Persuasive Techniques

Involves the reader directly in the issue by using words such as “we” or “us”.

• Inclusive language

• Exclusive language

• Descriptive language

• Persuasive language

A question that doesn’t need to be answered because the answer is made obvious.

Leads the audience to a particular conclusion, implies the answer is obvious.

• Rhetorical Question

• Leading Question

• Open-ended Question

• Closed Question

Describing words or phrases

Adds detail to make the text more interesting

Can create positive or negative implications

• Adjectives

• Nouns

• Verbs

• Adverbs

Repeating words, phrases or ideas for emphasis.

Encourages agreement, emphasises a viewpoint, captures attention and increases memorability.

• Repetition

• Alliteration

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

colloquial, everyday or slang terms

conversational, establishes a rapport with the audience

• Informal language

• Formal language

• Technical jargon

• Academic language

Attempt to persuade through emotional manipulation, targeting particular interests or concerns

Triggers an emotional response to evoke feelings of; guilt, shame, concern, fear, or similar

• Appeal to emotion (PATHOS)

• Logical reasoning (LOGOS)

• Ethical appeal (ETHOS)

• Rhetorical question

A question posed by the author and then directly answered by the author.

Makes the reader consider their own response, whilst informing them of vital information about the issue.

• Hypophora Question

• Rhetorical Question

• Leading Question

• Open-ended Question

More sophisticated, traditional English. Can lend weight to an argument and command respect.

• Informal language

• Colloquial language

• Formal language

• Slang

Use of irony to mock, by implying the opposite of what is actually said.

Can provide humour

Can backfire if used too much

• Sarcasm

• Irony

• Satire

• Parody

Uses logic, claims, and evidence to convince people. Makes readers more likely to believe the argument.

• Appeal to emotion (PATHOS)

• Appeal to authority (ETHOS)

• Appeal to logic (LOGOS)

• Appeal to fear (PHOBOS)