Argument and persuasion

ARGUMENT- In formal speaking and writing, an argument is not emotional! It is a claim supported by reasons and evidence

CLAIM CLAIM- IS A WRITER’S POSTION ON A PROBLEM OR AN ISSUE EX- CRUNCHY PUFFS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF A NUTRITOUS BREAKFAST. THE STRENGTH OF AN ARGUMENT DEPENDS NOT ON THE CLAIM BUT ON THE SUPPORT, OR THE REASONS AND EVIDENCE THAT ARE USED TO PROVE THE CLAIM

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES Bandwagon Appeal- suggests that a person should believe or do something because everyone else does it Ex- See the movie that everyone is talking about

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES Testimonial- Relies on endorsements from well-known people or satisfied customers Ex- As an Olympic athlete, I need a lot of energy. That’s why I drink Quench Aide

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES Loaded Language- uses words with strongly positive or negative connotations EX- Start your day with Morning Glory’s refreshing all-natural juice

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES Appeal to pity, fear, or vanity- uses strong feelings rather than facts to persuade EX- Won’t you give this abandoned puppy a home?

RHETORICAL FALLACY FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS TO PERSUADE YOU TO AGREE WITH THEM

RHETORICAL FALLACY AD HOMINEM- ATTEMPTS TO DISCREDIT AN IDEA BY ATTACKING THE PERSON’S CHARACTER RATHER THAN HIS OR HER ARGUMENT EX- My opponent can’t be trusted; elect him, and the city violence will surely increase.

RHETORICAL FALLACY STEREOTYPING- MAKES A BROAD STATEMENT ABOUT PEOPLE ON THE BASIS OF THEIR GENDER, ETHNICITY, RACE, OR POLICTICAL, SOCIAL, PROFFESIONAL, OR RELIGIOUS GROUP EX- ALL MUSICIANS THINK THE SAME WAY.