Persuasion Basics
What is the main goal of persuasive writing?
To move a specific audience to adopt a view or take an action.
What does “You-attitude” mean in persuasive writing?
Focusing on the reader’s needs rather than the writer’s.
What does AIDA stand for?
Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.
Name one challenge in persuasive writing.
-Misinterpretation
-Resistance
-Credibility
-Emotion vs logic.
Give one example of persuasion in marketing.
Ads, emails, or social media posts.
Name one element persuasive writing must include besides the position.
Reasons OR credible evidence OR respectful tone.
Which tone is better: “You failed to submit the form on time” OR “To avoid delays, please submit your form by Friday”?
The second one (courteous, confident, respectful).
What’s the indirect approach structure?
Opening → Background → Details → Call to Action.
Why is credibility so important in persuasion?
Without strong evidence, the message loses power.
Give one example of persuasion in the workplace.
Proposals, memos, or fundraising.
Give one example of writing that is NOT persuasion.
Informing, exaggeration, or manipulation.
Name two qualities of persuasive tone.
- Confident
- Courteous
- Sincere.
Name one rhetorical device that strengthens persuasion.
-Repetition
-Rhetorical questions
-Contrast.
What happens if you rely too much on emotional appeal?
It can feel manipulative/dramatic.
Give one example of persuasion in everyday life.
- Convincing friends
- Negotiating
- Advocacy.
True or False: “Buy this now, today is your last chance to be successful” is persuasion.
False
It’s exaggeration.
What’s one risk of using the wrong tone?
Losing the reader’s trust/respect.
Turn this weak statement into stronger persuasion: “Exercise is good for you.”
Example: "Want more energy in your day? Studies show 30 minutes of exercise boosts focus. Start today for a healthier tomorrow."
What happens if you rely only on logic?
It can feel dry and unengaging.
Which medium do you personally find more persuasive: in-person or written? Why?
Open-ended = encourages class debate.
Fill in the formula:
Audience + Tone + Structure + Strategy = _____.
Impact
What’s the first step to analyzing your audience?
Identify audience type:
agreeing, neutral, or disagreeing.
In persuasive writing, what is the purpose of transitions between sections?
To guide the reader smoothly and strengthen impact
Which of the four challenges do you personally think is hardest to overcome, and why?
Open-ended = sparks discussion.
If you had to convince a friend to join a club, which persuasive element would you focus on most: Audience, Tone, Structure, or Strategy?
Open-ended – ties back to formula.