Transcript Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing
What is it?
Definition:
Persuasive writing is a type of writing
where an author tries to convince the
reader to do something or think a
certain way.
This sounds like great writing! How
do I do it?
There are techniques in persuasive
writing to help you become
convincing.
You will learn six of them.
Glittering Generality
This is information that is so general it
sounds like a fact, but it isn’t.
Example: Many people believe milk is
good for your health.
Just how many is many? How
specifically is it good for your health?
Repetition
People will often believe something if
they hear it over and over again. It
seems more believable the more
times you hear it.
Head on! Apply directly to the
forehead! Head on! Apply directly to
the forehead! Head on! Apply directly
to the forehead!
Bandwagon Appeal
This means relying on what others
are doing before making your own
decision.
Example: All of the girls at school
wear Ugg boots.
Everybody’s buying them and you’ll
be left out if you don’t.
Expert Testimony
Famous people or someone you
respect or like says the product is
good and advertises the product.
Example: The “Got Milk?” ads all
have famous people drinking milk.
Citing Statistics
Showing statistics or numbers makes
a message look like it is based on
fact. Statistics can be misleading.
Example: 200 doctors recommend
Tylenol.
What if 2,000 doctors recommend
Advil though?
Emotional Appeal
Someone tries to scare you into
buying the product. If you don’t buy it,
something awful might happen to you.
Example: A commercial advertising a
home security system will show a
burglar breaking in while kids are
playing.
Emotional appeal can also make you
feel sad or guilty.