Sometimes it’s a given that you’ll never be able to convince your parents. It’s almost impossible to convince them of any rather pricey endeavors, like building an indoor pool. You might, however, be just good enough to convince them that you need a retro superhero comic book collection for your birthday.

My point here is that, no matter how many times you’ve used your amazing powers of persuasion to convince your parents (or someone else), you already know lots of persuasive techniques.

In order to write persuasively, you simply need to transfer your powers of persuasion into the written word.

So put on your superhero attire, and let’s learn more about persuasive writing techniques.

The Art of Persuasion

Think that persuasive techniques are used only in persuasive essays? Think again.

When you write a persuasive essay, the entire point is to convince your audience. But persuasive techniques appear in all types of writing, including cover letters, business proposals, advertising, op-eds, and other types of essays (think argumentative essays, opinion essays, and often literary analysis essays).

Persuasive writing techniques even appear in those emails you send to your prof when you need to score some extra credit to improve your grade.

See? Persuasive writing is everywhere. Persuasive techniques are important tools, whether you’re trying to convince an employer to hire you or your prof to give you a chance to improve your grade.

Now that you’re (hopefully) convinced that persuasion is an important technique in many forms of writing, let’s hone your superpowers of persuasion and look at a few specific techniques to help make your writing more convincing.

Persuasive Techniques to Make Your Writing More Convincing

Even if you have the powers of persuasion at your fingertips at all times, it’s always good to have a few more techniques in your arsenal. You know, just in case you have to fight off an evil villain with a few clever and persuasive words (or in case you need to persuade a particularly hard-to-impress professor.)

Appeals

Superman always sought to appeal to truth and justice, and you can too. But you might also choose to appeal to emotion or logic to help make your case.

Be careful, though, because not all appeals are appropriate for all types of writing.

For instance, if you’re writing an argumentative essay about pesticides harming the environment, your goal is to present reasoned, logical arguments to support your stance. In other words, don’t paint a picture of dying trees, a land without butterflies, a world with no more bees, and a crying child who can no longer enjoy nature. This type of emotional appeal is way over the top for the context.

Instead, write a factual, logical argument about the implications of the declining numbers of butterflies and bees. Use evidence from sources to explain the causes (and maybe even solutions) of their declining numbers.

Save emotional appeals for narrative essays, opinion pieces, or maybe advertising campaigns for soup.

Want to learn more about appeals? Go read Ethos Pathos and Logos: Be More Persuasive in Your Next Essay.

Connotation

When you define a word, you can define it by its literal or dictionary definition (called denotation), or you can define a word by its implied or cultural definition (called connotation).

Denotation: The word “house” can be defined as “a building for human habitation.”

Connotation: Think about other words that mean a place where people live: shack, home, mansion, crib, or residence. While all of these could fit the dictionary definition of “house,” they imply different meanings.

For example, you wouldn’t find legal documents that use the word “crib” to describe someone’s residence to be very persuasive. And you wouldn’t use the word “shack” to describe a friend’s house (unless, of course, you wanted to offend your friend).

Words are powerful. Choosing the right word for the right situation can make all the difference in building up your credibility and persuading your readers.

Counterarguments

Counterarguments strengthen your own argument. By acknowledging another point of view, you give yourself an opportunity to refute opposing claims and thus be more likely to convince your audience.

Learn more about counterarguments by reading What Is A Counterargument in an Argumentative Essay?

You can also learn how to refute arguments by reading What Is a Rebuttal, and How Do You Write an Effective One?

Metaphors and similes

Metaphors and similes: they’re not just for literary analysis essays.

Drawing comparisons can create powerful images to help your audience see things in a different light.

Consider this example: Let’s say you write a descriptive essay in which you simply write that your mom does a lot during the day. You could list any number of different tasks to illustrate what she does. But if you use a metaphor or simile, you can create a more vivid picture.

Instead of just listing what your mom does, compare her to a superhero who is able to tackle everything, from taking care of children to managing her karate studio.

The superhero comparison brings to mind someone who is strong, powerful, and invincible, right? So by using a metaphor or simile, you make it easier for your audience to see why Mom is so amazing.

