Persuasive Techniques

Persuasive Techniques The main purpose of persuasive techniques is to place the reader in a position to agree with or support the writer’s point of view. Persuasive Techniques

Definition: Emotive language is the deliberate use of strong emotionally charged words to play on readers’ feelings. Powerful words like “sleazy, slimy, vicious, disgusting, outrageous” are examples of emotive language. Emotive Language

Colourful words and descriptive language Definition: Colourful words and descriptive language are words that are heightened, vivid, lively, full of interest. Examples: Hot – blistering, sultry, muggy, suffocating, steamy, wilting Purpose: to produce a picture and /or induce an emotion. Engages reader by gaining attention an often puts a new slant on familiar event and issues. Colourful words and descriptive language

Definition: Evidence is information, facts or statements used to support a belief, opinion, point of view or proposition. Examples: statistics, research, expert opinion, expert advice, facts. Evidence can also be presented in graphs, diagrams and tables. Purpose: Positions the reader, adds weight to/backs up the author’s point of view. Evidence

Definition: Generalisation is a general statement that infers or claims that whatever is being asserted is true for most people or a majority because it is true in one or some cases. Examples: “Australian children see too much violence on television.” – this statement implies that this is true for most or all children. Purpose: appeals to our general sense of what is true and sounds authoritative. Generalisation

Exaggeration/ Hyperbole Definition: Exaggerations and hyperboles are overstatements. They magnify the importance, danger, happiness, the excellence of something. Examples: “I’ll die if he finds out”;”This weighs a tonne” Purpose: Makes a point dramatically to reinforce it. It is used to gain attention and can arouse strong or extreme emotional responses such as panic and anxiety to manipulate the reader. Exaggeration/ Hyperbole

Definition: Inclusive language includes the reader/audience by assuming we all agree or disagree. Examples: “We all know that...”; “We all feel that...” Purpose: Engages the reader and is often friendly – gains sympathy or persuades the reader to reject an idea. Inclusive language

Definition: Irony is an implied or intended meaning that is different, often opposite, from the literal meaning. Examples: “Oh great! I’ve just lost my wallet with everything in it.” Purpose: A clever device that makes the point distinctively; engages the reader through tone, choice of words, and even by creating a ridiculous situation. Irony

Definition: Tone refers to the voice of the writer; the writer’s attitude to both the subject matter and the reader. Tone can be angry, sympathetic, ironical, dismissive, sarcastic, aggressive... Examples: “What do you think I am? Your slave?” Purpose: Reflects the writer’s attitude, which can position the reader to agree or reject something. Tone

Definition: Play on people’s emotions such as fears, insecurities, desires, hopes and values. Can target moral values, patriotism, a sense of justice or injustice, family values, customs & tradition. Can manipulate the reader by triggering an emotional response. Purpose: Can manipulate the reader to take notice of issues by triggering an emotional response. Emotional Appeals

Definition: Questions that have the answer embedded in them Definition: Questions that have the answer embedded in them. EG: "Are we going to accept these third-world hospital conditions in our country?" The answer seems obvious, so this is a very powerful manipulating device. Purpose: A powerful device to manipulate the reader to agree because the answer is obvious. Rhetorical Questions