Persuasive Techniques and Terms

This technique plays on audience emotions: fear, love, anger, desires ($, popularity, newest technology, attractiveness, intelligence, health, safety, belonging, etc.).

This technique reuses words or phrases.

This technique uses numbers/data/statistics , evidence, facts, and information that is difficult to disagree with.

This technique uses visuals, exaggerations (hyperbole), similes, metaphors, alliteration, and other figurative language to make a point.

This technique plays on citizens' pride in one's country and loyalty.

This technique uses formal language, jargon, and experts to sound knowledgeable.

This technique uses rumors, lies, insults, humiliation and accusations to damages opponent or anyone who might disagree. Sometimes this includes racist/sexist/derogatory remarks and generalizations. This is often associated with propaganda, which uses lies/untruths.

This technique purposely leaves out information.

This technique tries to make jokes or sound friendly or funny to get the audience on their side.

This technique uses mini-stories to prove a point.

This technique uses music, rhyme, and catchy phrases to make information/brands stick in the audience's head.

This technique uses celebrities to endorse a product/point.

This is a topic sentence, the main idea (or opinion) of a paper; a formal opinion that is supported (proven) throughout the essay. Avoid using "I" or "my".

This is a place where information comes from; the origin of information.

These are strategies advertisers, writers, speakers, etc. use to convince the audience of something; approaches used to support the thesis.