Overview
This lecture explains the common language features and persuasive devices used in research, campaigns, and advocacies, highlighting their role in influencing audiences.
Research, Campaigns, and Advocacy: Definitions and Purpose
- Research is a systematic study of problems using the scientific method to generate knowledge.
- Campaign is a planned set of actions aimed at achieving a specific goal, often using speeches.
- Advocacy involves activities to argue, support, or oppose a cause, often related to policies or social issues.
- All three use persuasive language to inform, motivate, or influence audiences.
Language of Persuasion
- Persuasion means convincing others to change their views or take action.
- Persuasive writing commonly appears in research, campaigns, and advocacy materials.
Common Language Features in Persuasive Writing
- Emotive Language: Uses words that appeal to emotions, making arguments feel stronger (e.g., "brutally murdered," "poor victim").
- Modal Verbs: Words like may, must, should, could, and would express possibility, obligation, or advice to affect certainty.
- Involving the Reader: Uses pronouns like you, we, our, to create a personal connection with the audience.
- Rhetorical Questions: Asks questions not meant to be answered, prompting readers to think or agree with a point.
- Using Evidence: Cites facts, figures, or expert opinions to strengthen the argument’s credibility.
- Repetition: Repeats key words or ideas for emphasis and memorability.
- Adjectives and Adverbs: Carefully chosen descriptive words influence how readers feel about the topic.
- Association: Links ideas to things the audience already values (e.g., clean air, success).
- Bandwagon: Suggests that "everyone is doing it" to encourage others to join.
- Experts: Relies on endorsements or information from trusted authorities to persuade.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Research — A systematic investigation to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
- Campaign — A coordinated effort to achieve a specific objective.
- Advocacy — Public support or recommendation for a particular cause or policy.
- Persuasion — The act of convincing someone to adopt a belief or take action.
- Emotive Language — Words that trigger emotional responses.
- Modal Verbs — Auxiliary verbs expressing necessity or possibility (e.g., must, can, should).
- Rhetorical Question — A question posed for effect, not requiring an answer.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the definitions and examples of persuasive language features.
- Practice identifying persuasive techniques in campaign speeches or advocacy articles.
- Prepare for activities analyzing and using persuasive language in writing.