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Persuasive writing is a skill that evolves with practice. A written piece that is powerful enough to sway a reader's opinion in a different direction doesn't happen by accident - it has to be well thought out. The techniques that are most effective are simple, and a subtle touch works best. An aggressive, bullying approach is not going to get the reader moving toward agreement. If your persuasive powers are effective enough to get your audience to act or believe in a way that will advance your cause or position, you have been successful in your writing. You may think you wouldn't be good at this type of writing, but with a little practice, you may be more persuasive than you think.

Some other terms are useful in understanding this type of writing; they might include convince, propose, and explore. You must convince your audience with propositions or claims - major and minor - and give the readers a chance to explore your way of thinking. Through your careful, reasonable approach, you will get your readers to think more about your point of view, one that may possibly be at direct odds with theirs. If you've expressed your points of view clearly and without a heavy-handed tone, they just might come closer to your side of the issue, or at the very least, give you credit for a good argument.

At the start, a claim or proposition clearly stated is necessary so that the reader understands the terms of your argument. As stated above, claims come in two flavors - major, or main point you want to make, and minor - the supporting claims of a less critical nature. Then you must have sufficient grounds, or the material that backs up the claims you're making. Evidence will support your claims further. You can use facts, statistics, accepted opinions, testimony from experts, personal experiences - anything that is true and accurate. Avoid any false claims or fictitious examples. These are known as fallacies and if stated, they will lose the credibility of your article, and ultimately, your credibility as a writer. Don't be condescending, either. A reader will sense it and it will be counter-productive.

And finally, write a conclusion that ties the points of your persuasive article together. Your conclusion must also be true, reasonable, and logical enough that the reader moves toward agreement and wonders why he or she didn't think this way before! Try out a few articles. Pick a subject on which you have an opinion you'd like to defend. Any subject that is debatable will do. Ask yourself how convinced you'd be if you were the reader, or get someone with an opposing view to read it. And relax - it's fun to stir the pot a little and get people thinking! If you thought you'd never be good at persuasive writing, I think you'll change your mind with a little practice and feedback.

Now that you have a plan, don't you agree that it might be fun to try to write a persuasive article?

Learn more about this author, G. Allendorfer Anderson, PhD.
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