1. PERSUASIVE LANGUAGE

2. Persuasion  Persuasive texts use complex language to express and justify an opinion.  Examples of format: letter, speech, debate, essay, thesis  Examples of evidence: facts, statistics, information, testimonials, etc

3. Conviction The most important thing to convey is conviction. You are not going to persuade anyone else to agree with you if it seems like you don’t fully agree with yourself! There are numerous ways to display your conviction.

4. Strong Word Choice  Choose strong words that do not deflate your argument.  “One can clearly see the staggering consequences…” is much stronger than “One could see the possible consequences…”

5. In Appropriate contexts…  Flattery – complementing your audience.  Example: “A person of your intelligence does not deserve this…”

6. Continued  Hyperbole – exaggeration for effect.  Example: “The effects of this would be stunning – unimaginable – a utopia…”

7. Continued  Rhetorical questions – a question that implies its own answer.  Example: “Who doesn’t want success?”

8. Continued  Imperative commands – instructional language.  Example: “You must pass this bill, our future depends on it.”

9. Using the Right Personal Pronoun  Whether you decide to use “I,” “we,” “you,” or a combination thereof, will be dependent on the context of your speech/topic.  “I” usually demonstrates the most personal belief (aka conviction).  “We” usually implies an inclusiveness, “we’re in this together” or “we’re all responsible.”  “You” is the most accusatory. It can be powerful but exercise caution.

10. Triples  For some reason it is most unconsciously comfortable for people to read/hear examples or other list information in the form of triples.  Example: “Safer streets means comfort, reassurance and peace of mind for you, your family and your friends.”

11. Body Language

12. Continued  Good posture, stand tall and straight.  Eye contact – direct but not frighteningly intense.  Open image – nothing crossing body, feet apart.  Not stiff – appropriate gesturing with hands.  Slouching – do not make yourself small.  Avoiding eye contact.  Closed body – crossing arms or legs, feet too close.  Hands on hips – defensive/aggressive. EffectiveIneffective

13. Pacing  Do not talk too quickly! Your audience won’t be able to keep up.  Practice is important to understanding how quickly you might read your speech.  Practice will also help with enunciation which will give you confidence when you deliver your speech. (You won’t trip over your words as much.)  Sometimes, pauses deliver as much of a punch as your words. Plan accordingly.

14. Projection  Make sure your audience can hear you!  You should be speaking so that the furthest corners of the room can clearly understand you – project your voice.  Using the whole space for your voice will also make you appear more confident.

15. Ethos  Ethos – an appeal to ethics.  It is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.  Example: “With three decades of experience in the medical field, I can assure you that this treatment will be successful.”

16. Logos  Logos – an appeal to logic.  Is a way of persuading an audience by reason.  Examples: facts, data, charts, graphs, statistics, law, etc.

17. Pathos  Pathos – an appeal to emotion.  Is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response.  Example: "I’m not just invested in this community – I love every building, every business, every hard- working member of this town."

18. Now… Think of famous speeches (or use your phone to find online transcriptions) and use direct quotes to determine if the speaker is employing ethos, logos, pathos, or some combination thereof. Explain.