THE ART OF PERSUASION

persuasive writing

persuasive writing

The aim of persuasive writing is to convince people to adopt an opinion, perform an action, or both

Rhetoric: the art of communicating ideas

Persuasive Rhetoric consists of well thought-out arguments in favor of or against particular beliefs or courses of action

To be effectively persuasive, the goals of the writing should be: To engage the reader’s mind and emotions,

making them think the problem is important enough for them to care about

To prove to the reader that the writer’s position has a firm moral basis (to do of think as I suggest is the “right” thing to do).

Clearly state the issue and a position Give an opinion and support it with facts

and reasons

Goals continued…

Takes opposing view into account Uses reasonable logic and effective

language Concludes with impact—a “final thought”

or call to action

LogicalEmotionalEthical

three types of appeals:

1. Use elevated language—formal words and phrases add maturity and seriousness to your argument

three techniques for persuasive writing:

2. Use Rhetorical Questions—a rhetorical questions is a question that doesn’t require an answer. Writers pose a rhetorical question to get the reader’s attention , to highlight a main point, and to help persuade.

three techniques for persuasive writing:

3. Use Repetition—repeating a point tells the audience that it is especially important

three techniques for persuasive writing:

Do not use faulty reasoning techniques: Circular reasoning Over-generalization Either-or-fallacy Cause and effect fallacy Bandwagon appeal Name-calling