Persuasive Writing Techniques in the Classroom & Editing

Writing may be considered an art, but with the influence it has over others, it can also be considered an act of psychology. Many times, a writer's goal is to get his point across, or to convince an audience of the validity of an opinion or product. Even though there are many tools and techniques available for persuasive writing, knowledge of the most common can be a powerful tool in getting what a writer needs or wants out of an audience.
  1. Comparisons

    • In making comparisons, you can relate your material to what the readers already accepts as true, so they can draw their own conclusions. Making comparisons showcases what you already know, and how well-versed you are in what others are saying or doing on your topic. Comparisons are also a good way to clearly show similarities and differences between your material and others. The most effective comparison writing techniques are the use of metaphors, similes, and analogies.

    Storytelling

    • Storytelling is a highly effective persuasive writing technique.

      Persuasive writing through storytelling is a compelling way for people to convince themselves of your topic of interest. Relaying your information through stories makes the material relatable to readers and helps them understand your material on a layman level. Think about how many times you've been able to sway someone simply by telling a personal story. The same is true of the audience you are writing to.

    Repetition

    • Audience members cannot agree with you if they do not clearly understand what you are saying. Make your core point in many different ways throughout your material. Ways to repeat your material without sounding repetitive is difficult, but using examples, quotes and pop culture reinforces your point without sounding dry. Try this structure: say your point directly in the beginning, use an example in the second paragraph, use a quote in the third, pop culture in the fourth and directly make your point again in the summary.

    Social Proof

    • Using social proof in persuasive writing means understanding and using examples of existing theory and people throughout your material. Using existing work that supports your material gives third-party credibility to what you are writing about. Common uses of social proof include testimonials, outside references and bodies of work associated with your topic. However, be careful that whatever third-party materials you are using have something to say about you work. Simply placing as many references as possible will clutter your work, insult your audience and, more likely than not, prove you are lacking original ideas.

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