LANGUAGE DEVICES for Persuasive Writing

use of words that evoke emotions and make people feel a certain way

the writer can sound more convincing

commonly used technique when writing headlines in newspapers or delivering speeches

Another person in the bar was injured by the man's glass.

words that express modality or how likely something is going to happen helps adjust the level of certainty of events to suit argument

A moderate 'low modality' statement of opinion allows for a more tentative conclusion to be drawn

In comparison, a 'high modality' opinion can appeal to the emotions and so can be perceived as persuasive and subjective

High modality: "Age can never be irrelevant."

Low Modality: "It appears that age us rarely an irrelevant factor."

"Patients do benefit." (Yes)

"Patients do not benefit." (No)

"Patients may benefit." (Low certainty)

"Patients always benefit." (High certainty)

the use of personal pronouns like YOU, YOUR, WE, OUR and INDICATIVE WORDS like TOGETHER

establishes a connection between the author and the reader

The use of personal pronouns can draw the readers into the material that you are writing and make them feel more involved immediately.

questions that are not supposed to be answered

asked for effect, to illustrate a point or let the reader think

questions that sometimes state the obvious which can convince the reader to agree with the points being presented

Do you really think...

Is it really worth...

Do you want to be part of...

What would happen if...

How could you possibly...

this involves the use of facts, figures, or quotes from experts to highlight the writer's authority and make the arguments presented more convincing

"Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought." - Napoleon Hill

This technique involves repeating key words, phrases, or ideas to appeal to the readers.

Politicians often repeat words and phrases, which is a highly effective way to increase the odds listeners believe what they're saying.

Using carefully selected adjectives and adverbs makes it possible for the writer to influence how the readers feel.

This technique tries to link an object or an idea with something already liked or desired by the target audience such as wealth, success, pleasure, and security.

Commonly used in advertisements, this persuasion technique makes the audience believe the idea that "everyone is doing it!" or that everyone likes something.

Bandwagon works on the human psychology of wanting to belong.

"Join the thousands who have chosen to switch to the better network."

This means relying on expert advices from trusted people like doctors, scientists and other professionals for things that the audience do not know.

The idea that these experts are risking their credibility to support an object or idea makes the persuasion more effective.