Rhetorical questions

If you ask a rhetorical question, you’re not actually hoping for an answer. You’re asking a question that has a fairly obvious answer. Thus, you can use this persuasive technique to lead an audience to a specific conclusion.

For instance, if you’re arguing for better security on campus, you might write something like this: “Increased security would create a safer campus. Isn’t this what every student wants?”

By asking this rhetorical question, you’re assuming that everyone wants a safe environment, yet you’re leading readers to further consider the topic and relate to it on a personal level.

Storytelling

When you think of storytelling, you probably think of narrative essays. If you’re not writing a narrative essay, it can be hard to imagine telling a story smack in the middle of, say, an argument essay, but it’s actually the perfect place to tell a story.

In most cases, if you’re writing a research paper, you won’t include your own personal stories. But that doesn’t mean you can’t tell someone else’s story.

Here’s what I mean. Imagine writing a research paper about the need for art and other creative programs for children. If you write a basic description of how art classes can spur creativity in young children and bolster confidence, it gets the point across, but now imagine telling a story within that description.

Imagine writing about a program at a local school and telling the story of a young, shy boy who wouldn’t talk to anyone and had trouble making friends.

When he was introduced to art and theater class, his entire demeanor changed. Suddenly, he was able to express himself through painting and was more than willing to play Superman in the class play. He even became friends with a boy who loved Superman just as much as he did.

This example of storytelling is persuasive because it uses an emotional appeal and helps readers make a connection with the story of another person. That furthers your goal of helping readers understand the importance of art and other creative programs in schools.

It is, of course, important that you carefully choose your stories. Don’t just make up hypothetical stories because they’ll sound persuasive. Use actual stories from personal interviews or from a credible research source to help persuade your audience.

Convinced?

Hopefully, I’ve successfully used my own powers of persuasion to persuade you that using persuasive techniques can improve your writing and make it more convincing.

Looking for additional help honing your essay skills? Check out these posts to help you improve your writing even more:

• 15 Rhetorical Devices That Will Spice Up Your Essays
• The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Word Choice for Your Essay

In need of a quick persuasion refresher? Check out these helpful posts:

• Persuasive Essay Writing Made Simple (Infographic)
• How to Write a Persuasive Essay That’s Convincing
• How to Create a Persuasive Essay Outline

For an example (or two) of persuasive techniques in action, read The Problem of Student College Debt and Proposed Solutions and The Various Ways in Which Advertisement Targets Consumers.

Have you tried out a few persuasive techniques but still aren’t sure that your writing is convincing? Get the professional opinion of a Kibin editor.

Why? Because free salsa is usually pretty bland. It lacks heat–in this case, in the form of jalapeno or habanero peppers–to set your mouth on fire.

If you’re not careful, your essay might end up like free restaurant salsa–bland, with little flavor, and most people looking for something more.

Don’t be bland salsa.

Be the zesty, spicy, set-your-mouth-on-fire salsa that so many crave.

How do you turn bland writing into spicy writing? Try incorporating a few of these 15 rhetorical devices.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

Rhetorical devices are the different methods you use to not only spice up your writing but also express your ideas, convey your message, and persuade your audience.

Rhetorical devices, though, aren’t always used to persuade.

They’re often used to elicit an emotional response from your readers. (You know, something that tugs on your heart strings like the ads with puppies shivering in the cold or the political spot that makes you angry enough to get off the couch and go vote.)

Why Should You Use Rhetorical Devices?

Let’s think back to mild vs. hot salsa. Sure, mild salsa gets the job done. It tastes pretty good, and it’s certainly more flavorful than eating a plain, salty chip.

Hot salsa, though, is different.

It’s fiery, hot, and unexpected. Each bite offers something new, and you’re eager to keep eating to experience all of the flavors.

Using rhetorical strategies in your writing is like hot salsa. Rhetorical devices add flavor, interest, and excitement.

Rhetorical devices add flavor, interest, and excitement to your writing.
Click To Tweet

You can use rhetorical devices not only to add interest but also to clarify information, add humor, emphasize specific passages or ideas, or make your writing more memorable.

