Persuasive Notes

What is the goal of Persuasive Writing

• to state the writer’s opinion
• to give reasons why the reader should agree
• to convince the reader to take action

Persuasive = Convincing Argument

• Complaints
• Speeches
• Reviews (Movie)
• Letter to the Editor
• Memo to the Boss
• Job in Sales (Very Persuasive)
• Working with Customers
• Dealing with Vendors

Rhetoric

Aristotle says any persuasive needs to have

• Logos

An attempt to persuade the audience (or reader) through sound reasoning.

Reliable evidence, e.g. facts, definitions, statistics and other data that appeals to the logic and intelligence of the audience.

• Ethos

Appeal of the speaker or writer in terms of his/her credibility and experience.

Presents, directly or indirectly, a profile that sets a stamp of authority on the words used to persuade.

• Pathos

An appeal to the emotions of the reader or audience,

Attempt to induce a particular state of mind in e.g. anger, understanding

Logos

• Check facts carefully before including.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of relevant Theories, Models, Ideas and Practices.
• Give evidence to back up statements, accurately referenced.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of a range of arguments.

Pathos

• Illustrate ideas with real life examples.
• Use simple words that connect with the senses and reality of you reader’ lives.
• Address the reader in an intelligent manner.
• Strive for variety in your writing.

Ethos

• Clear structure to writing.
• Succinct and to the point.
• No spelling or grammatical errors.
• Demonstrate your reading on the essay topic.

Claim - the author’s main point

Big Names - expert and important people who support the author’s side of the argument

Logos - using logic, numbers, facts, and data to support the author’s argument

Ethos - making the author seem trustworthy and believable

Pathos - appealing to the audience’s emotions

Research - using studies and information to make the author’s argument seem more convincing; or use graphs, tables, illustrations.