull. It’s up to you to change the uniform policy!

Exaggeration■ What is it?

Using language that exaggerates the problem or situation.

■ Example:

-I’m so hungry I could literally eat a horse!

-Millions of people are brainwashed every day by these ads

■ Why use it?

Makes a dramatic impact on the reader and highlights the significance of the issue

Writing Task #4■Use exaggeration to convince

your friend to buy your left shoe.

Writing Task #5: The Challenge

■Write a short paragraph using as many of the techniques as you can to convince me that I shouldn’t give you homework at the end of this lesson