Persuasive Writing Techniques Flashcards
Anaphora
The repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of successive phrases or sentences: ‘to think on death is a misery, to think on life is a vanity.’
Antithesis
Joining two contrasting phrases together: one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.
Rhetorical question
Using questions to provoke people or to emphasise something, we don’t want a reply, but we want people to think about possible answers: ‘what part will you play in saving the environment?’
Aporia
When we express doubt or uncertainty-we use this when we’re talking about a difficult subject: ‘I am not sure whether to side with those who say that higher taxes reduce inflation.’
Colloquial or informal language
Sometimes using informal language, like, that’s ok, or using everyday expressions, is a good way to connect with a wider audience. Starting sentences with ‘and’ or ‘but’ can be very effective, making people feel that you are having a conversation with them. Using slang expressions is also popular.
Anecdotes
When someone tells a story to illustrate or develop a point, we call it an anecdote-these are usually personal stories.
First person
Using the ‘I’ voice is a good way to sound direct and authentic.
Direct address
When you speak directly to your audience: ‘you can make a difference.’
Inclusive language
When speakers use the pronoun ‘we’, they make the audience feel involved, as if this is a team effort: ‘together we can change things.’
Using a mixture of long and short sentences
This is a good way of keeping the audience’s attention.
Rule of three/triple structure
This is a popular technique. For some reason, humans respond to examples, phrases,sentences in groups of three. It’s a good way to make your speech memorable: ‘blood, sweat and tears.’ ‘Education, education, education.’
Exclamations
To suggest strong feelings.
Opinion disguised as fact
When you express a personal opinion as if it were a universally recognised truth.
Hypotheticals
To make a case by discussing best/worse case scenarios.
Lists
Of adjectives, examples, statistics-these help impress by number.
