Understanding how the persuasive language authors use can help us to understand their potential motivations and biases. On this page, we'll examine how an author has used persuasive language in their argument.
First of all, read the article The cost of change. Then, read the Persuasive language analysis section to understand the techniques used by the writer.
The cost of change
Today’s guest columnist is Senator David Davidson, from the Very Conservative Party (VCP).
Today, people are so obsessed with change that they rarely take the time to reflect on why they want things to change. We are programmed to eagerly anticipate the next technological development, the next philosophical shift, the next cause of political and social outrage…
We have lost the ability to be satisfied with what we have right now and to understand how good we truly have it. Spend five minutes on social media and you will be bombarded with a tidal wave of discontent. Everyone, it seems, has something to complain about.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will have heard of phenomena such as ‘cancel culture’ and ‘Me Too’- if you are more unfortunate, you may even have been ‘cancelled’ yourself. A recent study from a prominent Australian university discovered that the emotional toll of being ‘cancelled’ is causing everyday Australians severe anguish. In fact, the study revealed that 78.7% of people are so worried that they will be ‘cancelled’ that they are now fearful to speak their minds in a public forum.
That’s why the VCP will be introducing a bill to Parliament this week that proposes changes to our current Freedom of Speech laws. The changes would remove penalties for harmless comments about people’s physical attributes, their personal beliefs and their cultural background.
Many experts in the area of anthropology have identified that countries where people have to watch their words carefully have higher rates of depression. Our proposed laws will bring this country back to being a happy country where people can speak without consequences.
The time has come to act. Our country is being overrun by wannabe socialists with left-leaning political agendas. We urge you to petition your local member of Parliament to support our bill before decent, conservative-minded Australians like you and I are no longer able to live our lives the way we always have.
Together we can stop the nonsense. Join us and we can get this country back on track.
Persuasive language analysis
The author of The cost of change uses a number of persuasive techniques to influence the reader, such as:
Emotional appeal: The author taps into feelings of nostalgia and fear, suggesting that people are losing satisfaction with the direction of society by mentioning "severe anguish" and "fearful to speak".
Bandwagon: Phrases like "unless you have been living under a rock" suggest that the issues are universally acknowledged, encouraging readers to align with the majority.
Statistics: The use of a specific percentage (78.7%) from a "recent study" attempts to add credibility. However, the specific source is not mentioned, and the author tells us the information came from a "prominent Australian university."
Appeal to authority: The article references "many experts in the area of anthropology" to support the argument but does not mention who the experts are.
Fear of consequences: The text warns of a "left-leaning political agenda" and suggests that conservative values are under threat, urging immediate action.
Call to action: The author strongly encourages readers to "petition your local member of Parliament," creating a sense of urgency.
Ridicule/attack: The term "wannabe socialists" is used to ridicule and discredit opponents, framing them as a threat to traditional values. The phrase “everyone has something to complain about” suggests that people who do not hold the same view as the author somehow lack resilience.
