Persuasive Writing is writing that tries to convince others to share the writer’s opinions.
Advertising uses many persuasive techniques. These techniques include:
buzzwords – the use of trendy words or phrases
faulty logic – using words that lead others to reach a conclusion that is not necessarily true
testimonial - having real people (often famous people) say good things about a product or service
association – having a real person, often a famous person, appear in an ad, but the person does not say they like or use the product. The advertiser hopes that consumers will associate, or link, the famous person with the product.
false research claims – the use of statistics or research in a misleading or tricky way to make the consumer think that the product is better than it is.
appeal to emotion – using words or pictures that give a consumer strong feelings about a product
bandwagon – to make a product seem very popular, so that consumers will think they will be “left out” if they don’t buy it.
either/or argument – to make it seem as though a consumer has only two options or choices, when in fact there are many more.
