Persuasive

Techniques
and Devices
Persuasive text comes in
a form of
-argument
-disposition
-review
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Persuasive text is used
to convince people to:
-agree with our facts
-share our values
-accept our arguments
and conclusions
-adopt our way of
thinking
 Appeal to Authority
Using famous people or experts can make
your argument more convincing and a
research on the topic can even make the
argument more persuasive

Example: A commercial claims that a specific

brand of cereal is the best way to start the
day because athlete Michael Jordan says that
it is what he eats every day for breakfast.
 Appeal to Reason

uses a logical argument, with Example:

everything about the persuasion Two cups of rice have
centered in logic and in the 412 calories. That's too
scientific method. T hihg!
 is not based on proof, but on the
Appeal to emotions that a person feels

Emotion

Example:
A Red Cross commercial that
shows the aftermath of a
hurricane just before asking
viewers to donate money.
 Appeal to Trust

To use this, show you are trustworthy in

some ways and then extend it to an
assumption that because you can be
trusted for some things you can
therefore be trusted for all things.

Example:
Believe me! I've been here before. I'm just like you.
 Plain Folks
writers attempt to convince their audience
that they, and their ideas, are “of the
people.” The device is used by advertisers
and politicians alike.

Example:
A politician says, "I'm going to give each
family a sack of rice!"
 Bandwagon
argues that one must accept or
reject an argument because of
everyone else who accepts it or
rejects it-similar to peer pressure

Example:
You believe that those who receive
welfare should submit to a drug test,
but your friends tell you that idea is
crazy and they don't accept it. You
decide to change your position based
on their beliefs.
 Rhetorical
Question
asked just for effect, or to
lay emphasis on some point
being discussed, when no real
answer is expected.
Examples:
“Why not?”
“It’s too hot today, isn’t it?“

 Repetition

makes people remember it and

they believe on it
Example:
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

2
Exaggeration
1 This is the best drink in an overstated
the world! statement making it
believable
 Alliteration
the repetition of a consonant
sound at the beginning of two
or more

Example:
Please put away your plate
and practice the piano.

 Anecdotes
Short, personal stories that help
to illustrate a point.

Example:
Last weekend, when I went shopping, I
walked so fast then, I stumbled on the
floor.
Speaking Directly to the
Viewer

used to draw people as

they feel like they are
being spoken to in person

Example:
You are guaranteed to feel like a
superstar if you download this
app.
 Imperatives
are commanding words. If something is
imperative, it demands attention immediately.

Example:
Stop playing computer games and study!
Thank You!