So, you’re unsure what persuasive techniques to use for your essay?
Over the last 4 years, I’ve helped over 150 students perfect their writing, so I know how hard to keep track of which persuasive devices to use when.
So without further ado, here are 20 starter persuasive techniques and if you want even more, you can download the full list of 60 techniques in our FREE resource!
What are Persuasive Techniques?
Why You Should Use Persuasive Techniques
Examples of Persuasive Devices in Writing
The 3 Types of Persuasive Techniques
Starter List of 20 Persuasive Techniques
What are Persuasive Techniques?
Persuasive techniques are the tools you use to enhance your argument in a persuasive piece.
These techniques appeal to your audience’s logical thinking and emotions to convince them to agree with a specific argument. These arguments can involve our own ways of thinking, opinions, values and comments on a certain idea, topic or event.
Persuasive devices are found in written sources like newspapers, magazines and feature articles.
You can also find them used in verbal communication, such as speeches, podcasts and advertisements.
🤔 What’s the Difference Between a Persuasive and Argumentative Essay?
- An argumentative essay explores two or more perspectives and allows the audience to decide if they agree.
- On the other hand, persuasive techniques and essays nudge readers to one side of the argument, with counter-arguments to undermine the other side.
🤔 How Should You Use Persuasive Techniques?
Here are some examples of motives to use persuasive techniques:
- Desire to be an individual
- Desire to belong in a group
- Desire to become wealthy
- Desire to become healthy
- Desire for safety and security
- Desire for knowledge or self-improvement
- Desire for freedom or independence
- Desire for recognition or achievement
- Desire for comfort and convenience
- Desire for adventure or excitement
Why You Should Use Persuasive Techniques
As I’m tutoring students, I see a lot of people reusing the same few persuasive techniques over and over again because they don’t know all the possible techniques they can use.
Having the knowledge and skill to use persuasive devices in your writing and speech can also allow you to influence others to believe in a cause and enact change.
For you, persuasive techniques can boost your chances of getting into university or getting an interview for your dream job. Using persuasive devices extends beyond the classroom!
Examples of Persuasive Devices in Writing
Take a look at this excerpt of the opening paragraph of a discursive essay sample featured on NESA’s website, taken as a Band 6 example from the 2019 HSC English Advanced Paper 2.
“To be or not to be? That’s the age old question, isn’t it? Well, I propose a new question. Is the use of technology and social media hindering the unique process of creating?…”
In this example, the student used several persuasive techniques to hook the reader and strengthen the essay.
First, they offer an intertextual allusion to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which introduces the student’s essay topic (writing and composition) well, while the following rhetorical questions prompt our engagement as we are encouraged to reflect on the statement.
Further, a casual and conversational tone helps them relate to their reader.
The 3 Types of Persuasive Techniques
The three types of persuasive devices you should know are Ethos, Pathos and Logos, the three modes of persuasion. These were first coined by Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher who observes that these three factors are the core of what makes a great persuasive piece!
Starter List of 20 Persuasive Techniques
1. Anecdotes 🗣️
Definition: A short story of a personal experience or an experience heard from someone else.
How the technique persuades: Anecdotes allow audiences to relate to the speaker, building a personal connection. They also underline the reality of the speaker’s argument, enhancing credibility.
Example: In Emma Watson’s HeForShe 2014 campaign speech, she features her own personal experiences of gender stereotypes: “When I was 8, I was confused at being called ‘bossy’ because I wanted to direct the plays we would put on for our parents — but the boys were not.”
2. Colloquial Language 💬
Definition: The use of everyday speech.
How the technique persuades: Colloquial language makes the speaker appear approachable, relatable, and down-to-earth, increasing the audience’s trust.
Example: Instead of “It is required that we should engage in action immediately to secure racial equality for all,” we might say, “It’s up to you and me to make racial equality a reality for everyone.”
3. Expert Opinion 🎙️
Definition: Featuring experts in the field to provide evidence-based viewpoints.
How the technique persuades: Expert opinions lend credibility and support the speaker’s argument with authoritative evidence.
