What Makes Good Persuasive Writing?

What makes good persuasive writing?
Whether you’re trying to change people’s opinion or sell them something, persuasion writing is the skill of convincing others to believe your point of view. This kind of writing is used by a range of professionals, including salespeople, journalists and public speakers, to communicate ideas or gain support for a movement.

1. Pick a topic that you’re passionate about!
Having an interest in the subject you’re writing about means that you’ll be more likely to defend your argument, which makes it easier to convince other readers. It also means that you’ll be able to do the research needed to prove your points.

2. Use rhetorical questions to get your reader thinking about the issue you’re discussing.
Rhetorical questions are a great way to make your arguments more engaging and interesting to readers, as well as to encourage them to think about the issue from a different perspective. Using questions like these is a great way to make your argument memorable and help you stand out from the competition.

3. Hook your readers’ attention with a strong thesis statement and persuasive opening paragraphs.
The opening paragraphs of a persuasive essay are crucial to the effectiveness of the entire piece. They set the tone for what your essay will be about, introduce the topic and give the reader an idea of your position on the issue.

4. Create a persuasive opening with a declarative statement and a clear call to action.
The beginning of your essay is where you’ll convince the reader to believe in your argument. A strong opening can include a declarative statement, facts or evidence to support your opinion and a call to action, which tells the reader why you think this is an important topic and what you hope they’ll take away from it.

5. Create a persuasive opening with an emotional connection to the issue at hand
Empathy is one of the most effective persuasion techniques. It allows you to connect with the reader by identifying with them and empathizing with their struggles. This enables your audience to see you as an authority on their situation, and to trust you to offer solutions that will help them feel better.

6. Use qualitative visuals to appeal to emotions
Using photos and images can really amplify your message’s effect on the audience. Using pictures of people experiencing the same problems as your audience can have more impact on their perception of the issue than simply reading about it in text.

7. Incorporate social proof into your persuasion strategy
Social proof is the idea that other people have done well with a product or service. It’s the reason why adverts often feature testimonials and referrals from other users. It’s a common tactic in persuasive writing, and you can easily incorporate it into your own writing by finding a respected leader with similar opinions to your own.

A strong conclusion is the last step in a persuasive essay, so it’s essential to write it with impact and clarity. The ending can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but it should close your argument with a clear and compelling statement that reiterates your thesis.