Ready to spice up your writing? Let’s get to work.

15 Rhetorical Devices That Will Spice Up Your Essays

More than a few of the devices on this list might be new to you. And if your knowledge of Greek and Latin is as limited as mine, you might have trouble pronouncing at least a few terms. Don’t worry too much about the pronunciation, though.

Focus instead on the definitions and examples. Then consider how you might incorporate them into your own writing.

#1 Alliteration

Using words with the same (or similar) beginning sounds:

On Friday, we had fabulous, fiery, fiesta salsa.

#2 Anadiplosis

Repeating a word or phrase at the end of a sentence or clause at the beginning of the next:

Their dinner was the beginning of a long dining nightmare, a nightmare that would last for hours.

#3 Antanagoge

Contradicting a negative comment with something positive:

The enchiladas I had for dinner last night were the worst I’ve ever eaten, but at least the company uses only locally sourced products.

#4 Apophasis

Bringing something to readers’ attention by dismissing it or pretending to deny or mention it:

I’m not saying that it was the server’s fault that it took over an hour for us to receive our drinks, but I did see him, on more than one occasion, standing around doing nothing.

#5 Brachyology

Using a grammatically incorrect abbreviated expression:

Morning. Lunch this afternoon?

Think of it as text-speak. You don’t need to use complete sentences to get your point across.

A word of caution before breaking the rules: While this device might work well in fiction writing or in some academic writing, many professors won’t be too happy if you use this device and decide to write your essay in grammatically incorrect sentences.

Need to brush up on your grammar to make sure that you’re using grammatically incorrect writing on purpose? Read this article to learn more about avoiding grammar mistakes.

#6 Chiasmus

Using words in the reverse of grammatical order to create a stylistic effect or create emphasis:

If you go out to dinner with us, enjoy it you will.

If you want more examples of chiasmus, listen to Yoda. Chiasmus is his favorite rhetorical device.

#7 Germinatio

Repeating words (or groups of words) within the same sentence:

She loved the tacos at the food truck on 5th Avenue so much that she ate them every day for every meal, every time she visited the city.

#8 Litotes

Using an understatement to state the obvious through a negative, double negative, or opposite comment:

This restaurant certainly doesn’t serve a bad piece of pie, does it?

Need to polish your paper?

Let our expert editors help.

Yes! Edit my essay.

#9 Metaphor

Comparing two things without using “like” or “as”:

By the time we sat down at our table, we were hungry lions waiting to feast.

#10 Polysyndeton

Using several conjunctions (like “and”) in a row when they could be omitted and replaced with a comma:

She ate and drank and laughed and enjoyed her birthday celebration with her friends.

#11 Pleonasm

Using redundant words to create emphasis or stress a point:

I couldn’t believe that I saw it with my own eyes!

Take note: In academic writing, redundancy is often frowned upon. If you decide to incorporate this rhetorical device, make sure it’s clear that you’re being redundant on purpose and that you’re not simply being wordy.

#12 Rhetorical questions

Asking questions when you really don’t expect answers:

Why would anyone order quesadillas tonight when it’s 2-for-1 Taco Tuesday?

#13 Simile

Comparing two things using “like” or “as”:

When we finally got our soup, it was cold as ice.

Similes and metaphors are common rhetorical devices used in literature. If you’re interested in learning more, read 15 Literary Terms You Need to Know to Write Better Essays.

#14 Synathroesmus

Using a series of words (usually adjectives), often to blame or insult someone:

He was a snobbish, rude, arrogant host who acted like we weren’t good enough to eat at the restaurant.

#15 Tricolon

Using a series of three parallel words or phrases:

I came. I saw. I conquered.

Feeling Spicy?

Ready to kick up your writing a notch and use a few rhetorical devices to spice things up but not quite sure where to start?

Try a few practice rounds before you try it out on a new essay. Review one of your previously written essays and look for places that you might include rhetorical devices.

You might also take a look at these examples essays to see if you can identify any rhetorical strategies used by the writers (or where you feel they might include them).

Feeling more bland than spicy? Afraid you took it too far? Let a Kibin editor check your work.