Persuasive techniquesRhetorical devices

Writers use many kinds of persuasive techniques to convince their readers to agree with a particular point of view.

These are sometimes called rhetorical devices. The main rhetorical devices are described below.

Anecdote

An account of a real event told in the form of a very brief story. Their effect is often to create an emotional or sympathetic response.

How it works

• An anecdote is usually used to help support a persuasive argument that the writer is putting forward.
• For example, if a writer wants to persuade people to stop smoking, they may use an anecdote about a close relative who died of lung cancer.

Catchy phrases or slogans

These are phrases intended to be memorable.

How it works

• These are similar to those used in songs or radio adverts.
• They remind the reader of a key idea or a point of view they want us to remember.

List of three

It’s great; it’s brilliant; it’s amazing!

A greater effect can be achieved if the words are made more emotional or 'stronger' as the list builds up.

How it works

• No one knows quite why three is a 'magic' number for lists like this, but it is – and is stronger than a list of two or four items, for example.
• A list of three can help emphasise the benefits of a product or strengthen a point of view impressively.
• As always, it should only be used when it suits the form of the text (ie its genre) and the needs of the target audience.