Persuasion Techniques Practice Exercises

Review the lesson for Persuasion Techniques Study Guide.

Persuasion Techniques Practice Exercises

Practice Exercise

Label each statement either L (logos), P (pathos), or E (ethos).

1. Fellow stockholders, we need Ned Cash on our Board of Directors. His many years as finance director for New City make him the ideal person to help stabilize our company in this global market.
2. It just makes sense to buy from a superstore. Things cost less when you buy in bulk, and you don't run out of stuff as often. That saves gas because you make fewer trips to the store!
3. Adopt a pet. Come to the shelter and look into the eyes of any cat or dog. All it wants is a loving home and a new lease on life. Please, say "I care."

Answers

1. E. Ned's experience makes him seem highly qualified, so listeners assume he's worthy of their trust and their votes.
2. L. a logical argument, appealing to reasoning ability
3. P. uses emotion to persuade

Practice Exercise

Which is NOT an example of a persuasion technique?

1. Give generously to our holiday fund. A homeless child will have a special present and a warm meal, thanks to you.
2. Smart people like you know a good deal when you see one. So head on down to Toby's Togs for our 50% off sale.
3. Home invasions are on the rise! How can you feel safe in your own home? Call SAY-fty First today for the best home security system available! Just $29 a month after initial installation fee.
4. Cinema One is open seven days a week.

Answer

The correct answer is choice d. It's just a statement of fact, not a way of persuading you to choose that theater over any others.

Practice Exercise

List the rhetorical devices used in the following paragraph:

Answer

1. "a vote for a perfect world"—hyperbole
2. "smart, savvy, and successful" —Rule of Three
3. "jobs were scarce, people were scared . . . "—emotional language
4. "why turn back the clock . . . "—rhetorical question

Practice Exercise

Your friend wants to vacation in the Bahamas this winter, but you want to ski. You found a great deal on a ski package, including hotel and airfare, but it requires two people traveling together to get the reduced rates. How do you present this information to convince your friend?

Answer

There are many ways, but you might say:

"I know you want to go the Bahamas for the warm weather, but there won't be many people our age at that resort. I'm worried we will get bored after sitting on the beach all day. The ski lodge I looked into is directly targeting 20-somethings. They will give us a low rate on hotel, airfare, and lift tickets, plus they are throwing a free party every night for everyone who bought the package deal."