Language of Persuasion (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes
Language of Persuasion
The Language of Persuasion uses various techniques.
- Thesis statement: what is the speaker arguing about? e.g. should zoos be closed?
- Active imperative voice: This encourages and inspires action in the audience. It is a powerful and forceful persuasive tool.
- Rhetorical questions engage the audience and encourage them to reflect
- Collective, inclusive pronouns create a rapport with the audience-we/us/ours.
- Anecdotal details: These stories engage the audience and corroborate the point.
- Factual information substantiates the point or argument being made
- Emotive language engages and invigorates the audience.
- Repetition reinforces the argument / adds emotional weight to the point being made.
- Rule of three reinforces points and makes them memorable.
- Urgent tone: This encourages action. It motivates the audience to respond.
- Powerful conclusion: This makes for a memorable speech and leaves an indelible mark on the audience.
- A logical, coherent approach
- Exclamation marks are used for emphasis.
An anecdotal detail is a brief, personal story used to illustrate a point or support an argument. These details are often drawn from personal experience or observations and are used to connect with the audience, add a human element to the narrative, or provide a relatable example.
Example: "At my old school, the science lab equipment was so outdated that students couldn't conduct basic experiments. One year, a grant allowed us to upgrade the lab. The change was remarkable—students became more engaged, and test scores improved significantly. This experience shows that investing in education can enhance learning outcomes and student enthusiasm."
The active imperative voice tells someone to do something. It gives direct instructions or commands. The subject "you" is understood but not mentioned.
Example: "Support our children by funding new textbooks and technology. Act today and invest in the future of education!"
The Use of the Language of Persuasion
- Advertising
- Political campaigns
- Fundraising appeals