1. Persuasion
Writers (and speakers) use persuasive techniques to get you to accept their arguments and think like they do…

2. Notes Title: Persuasive Techniques
Instructions:
Create a Cornell Notes sheet –
A two-column chart with a space for summarizing/evaluating what you learn saved at the bottom
The left side of the column should be for CONCEPTS = underlined
The right side for DEFINITIONS and DETAILS = italicized
At the top of your page, write down one topic you know and feel strong about. You will use this topic for examples.

3. Why use persuasive techniques when writing?
We work to persuade people when we want something.
Writers often use persuasive techniques to CONVINCE their readers to agree with them.
Think of a time you have in the past or might want to in the future convince someone through writing.
Ex. Writing a letter to a congressperson to get them to pass a law on equality.
When you use persuasive techniques in writing, you are creating an ARGUMENT.
A written argument is not a fight between two people with shouting and bitter words; rather it is-
A position or claim the writer believes in and supports with reasons and evidence to prove their rightness

4. The Elements of an Argument
A Claim
Support
A claim is the writer’s position on an issue; it is what they argue to be true; their controlling idea
Claims can be stated directly
Ex. Cheese is better than ice cream.
Claims can be implied.
Ex. Vote for Dorothea!
The details, reasons and evidence, a writer uses to prove their claim
Supporting details can include: facts, statistics, examples, etc.
Ex. Cheese has more protein per ounce than ice cream.
Ex. Dorothea tutors needy children.

5. Example: Claim and Support
A student is asked to write a persuasive paper about recycling.
Claim: Recycling is good for society.
Reason 1: Recycling helps keep our air clean.
Evidence 1: Cities that recycle more have lower carbon imprints.
Reason 2: Businesses that recycle save money.
Evidence 2: The businesses that recycle the most get government tax credits of up to a million dollars.

6. Claim and Support Challenge
Read an excerpt of the following policy speech (a recommendation for a plan of action) with the class.
Identify the claim and supporting reasons and pieces of evidence. Be able to explain to the class why these are the persuasive elements.

7. Claim and Support Practice
1. Make a claim about this picture.
2. Then give a reason for your claim.
3. Then give a piece of evidence for your claim.

8. Persuasive Techniques
Methods intended to encourage you to accept an argument
There are three main kinds of persuasive techniques; leave room for notes on each
Logical Appeals, Emotional Appeals, and Ethical Appeals
Thought Connections
How do you go about getting what you want?
Who do you have to persuade in your life?
What are the most effective ways you can convince them to agree with you?
Be sure to write down at least one example for each appeal type.

9. Emotional Appeals Definition Examples
Playing on someone’s feelings to get them on your side
Advertisers often try to tap into vulnerable feelings like pity, sympathy, fear, hopefulness, and vanity
Emotional appeals can be positive or negative
If you don’t adopt this cute little puppy, the pound will put it to sleep.
What examples can you think of for your topic?

10. Logical Appeals Logic is… Examples
Attempting to convince someone through their brain; making sense on an intellectual level Logical appeals often include: facts and figures, multi-step plans, past successes
Studies show that people with pets live an average of five years longer.
What examples can you think of for your topic?

11. Ethical Appeals Definition Examples
Using a person’s or group’s credibility or expertise
Ethical appeals often rely on people’s tendency to believe famous/brilliant people
Testimonials are a commonly used type of endorsement from well-known people or people who have already agreed with the argument
Veterinarian Romola Villette says schnauzers are her favorite dogs, so adopt one now!
What examples can you think of for your topic?

12. Combination Appeals
Many if not most arguments try to use a combination of the different types of appeals
Bandwagon Appeal – the suggestion that you should do it because lots of others are (logical and ethical)
Loaded Language – Using words/phrases with strong positive or negative associations (logical and emotional)
Everyone drinks orange juice because it’s the healthiest!
What examples can you think of for your topic?

13. Rhetorical Fallacies Rhetorical Fallacies Types of R. F.’s
Not all arguments should be believed
Rhetorical fallacies are false or misleading statements that are used to persuade and appear like real appeals
Has anyone ever tried to scam you into believing them? What did that feel like when you realized it? (Become a good reader and you’re a lot less likely to get tricked!)
Ad hominem is an attack on a person instead of their argument
Stereotyping is making a broad statement on the basis of some arbitrary category like gender, race, job, religion, etc.

14. Fallacious Examples Ad hominem = Don’t vote for Mr.
Larsen because he’s a
Jerk!
Stereotyping = If you like pizza, you will love our new pepperoni because it was made for pizza lovers like you.
Create examples for your topic.

15. Persuasion Notes Recap.
Evaluation
Creation
What are three reasons being a good persuasive writer might come in handy in your life?
What is the most important skill to be very persuasive?
Which appeal gets to you most? Why?
Which example persuaded you most? Why?
Summarize three-six key points you’ve learned.
Invent a persuasive argument to convince someone to be your friend.
Create an assignment that challenges the writer to be persuasive.