The Art of Persuasion

1. The Art of Persuasion persuasive writing

2. persuasive writing • The aim of persuasive writing is to convince people to adopt an opinion, perform an action, or both • Rhetoric: the art of communicating ideas • Persuasive Rhetoric consists of well thought-out arguments in favor of or against particular beliefs or courses of action

3. To be effectively persuasive, the goals of the writing should be: • To engage the reader’s mind and emotions, making them think the problem is important enough for them to care about • To prove to the reader that the writer’s position has a firm moral basis (to do of think as I suggest is the “right” thing to do). • Clearly state the issue and a position • Give an opinion and support it with facts and reasons

4. Goals continued… • Takes opposing view into account • Uses reasonable logic and effective language • Concludes with impact—a “final thought” or call to action

5. three types of appeals: Logical Emotional Ethical

6. three techniques for persuasive writing: 1. Use elevated language—formal words and phrases add maturity and seriousness to your argument

7. three techniques for persuasive writing: 2. Use Rhetorical Questions—a rhetorical questions is a question that doesn’t require an answer. Writers pose a rhetorical question to get the reader’s attention , to highlight a main point, and to help persuade.

8. three techniques for persuasive writing: 3. Use Repetition—repeating a point tells the audience that it is especially important

9. Do not use faulty reasoning techniques: • Circular reasoning • Over-generalization • Either-or-fallacy • Cause and effect fallacy • Bandwagon appeal • Name-calling