Six Effective Strategies For Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing is one of the most powerful tools you have as an entrepreneur. Persuasive writing is argumentative writing that influences and sways readers to your side. It is presented as a logical argument with emotional appeal. The writer’s argument should persuade readers to a particular point of view by presenting both sides of a debate, allowing readers to make an informed choice. Persuasive writing is one of the highest levels of writing that requires great skill. It is everywhere in all forms whether that’s an article, blog post, advertisement, or op-ed piece.
Persuasive writing requires thorough research and the strategic choice of words in order to present the writer’s solid and strong opinion. The successful persuasive piece results in readers agreeing with the writer and taking action. Like other forms of writing, persuasive writing is an art perfected over time and practice. These six tips can help you hone your persuasive writing skills.
- Know your readers – Knowing who will be reading your words is important. As you write you will be able to factor in their beliefs and values. Knowing this will help you write an argument that is tailored to that audience.
- Hook your readers – Today’s readers’ attention spans are short. You need to hook them by getting to the point quickly. Don’t waste words. Before you even start writing, have an idea of what you want to say and stay on topic. Do not discredit people or ideas; focus on positive arguments that back up your assertions.
- Research both sides – In order to sway readers to your side of an argument you must know what you are trying to get them to disagree with. Understanding both sides of the argument will help counter questions that come up in readers’ minds.
- Show don’t tell – Convincing your readers to believe your argument requires you to present facts and anecdotes that make your argument more compelling. Readers must be able to relate to what you are telling them. Emotional appeal is vital to persuasive writing as it aims for the reader’s sensitivities while providing a logical reason why they should change their beliefs.
- Repeat Your Words – Repetition is a strategic technique to remind readers of your message. Rephrasing your words and sharing true stories that align with your argument can reinforce your argument without weighing readers down with repetition.
- Call to action – Your goal in persuasive writing is to sway readers to your side of an argument. Even the best writing can fail if it does not provide the right call to action for readers. Persuasive writing means nothing without action. The last thing you want your writing to do is to persuade readers but leave them unsure of what to do. Persuasive writing is successful when it gives a clear call to action. Once you have persuaded your readers, your writing must ask them to act on your argument to do or believe whatever it is you swayed them to.
Writing more persuasively is a crucial skill for today’s entrepreneurs. You have succeeded when you have not only persuaded readers to believe your side but led them to take your call to action.
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