Emotive words (and synonyms to emphasise tone)
Imagery
Anecdotal stories
Expert opinions
Data or statistics: hard evidence (percentages, survey, research)
Alliteration for emphasising a point or phrase
Rhetorical question
Inclusive language (we, us)
Repetition of key words or ideas
Appeal to specific psychological trigger (Patriotism, safety, fear)
Hyperbole/exaggeration
Humour (ridicule, satire, sarcasm)
Acknowledging other perspectives/opposition and discrediting
Analogies – comparing one thing to another
Generalisations from specific examples
Quote from someone significant or respected
Colloquial language – e.g. fair dinkum
Cumulation – short similar words together to emphasise
Attacks on those responsible or alternative perspectives
Reason and logic
Words for consistent tone or voice
Active Voice (assertive) NOT passive voice
Checklist for Persuasive Techniques
Structure of speech
Purpose, Audience and Context- Introduction to specific audience (related to issue)
- Who are you and why are you presenting?
- Introduce the issue or context for your speech
- Establish your contention about the issue and set the tone for your speech
Outline the issue (problems and reason for speech)
- Outline the extent of the problem and establish a really detailed context for your claims or recommendations
- Include data, statistics, examples
- Paint the picture of what is the problem – as extensively as you can
Anecdotal story or personal example
- Provide an emotional story to position your listeners
- This can be referred to again later in the speech
Current situation
- What is currently being done and by who? Provide your evaluation of inadequacies. Here is where you attack!!
- What more needs to be done? What are better solutions?
- Who should be responsible?
Your solutions
- Drive home your arguments about what needs to happen and by who
- Provide the benefits of what you suggest by appealing to the listener
- Here is where you use inclusive language and appeals for the listener to take your side
Call to action!!
- Remind your listeners of all you have informed them of
- This is where you increase the emotions and ask them to commit to your cause
- Suggest or recommend what they need to do to help you address this issue
- Final sentences, statements of strong assertive language that summarise the whole reason for your speech
- Acknowledge your audience