Persuasive Strategies and Modes of Persuasion

In this article, we’ll learn about persuasive strategies with explanations and examples. Let’s begin

Modes of Persuasion

• Ethos – The Greek word for ‘character’ or ‘spirit’ refers to how the authors present themselves.
• Authors show their credibility to the readers through their skills and goodwill to persuade readers.
• Logos – The Greek word for ‘logic’ or ‘rationale’ refers to the use of data, facts, and evidence by authors to persuade readers.
• Pathos – The Greek word for ‘suffering’ or ‘experience’ refers to evoke emotions in readers to persuade them.

Persuasive strategies

• Repetition – An author reinforces his position towards the argument or accepts his idea/view by repeating words or phrases.
• Example – Remember the time when we saw people on the road; remember the time when our children felt unsafe?
• Flattery – Complement your reader. Flattery makes the reader feel important and valued. This strategy helps readers, to persuade.
• Example – A person with your intellect can surely resonate with the thought.
• Hyperbole – Exaggeration language used to create an effect to emphasize the point. Authors also use it to mock opposing opinions or to appeal to readers’ fears to make their stand stronger.
• Example – All weekend, cities are overrun by needy people.
• Inclusive and exclusive language – Inclusive language includes the words like ‘we,’ ‘our,’ and ‘us.’ Exclusive language includes the words like ‘they,’ ‘them,’ and ‘those.’ The authors intend to bring a sense of solidarity and responsibility.
• Example – People like you and me can’t turn a blind eye. They can still choose to do so.
• Imperative command – Instructional words used to generate a call to action or make readers think.
• Triples – Three points used by the author to support an argument.
• Example – Driving without mobile phones means safety, traffic control, and less stress.
• Emotive language – Use of specific words that evoke emotions in the readers and help them feel the way the author wants to.
• Example – There are thousands of sea animals choking to death because of us.
• Anecdotes relating to the subject also help to create the desired emotion.
• Facts and statistical data – Facts are statements that are true. Statistical data from credible resources provide the information to support the argument. Such evidence helps to persuade readers through logical reasoning.
• Example – Statistics prove that x% of accidents occur due to rash driving.
• Formal language makes the argument more authentic, and readers see the rationale behind it.
• Rhetorical questions – Such questions are not being answered. They are used to make a point or to make audiences think about the argument.
• Example – You think this is the best cake in the city?
• Modal verbs – Use of ‘should,’ ‘could,’ and ‘ought’ to create a sense of accountability.
• Figurative language – Use of similes, metaphors, imagery, etc., helps the reader to visualize and makes the writing more appealing to readers.
• Examples – Factories in that area appeared to be monsters with open jaws, ready to consume you. Factories in that area need to be relocated.
• Analogy –It is a tool used by authors to logical reason by comparing two dissimilar things to make a point.
• Generalization – Authors at times use this strategy to make his/her opinion look like general statement /general public opinion. Such strategies should be used appropriately and carefully.
• Humour – Humour devices like a pun, sarcasm, etc., help to put the point clearly to support the argument.
• Example – “The road to success is always under construction.” (Lily Tomlin) [Pun]