The FivePersuasive Techniques

Claim

Example: To convince the reader that M&M’s is the greatest candy is a healthy snack.

State your argument.

Citing AuthorityExperts can make your argument seem more convincing.

TestimonialFamous people (celebrities/athletes) who endorse an idea or product can be very convincing.

“Breakfast of Champions”

Citing Statistics

Example: According to the Federal Food and Drug Administration a Snickers bar has 1280 calories and 310 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

Bandwagon

Example: Everybody has Verizon. So I should join the crowd.

Persuades people to do or believe something by telling them everyone else is doing it and if they don’t, they’ll be left out.

Glittering Generality

This technique uses slogans or simple phrases that sound good but provide little or no real information.

EX: “…feel ten years younger…new and improved…family values…all-natural products”.

Your Turn!

• In groups, find advertisements that use each of the five persuasive techniques.

• Be prepared to share!

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FACT vs OPINION

FACT:

• A statement or event that is true or that has happened.

• Signals: statistics, clear simple statements

Example: M&M’s are made of chocolate.

FACT vs OPINION

OPINION:

• A bias or personal viewpoint not based on fact.

• Signal words: “I think” or “I believe” “should”

M&M’s have been the greatest invention in the food industry since sliced bread.

Fact and Opinion

Review - Identify and Label:

Text Structures– Problem and

Solution– Cause and Effect– Sequence– Description– Compare and

Contrast

Text Features• Bold face• Graphs/charts• Text box/side bar• Subtitles• Lists (bullets, numbers)• Captions• Photo/picture/illustrations• Italics

More Practice

• “Fashion Police”

• “Guilt by the Bottleful”