Persuasive Writing Techniques

What are the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on repetition in persuasive writing?

• Loss of reader interest, insincerity, lack of addressing counterarguments or providing new information

• Inability to connect with the audience

• Confusion of the main message

• Overwhelming the reader with information

In what ways can a writer appeal to both reason and emotion in the same piece of writing?

• By using only logical arguments and evidence

• By using only vivid language and personal anecdotes

• By using humor and sarcasm

• By using logical arguments and evidence to appeal to reason, while also using vivid language and personal anecdotes to appeal to emotion.

Repeat key words or phrases to help key themes and arguments stick in the mind of your audience.

A question that does not require an answer. This has the effect of involving the reader and making them think about the issue or the product you

are promoting.

Make the reader sit up and listen to your argument by shocking them with pictures or powerful words and phrases.

Providing the names of respectable and well known professionals, organisations, groups of people to add substance and weight to your argument and help make people believe you.

Sound techniques should not be used in persuasive writing.

• True

• False

Make facts and statistics up if necessary, but keep them believable.

They add weight to your argument and make people believe you have investigated the issue and know what you are talking about.

Use language to stir up emotions in your reader. Make them feel guilt, sympathy, anger, excitement etc, by choosing your words carefully.

Choose words-verbs, adjectives, adverbs- which inspire your audience. Avoid 'good', 'bad', 'nice. Use a thesaurus for this.