Example: “According to Dr. John Smith at Herrod Hospital, social media has a tremendous impact on youth’s mental health.”
4. Collaborating with Well-Known People 🤝
Definition: Partnering with celebrities or influencers to promote a message or product.
How the technique persuades: The influence of a well-known person increases the audience’s trust in the message or product.
Example: Dunkin’ Donuts collaborated with Charli D’Amelio to create and promote a new cold beverage for young people.
5. Diction ✍️
Definition: The careful choice of words or phrases.
How the technique persuades: Appropriate diction builds a connection with the audience, making the speaker more relatable and credible.
Example: When speaking at the United Nations, instead of opening with “What’s up everybody?” a speaker might use “Good morning to everyone attending today’s conference.”
6. Statistics 📊
Definition: Numerical data that can be used to support an argument.
How the technique persuades: Statistics provide solid evidence, making the speaker’s argument appear well-researched and reliable.
Example: “Over 70% of small businesses report increased productivity when adopting flexible work schedules.”
7. Testimonials 📢
Definition: Statements from individuals supporting the speaker’s argument.
How the technique persuades: Testimonials build trust by showcasing real-life success stories or endorsements.
Example: A speaker might say, “Jane Doe, a mother of three, credits this program with helping her achieve financial independence.”
8. Humour 😆
Definition: Light-hearted or amusing language to connect with the audience.
How the technique persuades: Humour makes the speaker more likeable and approachable, increasing the audience’s receptiveness to their message.
Example: “If procrastination were an Olympic sport, I’d compete—tomorrow.”
9. Inclusive Language 👫
Definition: Words that promote a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
How the technique persuades: Inclusive language fosters a connection between the speaker and the audience by emphasising common goals and values.
Example: “Together, we can create a better future for our children.”
10. Appeals to Shared Values ❤️
Definition: Highlighting beliefs or principles that the speaker and audience have in common.
How the technique persuades: Shared values establish common ground, making the audience more inclined to trust and agree with the speaker.
Example: “As parents, we all want the best education for our children.”
11. Reputation 💪
Definition: Referring to the speaker’s or organisation’s established credibility.
How the technique persuades: A strong reputation assures the audience of the speaker’s reliability and expertise.
Example: “With over 50 years of experience in the industry, we guarantee quality and satisfaction.”
12. Citing Prestigious Institutions 🏛️
Definition: Referencing studies or endorsements from reputable organisations.
How the technique persuades: Prestigious affiliations enhance the perceived validity of the speaker’s claims.
Example: “According to Harvard University research, regular exercise improves cognitive function by 15%.”
13. Building Rapport 👋
Definition: Establishing a personal connection with the audience through shared experiences or emotions.
How the technique persuades: Rapport makes the speaker more relatable and trustworthy, fostering a sense of understanding and mutual respect.
Example: “I understand the challenges of balancing work and family life because I’ve been there myself.”
14. Ethical Appeals 🌳
Definition: Demonstrating moral character or integrity in the argument.
How the technique persuades: Ethical appeals show the audience that the speaker’s intentions align with their values.
Example: “We must act now to protect the environment for future generations because it is the right thing to do.”
15. Visual Aids 🖼️
Definition: Images, graphs, or videos that complement the speaker’s message.
How the technique persuades: Visual aids make arguments more engaging and memorable and therefore enhance the speaker’s credibility.
Example: A climate change presentation might include a graph showing rising global temperatures over the past century.
16. Personal Branding 🙋
Definition: Establishing a unique and consistent identity as a speaker.
How the technique persuades: Personal branding builds trust by presenting the speaker as authentic and dependable.
Example: A speaker well known for advocating for mental health might connect better with audiences when speaking on the topic.
17. Acknowledging Counterarguments 🧠
Definition: Addressing opposing viewpoints in the argument.
How the technique persuades: Acknowledging counterarguments shows fairness and a willingness to engage critically, thereby boosting the speaker’s credibility.
Example: “Some argue that renewable energy is too expensive, but studies show it becomes more cost-effective over time.”
