2. Use a variety of persuasive techniques to convince your
audience to agree with you.
3. This technique argues that because everyone else is
doing something, it must be a good idea and you
should do it too.
Example: More and more teenagers have cell
phones. That is why I need one too.
4. This technique gives an example of a person who
agrees. The message is that if this person endorses the
product or idea, then it must be good. In
advertisements, celebrities are often used.
5. This technique uses quotes or statements from a
person who is considered an expert on the topic.
Example: Local
family pediatrician,
Dr. J Payne, stated,
“Proper hand
washing technique is
the best way to
stop the spread of
illness.”
6. This technique uses research to support the writer’s
view.
Example: A
Snickers bar has
280 calories and 30
grams of sugar.
That’s not very
healthy.
7. This technique encourages the reader to do something
about the issue being addressed.
Example: Your
donation might just
get this puppy off
the street and into a
good home. The
SPCA needs your
financial support.
8. This technique uses carefully selected vocabulary to
create an emotional response from the reader. The
author may want you to feel pity, disgust, fear, or anger.
Example: Everyday,
thousands of
starving children
live in wretched
conditions.
9. A rhetorical question is one where a question is posed
for effect, but no answer is expected. The purpose of
the question is to gain the reader’s attention.
Example: Do you want to live in a world where
people turn a blind eye to the plight of
others?
10. This technique involves intentionally repeating a word
or phrase throughout the writing. This draws
attention to the word/phrase and accentuates your
point.
11. In this technique, the author acknowledges arguments
for the other side but then dismisses those points.
Example: Some
people claim it’s
their right to
smoke. What about
the rights of others
though? Second
hand smoke takes
away the right of all
of us to clean air.
12. Try to incorporate some of these persuasive techniques
in your writing. They will go a long way in helping you
convince your audience!
