Persuasive techniquesOther persuasive techniques

Opinion as fact

It is a fact that I cannot stand winter!

This is where the writer will state that their opinion is fact, when it is actually only an opinion.

How it works

• Stating that opinion is fact can be quite confusing.
• The reader may feel automatically that what they are being told is fact, and that they should be convinced by it.

Personal pronouns

This is where the writer will use words such as, 'I' or 'we' or 'you' to talk directly to the reader.

How it works

• By using the word, 'you' and addressing the reader, the writer can appeal directly to every individual reading the text.
• By using the word 'we' it will make it seem as if the writer is on the side of the reader, as if 'we' are all in this together.

Repetition

Repetition is where a single word or phrase is repeated over and over again in order to emphasise it.

How it works

• Repetition works in a similar way to a list of three.
• By continually repeating the same idea or phrase, it draws attention to that particular phrase and emphasises its importance.

Rhetorical questions

Can we do better next time?

These are questions that appear in writing that isn’t dialogue. As there is nobody to answer the question, they are usually designed to talk directly to the reader.

How it works

• It allows the reader a moment to pause and think about that question.
• Rhetorical questions are effective in hooking a reader’s interest and making them think about their own response to the question in hand.