Persuasive Techniques Mr. Ritenour English 10

Rhetorical Question Definition: A question that is asked, but is not meant to be answered. Instead, it’s there to make the audience think about something. Good for all three types of appeals. Example: Mom: How many times do I have to ask you to clean up after yourself? Essay: What would you do if you won the 1.5 billion dollar lotto?

Loaded Words Definition: Words that are really high in emotional power (Connotation). Very useful for creating emotional (Pathos) appeals. Example: My parents were furious at me Vs. My parents were angry at me.

Anecdotes Definition: A short story about yourself or someone else. Used primarily as a form of evidence. It supports all three appeal types. Example: I’ve had personal experience with how dangerous smoking can be. My mother has had cancer three separate times in her life, all because she refuses to give up those death sticks she inhales everyday.

Scenarios Definition: Similar to an anecdote. A scenario is a hypothetical, made- up story. You have someone picture something that could happen in order to give yourself evidence/provide an example. Example: Imagine walking down the street when you spot two people beating up a third person. How would you react to this? Would you walk away, or would you step in to help?

Imagery Definition: Using sensory (relating to the five senses) words to create a picture in someone’s head. By making the audience picture something, you can effectively create pathos. Example: Imagine starving in the middle of a barren, empty wasteland. Your throat aches and blisters for water. You can see your own ribs poke from your chest. This is the life of many starving children in third world countries.

Figurative Language Definition: Using language that is not literal to convey some sort of emotional truth. It can be a simile, metaphor, personification, or idiom. Example: You can be the light in the darkness that saves someone if you just act.

Allusion Definition: A reference to a historical figure, time period, or piece of literature without directing call it by name. To allude (verb form) is to hint at something. Example: I too have a dream! (Reference to MLK) Don’t fall for the temptation of the siren’s call (Reference to the Oddysey)

Inclusion Definition: Using language that combines the speaker with the audience as opposed to language that divides them apart. Example: We have to face this problem together. Vs. You have to solve this problem.

Repetition/Parallel Construction Definition: Repeating a concept over and over again so that it sticks in the audience’s mind. (Repetition) OR Beginning a series of sentences the same way to give yourself a sense of pacing and rhythm. Example: The ShamWow can clean up any mess. The ShamWow can solve all the problems in your kitchen. Buy the Shamwow now! Who are we to decide if someone is innocent or guilty? Who are we to watch a documentary and think we know everything? Who are we to question things without knowing the whole truth?

Counterclaim Definition: Stating an argument that supports the opposite point of view that you have AND THEN explaining why that argument is wrong. Example: People who support Donald Trump say that as a successful businessman, he can help the American economy. This isn’t true. Trump has had to declare bankruptcy four times in his life. What makes you think he won’t bankrupt America?