Techniques 1
Using a word or phrase several times for impact.
Repetition
A question with an implied answer.
Rhetorical Question
Overused phrase quickly understood by a wide audience.
Cliche
The use of facts and figures to suggest a rational or scientific basis for a point of view.
Evidence
Exaggerates the true situation for dramatic impact.
Exaggeration or overstatement
Suggests that families are crucial, especially traditional nuclear families.
Appeal to family values
Arouses fear and anxiety by suggesting that harmful or unpleasant effects will follow.
Appeal to fear and security
Suggests that we should pay the least amount possible, either individually or as a society.
Appeal to hip pocket nerve
Suggests that we should be loyal to our group and love our country.
Appeal to loyalty and patriotism
Suggests that traditional customs are valuable and should be preserved.
Appeal to tradition and custom
When a speaker/writer addresses an opposing view/speaker and condemns/compliments their argument or character.
Attacks and praise
A piece of content intended to induce a viewer, reader, or listener to perform a specific act, typically taking the form of an instruction or directive.
Call to action
Using quotes and statements from a person considered to be an expert on the topic to help to make arguments more persuasive and credible.
Expert opinion
One-sidedness in presentation of view or opinion. Providing only a one side of an issue to influence others.
Bias
A technique where you compare two things to present a point. Often trying to relate your scenario to something that the reader already accepts as true using metaphor/simile.
Comparison
Language that leaves out or alienates a particular group of people or things for effect. It can be characterized by the use of pronouns ‘they’ , ‘them’ and ‘those’.
Exclusive Language
Language that has a strong emotional impact.
Emotional Language
Words or phrases that feature informal language that we frequently use in conversation. This technique is often used to make speakers sound ‘down to earth’.
Colloquial Language
Uses ‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’ etc to include the readers/audience in the same group as the writer.
Inclusive Language
Specialised words used by a profession or certain group; it is used to signal expertise and establish credibility.
Jargon
A form of reasoning which compares one thing with another in order to make a particular point.
Analogy
A sweeping statement that suggests what is true for some is true for most or all.
Generalisation
Using many similar words in a short space.
Cumulation
A short story about someone or something that the writer has experienced or talked about.
Anecdote
A rhetorical term that consists of three parallel clauses, phrases, or words, which happen to come in quick succession without any interruption.
Tricolon/Rule of three