18. Consistency in Messaging 🔗
Definition: Maintaining a clear and coherent argument throughout the essay or speech.
How the technique persuades: Consistency reassures the audience of the speaker’s reliability and commitment to their position.
Example: A speaker advocating for education reform might repeatedly emphasise the importance of equal opportunities for all children.
19. Appealing to Tradition 📖
Definition: Invoking long-standing practices or beliefs to support an argument.
How the technique persuades: Tradition provides a sense of stability and trust, making the audience more likely to accept the argument.
Example: “For generations, our community has valued hard work and perseverance, and we must continue to uphold these principles.”
20. Showing Empathy 🤗
Definition: Demonstrating understanding and compassion for the audience’s experiences.
How the technique persuades: Empathy fosters trust and emotional connection, encouraging the audience to view the speaker as supportive and trustworthy.
Example: “I know many of you are struggling to make ends meet, and that’s why I’m proposing this policy to ease the burden.”
List of Tones to Use in Persuasive Writing
| Authoritative | Conveys confidence and credibility, using clear, assertive language to establish trust and compel the audience to accept the argument. |
| Humorous | Uses wit or playful exaggeration to make arguments more memorable, and subtly influence their perspective while keeping the mood light. |
| Optimistic | Features confidence, hope, and enthusiasm, inspiring readers to believe in positive outcomes and take action toward a promising future. |
| Critical | Challenges ideas or actions by presenting well-reasoned arguments, highlighting flaws, and advocating for a more logical or ethical alternative. |
| Formal | Characterised by logical reasoning and structured arguments that convey credibility and professionalism to influence the audience. |
| Enthusiastic | Conveys excitement, passion, and confidence, using energetic language and compelling arguments to inspire and motivate the audience. |
| Personable | Warm, engaging, and conversational, making the reader feel valued and understood while subtly guiding them toward agreement. |
| Inspirational | Motivates and uplifts the audience by appealing to their emotions, using compelling language to encourage action or change. |
| Sympathetic | Seeks to evoke understanding from the reader by highlighting shared feelings, concerns, or values, fostering a sense of compassion. |
| Assertive | Imparts confidence, clarity, and conviction, urging the reader to adopt a particular stance or take action without hesitation or doubt. |
| Passionate | Has strong emotion, enthusiasm, and urgency, compelling the reader to connect deeply with the subject and feel motivated to take action. |
| Informative | Presents facts and details in a clear, unbiased manner while subtly guiding the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or action. |
| Nostalgic | Evokes sentimental longing for the past, aiming to connect emotionally with the reader by highlighting cherished memories and experiences. |
| Reflective | Involves considering past experiences to influence the audience's perspective, inviting them to reconsider their views through introspection. |
| Urgent | Conveys a sense of immediate need or importance, compelling the reader to take swift action or prioritise the message without delay. |
| Compassionate | Gently encourages the reader to connect with the emotions or experiences being shared, while fostering a sense of care and support. |
| Playful | Uses light-hearted language to capture the reader's attention, often encouraging action in an inviting and non-serious way. |
| Cautionary | Aims to warn or advise the audience against potential risks or negative consequences, urging them to be careful or reconsider their actions. |
| Encouraging | Motivates and supports the reader, offering positivity and confidence to inspire action or belief in their abilities. |
| Objective | Presents facts and arguments logically and clearly, aiming to influence the audience's opinion without personal bias or emotional appeal. |
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Holden Walker is a Senior English Coach at Art of Smart Education, with 7+ years of tutoring experience. He is currently a PhD candidate in English Literature at the University of Wollongong and was named Art of Smart’s 1-on-1 Coach of the Year in 2024. Having taught over 150 students tutored since 2021, Holden brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his work.
Kate Lynn Law graduated in 2017 with an all rounders HSC award and an ATAR of 97.65. Passionate about mentoring, she enjoys working with high school students to improve their academic, work and life skills in preparation for the HSC and what comes next. An avid blogger, Kate had administered a creative writing page for over 2000 people since 2013, writing to an international audience since her early teenage years.
