by Julie Blair

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

Persuasive Writing Tips:

Have you ever thought about those commercials you see on television? Every company is always promoting their product with facts, statistics and creative marketing tactics. All they're doing is trying to persuade you with words. The power of persuasion is very necessary for each of us to possess. Whether you're trying to negotiate a raise, solidify an arguement, or explain your reasoning, you must be able to persuade someone of your opinion, and be able to back it up with supporting details and information.

Below are several tips to enhance your persuasion tactics, whether it's for an essay or to justify whatever you want or need. Master these tactics, and you'll be able to persuade and reason confidently with support for your project!

1. Make sure you have a strong premise or idea. You must have an informed stand on the issue. Know your facts. Data helps to solidify your points. Try to use facts, statistics, examples and reasoning and logic.

2. Try to refute the opposition. Don't show overt bias. Just prove that your side is the correct side. This is not necessarly rejecting your opposition, just explain the negatives, and point them out. Be clear on your reasoning.

3. Try to use transition words (on the other hand, however, but, nevertheless, although, yet, despite).

4. Only have 1 major point. If you try to throw too much information and details into the mix, your premise gets lost in the shuffle.

5. Don't get ugly. Use the power of words and reasoning to prove your point. Name calling and figure pointing is for toddlers who don't know any better.

6. Try to persuade the reader (opposition) to at least look at the options your side presents.

7. Have a strong conclusion. Repetition is the key to masterey. You must remind your opposition that your idea works better. Conclusions are summaries wrapped up neatly at the end. Have a strong summary/conclusion.

Next time you watch television, pay particular attention to the creative marketing and strategies that companies us to get you to "buy" their product. That is persuasion at its best.

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