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Purpose

  • Present a point of view around a topic and supported by evidence

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  • Similar to a lawyer’s job

    • You aim to sway the reader’s mind to agree with your opinion on a particular topic

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  • Writing a good persuasive essay includes the use of a mix of emotive language supported by hard evidence or other people’s opinions

Essay Structure
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Choose a Topic, Pick your Stance and Write an Outline

  • Choose your topic  

  • Think about the issue then pick the side you wish to advocate 

  • Conduct research to get evidence that you can use in your essay  

  • Write an outline of the essay, including at least 3 points that you will use in the essay 

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Introduction (1 paragraph)

  • Start with a hook to catch the readers attention (statistic, quote, question or story)

    • ​For example: “Driving while talking on a cell phone, even hands-free, is the equivalent of driving drunk.”  

  • Briefly introduce/summarize your main three points

  • Finish with your thesis statement: "This paper will argue..."

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Body Paragraphs (3 paragraphs)

  • Each body is one of your three main points

  • Begin a paragraph with a topic sentence (central point of the paragraph)

    • The sentence states the central point of the paragraph 

  • This is one reason that supports your thesis statement 

  • Then 2 supporting evidence

  • State why these points/evidence are important

  • Finally end with a transition sentence to flow the reader to the next idea/paragraph

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Conclusion (1 paragraph)

  • Restate the thesis (use different words)​

  • Summarize key points: This helps the reader remember the important details.​

  • Closing Thought: Tie everything back to your thesis statement. Last chance to persuade the reader of your point of view. 

Persuasive Techniques

Repetition: There is a reason why advertisements and commercials are so repetitive- repetition works!

  • It is difficult to get the reader to fully agree with the writer’s opinion if they don’t fully understand it

  • Saying the same thing in a variety of ways ensures the reader gets many bites of the same apple

 

Storytelling: Everyone likes a story. Kids learn important values through various stories

  • Whether through personal anecdotes or reference to third person experiences, stories help climb down the ladder of abstraction & reach the reader on a human level

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Dealing with dissent: ignoring the opposing opinion will appear as avoidance to the reader

  • As a result, the opposing view should be given some mention

 

A call to action: it usually forms part of the conclusion section of the essay & asks the reader to do something such as recycle, donate to charity, sign a petition, etc

Presentation & Speech
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Follow your essay structure: 

  • Hook

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  • Main three points with supporting evidence

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  • Conclude with calls to action

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Confident Delivery:

  • Eye Contact: look at different parts of the audience to engage them.

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  • Clear Voice: Speak loudly and clearly, making sure to pronounce words properly.

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  • Pacing: Avoid speaking too fast. Pausing at key moments to emphasize important points.

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Persuasive Language:

  • Repetition of key points.

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  • Rhetorical Questions to get the audience thinking.

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  • Emotion to appeal to the audience’s feelings.

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  • Facts and Statistics to build credibility.

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Body Language:

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  • Posture: Stand tall and avoid slouching.

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  • Gestures: Use hand gestures to emphasize important points, but avoid overdoing it.

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  • Movement: Use the stage or space wisely by walking confidently, but not pacing nervously.

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Visual Aids

 

  • Use slides or props to support their argument visually.

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  • Keep visual aids simple, clear, and relevant to the topic.

Practice and Preparation:

 

  • Rehearsal. More practice, the more confident you'll be.

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  • Anticipate possible counterarguments and how to address them smoothly.

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