Persuasive writing is also referred to as argumentative writing because it argues a point that the writer is trying to present. When you write in a persuasive style, you want to inspire your readers to respond or to create a topic that prompts a thorough discussion. You should open with a statement about the issue that you are addressing. The next step is to state your position on that particular issue. The main text sets out arguments that are expanded with evidence and reasons backed up by facts.
Most often, this type of writing is used in essays or theses, where the author needs to lay out the foundation for a particular viewpoint. There are a variety of techniques that can help you draw your reading audience in and engage them. The art of influencing someone’s will requires that the proposed object appear desirable and that the means of attaining it seem reasonable and effective.
While persuasion depends on argument, it also depends on exhortation: urging readers toward a course of action by presenting the desired end result as worthwhile. For example, a minister may exhort people to behave in certain ways by emphasizing the promise of eternal happiness, even though no one can truly know what immortality feels like.
There are several types of techniques that writers commonly use when working on persuasive writing, including:
1. Apologia
Apologia is most often used in public relations situations, such as writing speeches that justify or defend a person or apologize for an action taken by that person. It can also be used in a simple, straightforward apology or disclaimer.
* Differentiation occurs when the author distinguishes a particular questionable act from more harmful or serious actions.
· Bolstering is an attempt to improve or enhance an individual’s image when that person is under attack.
· Transcendence occurs when the act is placed in a different context.
· Denial occurs when the questionable act is rejected in substance or intent, either directly or indirectly.
2. Passion
It has been said that when someone writes with passion, it gives the writer an unfair advantage over the reader. Passion appeals to the emotions that are naturally active in all of us.
3. Language features
Language features are among the main tools of persuasive writing. For example, the writer should use the present tense, emotive and technical language, powerful verbs, and strong adjectives. Writers often use groups of three adjectives or phrases to make ideas stand out.
4. Pros and cons
Discuss the pros and cons of a particular item or issue. When you approach a topic from both sides, it can help draw in your audience and encourage them to see your own point of view, as well as how something can be good or bad. By presenting both pros and cons, you make yourself appear unbiased. If you are trying to present something in a positive light, you will generally include more pros than cons, and the cons you do present will be minor or relatively easy to address.
5. Emotions
Make an emotional appeal to your reader. Use emotionally descriptive phrases to draw the reader into the material. “The poor, helpless children were forced to do hours of homework every evening before bed.” This kind of description helps readers understand the plight being described and makes them feel empathy or sympathy toward those affected.
6. Vocabulary
Use emotive vocabulary, adjectives, and adverbs, e.g., “cruelly captured,” rather than straightforward words. Words or phrases are often repeated or extended to make them stick in the reader’s mind.
7. Argument
Argument involves presenting facts, challenging opposing views, and building a case without becoming malicious. It may also involve half-truths, in which facts are manipulated to suit the writer’s argument; sometimes important information is omitted to present a more believable argument. Exaggeration is also used to move the reader into the writer’s realm. “If I get one more task added to my workload, I’m moving to China.”
8. Ask rhetorical questions
These tug at a reader’s heartstrings and make them think, but they do not require an answer. Some powerful rhetorical question starters include:
· Do you really think…
· Is it really worth…
· Do you want to be part of…
· What would happen if…
· How could you possibly…
· How could your conscience cope with…
9. Use personal pronouns
Use personal pronouns so your readers see that you are speaking directly to them. “We,” “you,” “our,” and “us” make the audience feel as though you are speaking only to them. The use of personal pronouns can draw readers into the material that you are writing and make them feel more involved immediately.
10. Include facts
Facts back up what you are writing about and make your material more believable. Statistics, especially percentages, are often more convincing than general statements. Example: 74% of drivers admitted that they texted while driving and would continue to do it even though laws are in place that prohibit this dangerous practice.
Persuasive writing contains the basic facts about something, including names, dates, statistics, and quotes. It then goes on to present the writer’s opinion, which shows a personal interest in a cause. It is a way to present a point of view and then try to have your readers agree with it. The material is written in a forceful manner so that it can win the audience over.
Writing about something in a consistent manner is one of the best ways to be persuasive on a particular topic. You already have an opinion, and you want to convey that opinion to someone else, so there are certain things you must do to accomplish that. There are plenty of other ways to be persuasive with your writing, but ensuring that the same message is conveyed in a similar manner each time is one of the most important ways to deliver that message to readers.
