Writing to Persuade: Form, Tone, Register

Writing to persuade involves presenting arguments and viewpoints in a compelling and convincing manner. To achieve this, focus on the selection of persuasive language, rhetorical devices, and the strength of your arguments and rebuttals.
The form of your persuasive writing revolves around its structure and should logically guide your readers through your arguments. Start with an engaging introduction, followed by detailed arguments and finally, conclude with a powerful ending.
Organisation of your thoughts and ideas is crucial. Each paragraph should consist of a main point, evidence or explanation of that point, and its implication or significance.
Employ repetition to emphasise points. The skillful use of repetition can bolster your claim and make it more memorable.
Use rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, emotive language, and inclusive language to evoke a reaction or feeling from your reader.
Tone is the attitude conveyed in writing. It’s the emotional colouring of your words and can affect how your audience interprets your writing. For convincing persuasive writing, maintain a firm yet respectful tone that contributes to your credibility.
Utilise a positive tone that indicates certainty in your position. Be authoritative but not domineering. Evoke empathy and understanding rather than lecturing or deriding your audience.
The register refers to the level of formality in your writing. If the writing situation calls for it, you may need to use a highly formal register with sophisticated vocabulary and syntax. On the contrary, if it requires a more conversational style, then a less formal register would be more appropriate.
Carefully consider your audience to decide on the most effective register. For example, younger audience might appreciate a less formal and more conversational register, while adults generally prefer a more professional tone.
To strengthen your persuasive techniques, include counter-arguments. By acknowledging and rebutting opposition, you demonstrate critical thinking skills and strengthen your own argument.
Proofread your work to ensure clear and error-free communication. Think about your choice of words, sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Fine-tuning these aspects can greatly enhance the overall quality and impact of your persuasive writing.
Lastly, practise is key. Try writing on a range of topics with different recipients in mind to improve your versatility and adaptability. This will also help you get used to varying your tone and register to suit the situation.