UNIT 19: LANGUAGE OF PERSUASION

Listed below are some of the structures that can be useful

for persuading people to do things. There are many other
different expressions which could be added to each set.
However, the lists provide an indication of the variety of
language that is available.
While language used for persuasion is very sensitive to
register and context, there is overlap between the lists.
Some more informal phrases may be used in formal
situations and vice versa. Tone of voice, for example, can
also help to make something more or less formal.
Formal writing (e.g. discursive essay, business
letter)
More formal persuasive language tends to be less
personal, often using passive constructions rather than I or
we.
It goes without saying that...
One of the most successful ways of is
Most experts in the field agree that...
It cannot be denied that...
There is every reason to believe that...
The advantages of ... strongly outweigh the disadvantages.
If the first person (I or we) is used in persuasive writing
then it is likely to be supported by an objectively presented
reason or example:
My opinion is borne out of research.
The point I am making can be effectively illustrated by
an example.
There are three reasons why I hold this view.
Formal speech
Modals are often used to make persuasive language
sound more tentative and polite.
How can I persuade you to ...
Can't I persuade you to ...
Couldn't you be persuaded to ...
I think you might regret it later if you didn't .
I really think it would be a pity if we didn't .

 Questions and adverbs also can soften persuasive

language to make it feel more tentative and polite.
But really the best course of action would be to ...
Possibly the most sensible thing would be to ...
But surely it's in our own interests to ...
Are you quite sure you won't reconsider?
Do you think you've taken everything into account?
Informal and neutral speech
Short, simple structures - often imperatives or questions are typical in less formal persuasion.
Come on!, Go on!, Don't be like that!, Please!, Go for it!,
Please let me ... , It won't (hurt I take long I cost much)!, Do
it
for my sake!, Won't you ... , please?, Why don't you ... ?,
You're not going to let me down, are you?
Structures that are often used in giving advice can be
used for persuading in neutral speech.
I really think you should
Youd be well advised to