Persuasive Techniques

  • Exaggeration/Hyperbole – Grabs the reader's attention.

For example, “shocking statistics” “This new statistics should shock the government into action to ban junk-food.”

Purpose: used to gain attention and arouse strong or extreme emotional responses such as panic and anxiety to manipulate the reader. (overstates, dramatizes, or falsifies an idea + used to clarify an argument + make it more memorable or to highlight its significance.

  • Emotional Appeals  – Attaches the reader to the cause using keywords. 

For example, "Imagine the joy on their faces when you help provide food for hungry children."

Purpose: aims to connect with the reader's emotions and elicit a response by using keywords that evoke specific feelings.

  • Rhetorical Question – makes the reader question, think about the person’s point of view and want to find an answer. 

For example, "Isn't it time we put an end to this injustice?"

  • Call to Action – motivate the reader to act immediately and participate in the cause or purchase a product.

For example, "Donate now and make a difference in the lives of those in need!"

  • Negative Assertiveness – Proving a point by displaying all what the other party does not provide using negative words. 

For example, "They boast of being environmentally conscious, yet they offer no sustainable alternatives, no plans to reduce their carbon footprint, and no commitment to preserving our natural resources."

  • Assertion – A statement that presents a claim or viewpoint without providing evidence or justification. It's a straightforward declaration of a belief or opinion.

  • Logical Argument – A series of statements or propositions aimed at demonstrating the truth or validity of a claim, often supported by evidence or reasoning. 

For example, “Given that all mammals have vertebrae, and dolphins are mammals, it logically follows that dolphins have vertebrae.”

  • Anecdotes – A short story or personal account that illustrates a point or conveys a message. To clarify a point by connecting generations together. Entertains the reader. To illuminate a greater point by connecting ideas

For example,  I remember when I used to sit on my dads lap while he drove around town delivering mail.

  • Analogies – A comparison used to explain or clarify a concept by drawing similarities between two different things. 

For example, "Life is like a marathon, where every step forward brings you closer to the finish line."

  • Statistics – Numerical data or facts used to support an argument or claim. It appeals to logic and to persuade the reader and to establish credibility.

For example, "According to recent statistics, 80% of people who exercise regularly experience improved physical health."

(Celebrity) Endorsement: Endorsement uses famous personalities or celebrities who command a high degree of

recognition, trust, respect, or awareness among the people.

It is a strategy for raising authenticity and credibility.

"Join millions of satisfied customers like Jackie Chan who trust our product. With their stamp of approval, you know you're making the right choice."

Bandwagon

Subject to peer pressure and the fear of missing

(or being left) out. the idea that “if everyone likes this, maybe I should too”

The speaker tries to convince us to accept their point of view or else we will miss out on something really good.

“Join the thousands who have already upgraded to the latest model!” 

Reverse Psychology: you say the opposite of what you

want with the expectation that this approach will encourage the subject of the

persuasion to do what is desired.

Building psychological reactance. (emotionally)

“Don’t even bother trying to resist this temptation; it’s just not for everyone”

Exaggeration makes a point dramatically to reinforce it.

used to gain attention and can arouse strong or extreme emotional responses such as panic and anxiety to manipulate the reader.


Exaggeration can be used to clarify an argument by emphasizing a point

to make it more memorable or to highlight its significance.

“Experience the revolutionary breakthrough that will change your life forever!”

Emotive language

A technique where you pick specific words you can get your audience to feel a certain way.


example:

to create angry emotions in your reader or listener

To appeal to their emotions and make them feel empathy

“Feel the warmth of compassion as you make a difference in someone’s life!”

Rule of three: A writing technique where three adjectives/ideas/items are placed next to each other

to make an argument more memorable

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”

Scarcity

If something is rare, people will be more interested in having it, as they fear they might never get it again. 

Building fear as they might never get it again

“Hurry, only a few items left - grab yours before they’re gone!”


“This incredible offer is available limited time only!”


“You don’t want to miss out on this exclusive opportunity!” 

Negative Assortness / Assertiveness

When the writer identifies all that the other party doesn’t have or do.

To show all what the other party does not provide.

Inclusive and Exclusive Language

Inclusive language such as 'we','our,,,us, and exclusive language such as 'them' can persuade by including the reader, or by creating a sense of solidarity or a sense of

responsibility. 

creates a sense of solidarity or a sense of

responsibility. 

“People like you and me don't want to see this happen”


“Our product is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.”

Embellishment

When the writer uses descriptive language to make something look nicer and more desirable. 

To make something more desirable 

“Indulge in the opulent luxury or this exquisite masterpiece.” 


For example, a task might seem laborious work but the writer embellishes it and makes it seem fun, easy, and not as laborious as it seems.

Foot-in-the-door

When an individual uses a small request to gain a person's trust but then increases the

request. This is effective because they have already gotten the other person to comply

with the first request. 

makes for a smooth transition into a larger task.

when a friend asks to borrow a small amount of money, then later asks to borrow a larger amount.

Door-in-the-face

This persuasion method that focuses on offering an unreasonably high offer on a product, which is expected to be refused. Then, the person will offer a lower price that

looks more competitive to the buyer. The buyer is more likely to accept the second offer because it seems like a better deal after the first outlandish price.

makes for a smooth transition into a task and makes it look more competitive to the buyer.

when a friend asks to borrow an unreasonable sum of money, to which you say no, only to turn around and ask for a smaller sum that you agree to give.

Antithesis

A rhetorical device where the author places an idea next to one to which it is sharply contrasted or directly opposed. The function of antithesis is to emphasize an idea by

placing it next to a contrasting idea.

to create contrast and emphasis, making arguments more impactful by highlighting opposing ideas or concepts.

“Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.”


“That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Social proof

People will most likely trust something if someone else agrees to it or has used it before. 

to leverage the influence of social cues or the behavior of others to convince people to adopt a certain belief

book ratings and reviews by celebrities in eCommerce: items trusted by users with five stars attract more attention than items with a low rating.

Authority

When someone has authority in a field, it gives that person credibility to what they say, and people will more likely trust them.

to use the credibility and expertise of authoritative people or sources to influence beliefs or behaviors.

A famous economist talking about a new fiscal policy, a dentist recommending toothpaste, or a doctor who promotes the

benefits of a new medicine.