1. Persuasive Techniques in Writing

2. Some things to know… Rhetoric=persuasion
Texts= any “cultural product” that can be read
Written pieces (fiction/nonfiction)
Photographs
Cartoons
Advertisements (print/TV)
EVERYTHING IS AN ARGUMENT

3. Speaker Subject SOAPS Occasion Audience Purpose
SOAPStone is used to identify the RHETORICAL SITUATION
Speaker
Occasion
Audience
Purpose
Subject
Tone
This is a sort of “checklist” for analyzing rhetoric

4. Rhetoric continued…
Rhetoric: “the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.”- Aristotle
Ethos: the authority or credibility of the presenter/writer
Pathos: appeal to audience emotion
Logos: logical appeal (or simulation of logic)

5. Ethos Author’s reputation (automatic ethos) Author’s means of argument
Build ethos through logos (having a rational well informed argument that acknowledges and refutes other sides)

6. Logos
Using clear, rational ideas… thinking LOGICALLY with clear evidence to back up points
Counterarguments: opposing views--- speaker should acknowledge this
Refutations & Concessions: strengthen argument

7. Pathos Appeals to emotion, values, desires, hopes, fears or prejudices
Argument should NOT rely purely on pathos (becomes like propaganda)
Good pathos: Use of language
strong (positive) CONNOTATION with word choice

8. Pathos and Language Use of language Emphasis techniques: repetition
Alliteration
Figurative language (especially comparisons)
Colorful words and descriptive language (adjectives!)
Connotation of words (emotional feeling of words)
repetition