The Art of

PersuasionHow

Convincing are You?

Persuasion• Persuasion is the

act of convincing others by giving reasons that make sense.

Persuasion comes in many forms.

• A Spoken Request – usually casual and unplanned.

• A Letter • An

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Fact & Opinion

• Facts– Statements that

can be proved true – These may include

numbers, dates, or measurements.

• Opinion – A person’s

judgment. – Cannot be proved;

feelings; beliefs.

• To be effective, Opinions must be supported with Facts.

Reasons, Evidence, & Examples

• Reasons– Why the writer holds a

particular opinion– Why you think as you

do

• Evidence– Facts that “back up” or

support your reasons

• Example– An event or illustration

that shows one specific reason

Where’s the Appeal

• Logical Appeal– Persuades because it

makes sense (head, intellect).

• Emotional Appeal– Tries to persuade your

heart (feelings).

• Ethical Appeal– Tries to persuade the

reader by making the presenter seem trustworthy.

I OBJECT…• Counter Argument

– A reader’s objection

– Still supported by reasons, evidence, and examples

Building a Case

Writer’s Opinion

Reason #1 Reason #2 Reason #3

Evidence EvidenceEvidenceEvidenceEvidenceEvidence

What does this shape remind you of?