Persuasive Strategies Copyright 2006 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink.org materials may be reproduced for educational purposes. Images ©2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Claim State your argument. Example: I am going to try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack.

Fact vs. Opinion Fact: A statement that can be proven My car has been driven for 23,600 kilometers. Michael Jordon was born on February 17, 1963. Opinion: Someone’s view, belief, or way of thinking about something Beethoven is the greatest composer that ever lived. Les Miserables is the best book ever written. Extraterrestrials exist.

Logos: Logic/Reason Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing. Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

Research Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing. Example: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school.

Ethos: Credibility If people believe and trust in you, you’re more likely to persuade them. Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you.

Big Names Important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing. Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines.

Pathos: Emotions Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument. Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home.

Persuasive Techniques Vocabulary Adjectives: Descriptive words Give emphasis and bring out emotions Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds Helps the audience remember certain key words Anecdote: A short personal story Helps the audience connect with the speaker Concession: Yielding to the other side The speaker shows his understanding of the other side of the argument.

Persuasive Techniques Vocabulary Bias: One side of the issue is presented; the other side is ignored Emphasizes one viewpoint very strongly Connotation: The thought or feeling invoked by a word choice Helps the audience connect emotionally with the speaker Hyperbole: Exaggeration Since it is dramatic, the audience is attentive; it gives emphasis to a point

Persuasive Techniques Vocabulary Imagery: Descriptive words Gives emphasis and brings out emotions Metaphor: Direct comparison of two things Gives emphasis, makes a point more memorable Inclusive Language: Use of pronouns (e.g. I, he, they) “We” is inclusive language; audience connects with the speaker “Them” identifies the opposing side as a common enemy

Persuasive Techniques Vocabulary Repetition: Using the same words or phrases again and again Gives emphasis, makes a point more memorable Rhetorical Question: A question for which no response is expected. Helps the audience to think about the issue Simile: Comparison using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ Gives emphasis; helps the audience connect with the speaker

Propaganda Techniques: Sometimes… the Dark Side of Persuasion Name-calling (put down the other side) Band-wagon (you must join the popular side) Glittering Generalities (positive words + an idea people like) Card Stacking (don’t talk about the bad points) Plain Folks (I’m an average person…just like you!) Transfer technique (stand next to a symbol the audience likes) Fear (If you smoke you will die)

Preparing to Write your Persuasive Letter Do you think that your argument is valid? Conduct some research work (use Opinion Interview document) Outline the main things that you want to add in your letter. (use Persuasion Map) It is not always necessary that you are completely right. List out few pros and cons so that on the basis of it, you can draft your persuasive letter.

Required Elements for Persuasive Letter Proper format (you may use the Letter Generator after completing the Persuasion Map) Respectful, formal language Clear statement of the issue & your proposed solution Three reasons to support your proposal Clear use of the appeals: Logic, Credibility, Emotion End with a final appeal

Checklist for Review of Persuasive Letter Is the language formal and respectful? Has the purpose been stated? (i.e. I am a Grade 10 student…I would like to suggest a change that may…) Is the need presented clearly? Is the proposed solution presented clearly? Are there at least 3 strong reasons why this proposal would benefit the school? Is there are concession? (Demonstrate that you recognize the other side of the issue: “I understand that…”) Have logic, credibility, emotion each been used?

Sources Education Oasis www.educationoasis.com http://www.letters.org/category/persuasive-letter readwritethink.com