Persuasive Techniques

Front 1

Slang/Colloquial language

Back 1

Informal or familiar language

Used to identify with or appeal to the reader.

Front 2

Metaphor

Back 2

Referring to one thing as being something else to suggest a connection between them.

Used to compare two things.

For example: He is a dog.

Front 3

Simile

Back 3

Referring to one thing as being similar to another thing.

Used to compare two things.

For example: He is like a dog

Front 4

Repetition

Back 4

Repeating a phrase, word or concept.

Used to draw attention to something and make argument clear.

Also makes people remember.

Front 5

Rhetorical Questions

Back 5

Question where an answer is not expected.

Used to make the audience think and feel, or suggest the answer is obvious.

For example: Why wouldn't you want to accept this once-in-a-lifetime offer?

Front 6

Exaggeration

Back 6

An overstatement or choosing an extreme way to say something.

For example: He is the worst liar in the world!

Front 7

Alliteration

Back 7

The repetition of a consonant sound at the start of a set of words.

Used for emphasis and to make people remember.

For example: Pet lovers pamper their pets.

Front 8

Tone

Back 8

The mood of the text.

For example: is it funny? serious? objective? passionate? casual? formal? sad?

Front 9

Exclusive Language

Back 9

Words such as ‘they’ and ‘their’.

Used to alienate a group and create a division between that group and the reader.

Front 10

Inclusive Language

Back 10

Words such as ‘we’ or ‘our’.

Used to make the audience feel included in a group and share the author’s opinion.

Front 11

Modality

Back 11

Degree of certainty or probability.

For example: All versus some, definite versus possible, absolutely versus maybe

Front 12

Call to action

Back 12

An instruction to the audience designed to provoke an immediate response, usually using an imperative verb

For example: "call now", "find out more" or "visit a store today.

Front 13

Emotive language

Back 13

Choice of adverb/adjective/noun/verb for an emotional effect. Sometimes with connotation.

For example: The horrific slaughter of millions

Front 14

Onomatopoeia

Back 14

Words that imitate the sound they are referring to for emotional effect.

For example: Meow, BOOM, sizzle, Honk!

Front 15

Register or Formality

Back 15

Formal language can be used to strengthen argument or make argument appear trustworthy.

Front 16

Statistics

Back 16

Numbers and statistics can provide perceived evidence for an argument, and have a persuasive impact.

Front 17

Technical Language

Back 17

Can increase credibility of argument

Front 18

Use of 2nd Person

Back 18

Second person pronoun = You, your

Used to directly engage the audience. For example, you will feel great.