Persuasive Techniques

Persuasive TechniquesPersuasive techniques are ways that people are

influenced.

Why might one person want to influence another?

There are many types of persuasive techniques. Some

of them are:• Testimonial• Logical Appeal• Emotional Appeal• Ethical Appeal• Appeal to authority• Scare tactics• False need

Testimonial• A testimonial is a persuasive technique in

which a person asserts a claim based on his/her own experience.

• Example: “My name is Jared • Blight, and I’ve lost 25 pounds • using Nutrisystem. I’ve never • been happier!”

Logical Appeal• Logical appeals occur when facts and figures

are provided to back up a claim.

• Example: “Over 85% of engines using Techron gasoline perform 20 years or more.”

Ethical Appeal• Ethical appeals rely on a person’s feelings of

responsibility, making them feel as if they are obligated, as a human being, to do something.

• Example: “Millions of dogs are • living without shelter, food, • water, or love. Your monthly • donation of only $5 can save them.”

Emotional Appeal• A persuasive technique that manipulates a

person’s emotions in order to influence their actions or opinions.

• Example: “SALE! Soft, fuzzy puppies guaranteed to bring feelings of love and happiness to your heart!”

Appeal to Authority• Appeals to authority involve a person,

believed to be an “authority”, supporting a claim.

• Example: “I’m professional swimmer Joe Magdalene, and I never hit the pool without my SwimEar ear drops.”

Scare Tactic• Scare tactics appeal to a person’s sense of

fear; the claim is based on either an actual or perceived threat to a person.

• Example: “Secure Home alarm systems; because burglars are always on the look-out for unprotected homes.”

False Need• False need appeals make a person think they

absolutely must buy/believe something.

• Example: “Every woman deserves a pair of Louis Vuitton heels.”