How to Use Persuasive Language in Your Argumentative Essay - 5 Best Techniques

Writing an argumentative essay can be challenging, especially when it comes to persuading the reader to agree with your point of view.

You may struggle to find the right words to convince your audience, or you may not know how to appeal to their emotions and values. 

Without persuasive language, your argumentative essay may fall flat and fail to make a lasting impact on your reader.

But don't worry! 

In this blog post, we'll provide you with strategies for using persuasive language in your argumentative essay.

So let’s start!

Technique # 1: Know Your Audience

Knowing your audience is crucial when it comes to using persuasive language in an argumentative essay. 

Understanding your audience's values, beliefs, and opinions can help you tailor your language and argument to make it more persuasive and appealing.

When it comes to tailoring your language and argument, you can: 

• Use language that resonates with your audience and appeals to their emotions. You can also use examples and anecdotes that your audience can relate to and understand.
• Aanticipate your audience's objections and address them in your argument. By doing so, you can demonstrate that you have considered their perspective and provide counter-arguments to overcome any potential resistance.

It's also important to keep in mind that different audiences may have different values and beliefs. Therefore, you may need to adapt your language and argument to suit the specific audience you are addressing. 

For instance, you are writing an argumentative essay for a religious audience. You may need to use language and references that resonate with their faith.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Order Now

Technique # 2: Use Strong and Appropriate Vocabulary

Using strong and appropriate vocabulary in your argumentative essay is crucial to making a persuasive and impactful argument. 

The words you use can shape the reader's perception of your argument, and they can influence how your argument is received.

Use Power Words

Power words are words that have a strong emotional impact on the reader and can help you make a more persuasive argument. 

Examples of power words include "compelling," "convincing," "imperative," and "indisputable."

Avoid Slang and Colloquial Language

In an argumentative essay, this can make your argument appear unprofessional and weaken your credibility. 

Instead, use precise language and specific terms to convey your message.

Use Rhetorical Devices

Metaphors and similes can create a strong impact on the reader and help you convey complex ideas in a more accessible way. 

For example, you could use a metaphor like "the internet is a double-edged sword". This conveys the idea that the internet has both positive and negative aspects.

Avoid Slang and Colloquial Language

In an argumentative essay, this can make your argument appear unprofessional and weaken your credibility. 

Instead, use precise language and specific terms to convey your message.

Use Rhetorical Devices

Metaphors and similes can create a strong impact on the reader and help you convey complex ideas in a more accessible way. 

For example, you could use a metaphor like "the internet is a double-edged sword". This conveys the idea that the internet has both positive and negative aspects.

Technique # 3: Use Clear and Concise Language

Using clear and concise language in your argumentative essay is crucial to ensuring that your argument is easily understood by your reader. 

Clear and concise language helps to avoid confusion and misinterpretation, which can weaken the impact of your specific type of argument.

Avoid Complex Sentence Structures

Long and convoluted sentences can make it difficult for the reader to understand your argument. Instead, use short, direct sentences that clearly communicate your point.

Use Active Voice Instead of Passive Voice

Active voice is more direct and can help you convey your argument more clearly. 

For example, instead of writing "the decision was made by the committee," you could write "the committee made the decision."

Use Transitional Phrases 

Transitional words and phrases can also help you create a logical and cohesive argument. 

These words and phrases signal to the reader that you are moving from one point to the next and help to connect your ideas. 

Examples of transitional words and phrases include "in addition," "moreover," "furthermore," and "however."

Technique # 4: Use Emotional Appeals

Using emotional appeals in your argumentative essay can help you connect with your reader on a deeper level. It can make your argument more memorable and impactful. 

Emotional appeals can evoke empathy, create a sense of urgency, and help to convince the reader of the importance of your argument.

Use Personal Anecdotes

Sharing personal experiences can make your argument more relatable and help to create a connection with your reader. 

Additionally, evoking empathy can be a powerful emotional appeal. 

By painting a vivid picture of a particular situation or issue, you can help your reader understand the human impact of your argument.

Use Humor

Humor can help to diffuse tension and make your argument more approachable and relatable. However, it's important to use humor in a way that is appropriate and relevant to your argument.

Use Ethical Appeals

Using ethical appeals such as appealing to the reader's sense of justice or fairness. This can help to strengthen your argument and convince the reader of the importance of your message. 

For example, you could appeal to the reader's sense of justice by arguing that a particular policy is discriminatory or unfair.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Order Now

Technique # 5: Use Credible Sources

Using credible sources in your argumentative essay is crucial to building a strong and persuasive argument. 

Credible sources lend authority and legitimacy to your argument. They can help to convince your reader that your perspective is well-informed and trustworthy.

Some credible sources include:

• Academic Journals and Scholarly Articles have typically undergone a rigorous peer-review process. They are written by experts in the field. 
  
• Government websites and reputable news sources can also be excellent sources of credible information.

When using statistics and facts to support your argument, it's important to ensure the credibility and proper citation of sources. This can help to build credibility with your reader and show that you have done your due diligence in researching the topic.

In addition to using credible sources, it's also important to consider the perspective and biases of the sources you are using. 

For example, you are writing an argumentative essay about a political issue. It's important to consider the political leanings of the sources you are using and how that may impact their perspective.

In conclusion, persuasive language is an essential tool for making a strong argument in your argumentative essay. 

By using these tips, you can improve your persuasive language skills and create a more compelling and persuasive argument in your essay.

Need help implementing persuasive language in your essay? Explore our argumentative essay writing service.

Whether you need help researching credible sources or polishing your writing, we've got you covered.

So why wait? Contact our essay writing service today to learn more about how we can help you!