Identifying Features of Persuasion

For homework, ask students to bring a useless object to the lesson (e.g. one sock from a pair, a clock with no hands, a pen that has run out of ink).

Organise the students into groups of three. Explain that 1 person is going to try and sell their useless object to a partner. The third member of the group is an observer and notes the persuasive devices used by the 'seller'. Allow two minutes and then change roles.

At the end of the activity review the list of persuasive devices listed earlier in the lesson. Take suggestions from the students' observations to extend the list.

Explain that LOGICAL, PERSONAL, EMOTIONAL appeals can be used in persuasive speaking. To be successfully persuasive a speaker/writer needs to imagine the argument from the POINT OF VIEW of the audience (reader or listener).

Logical appeal relies on reasoning in a clear and consistent manner. Logic may be real or false (i.e. giving the appearance of logic)

A speaker/writer is able to use personal appeal when they know and understand the audience. Knowledge of personal motivations and history can be used to good effect When using emotional appeal, highly emotive words, images, colours will be used to stir an effective response.