From exchanging letters through a post till today’s digital era, persuasive writing has always been the center of attention. Persuasive letters are written with a purpose to convey an idea to the other person or organization. The letters can be addressed to various types of organizations including school, bank, college, NGO, municipality etc. It can also be written to the individuals or head of the institutes such as director, CEO, government official etc. The persuasive may not be that simple as it not only conveys an idea but at the same time aims to persuade the addressee towards a specific action or goal. The letters could be addressed for the following purposes:
Writing persuasive letters requires genuine conviction in your writing style that can be easily achieved through various strategies. In this blog you will find everything you need to know about writing persuasive letters and various key components that will successfully convey your ideas. You will also discover different formats among Full Block Style, Semi-Block Style, Modified Block Style and Modified Semi-Block Style and how to choose the best one.
Persuasive letters are a part of formal writing and commonly encountered in daily life. The ability to understand persuasive writing is crucial to frame a convincing letter. The goal of persuasive writing is to persuade the reader to adopt a certain opinion, ideas, or complete an action. The persuasive letters can be addressed to different set ups such as:
Advocacy: To advocate for a cause, whether it's environmental conservation, social justice, or political reform.
Business: To persuade a potential client to purchase a product or service, or to convince stakeholders to invest in a business.
Request for Action: To persuade someone to take a specific action, such as donating to a charity, signing a petition, or attending an event.
Change of Opinion: To convince someone to change their perspective or opinion on a particular issue.
Appeal: To appeal for support or assistance, such as asking for a donation to help with medical expenses or disaster relief.
Negotiation: To negotiate terms or conditions in a business or personal context, such as salary negotiations or contract terms.
Promotion: To persuade someone to support or endorse a particular individual, product, or idea.
Educational: To inform and persuade others about an important topic or idea, such as the importance of education or the dangers of substance abuse.
To persuasive writing is governed by logos, pathos and ethos to achieve the perfect tone for conveying the idea. These three strategies are used to persuade the reader by appealing to their emotions. These three modes of persuasion were pioneered by Aristotle in his treatise Rhetoric from 367–322 BCE and since then have become an integral part of modern writing. Let’s take a brief look at how these three strategies work to deliver the message in persuasive writing.
| Key Aspect | Ethos | Logos | Pathos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Appeal to ethics, credibility, or authority of speaker | Appeal to logic, reasoning, or evidence | Appeal to emotions, values, or beliefs |
| Purpose | Establish trustworthiness and credibility | Present logical arguments and evidence | Evoke emotional response and empathy |
| Method | Use of credible sources, expertise, or personal integrity | Statistical data, factual evidece, logical reasoning | Vivid language, anecdotes, emotional imagery |
| Effect | Builds rapport and fosters belief in the speaker | Provides rational basis for acceptance of argument | Evokes sympathy, compassion, or motivation |
| Role in Writing | Essential for persuading audience to trust the message | Essential for convincing audience of the validity of the argument | Essential for connecting with audience on a personal level |
| Application | Formal speeches, expert opinion pieces, testimonials | Scientific papers, legal arguments, technical manuals | Advertising, fundraising appeals, political speeches |
| Example | "As a doctor, I can assure you that this treatment is safe." | "Studies show that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease." | "Think of the children who will benefit from this policy." |
Even after sticking to the correct format and following all the rules, your persuasive may miss the mark. These additional tips will further enhance your persuasive writing and make it more appealing. These tips help you get to the point and suggest different ways to persuade the readers.
One of the best ways to convince your readers is by repeating the main argument again and again. It can have a deep impact on the reader’s mind and also increase the likelihood of successfully persuading the readers.
Our vocabulary plays an important role in conveying our ideas. You should pick the best possible words and phrases that encourage the reader to form sentimental connections to the topic.
An interesting way to persuade the readers is by keeping them engaged in your writing. You can ask questions throughout the letter to keep the reader engaged and structure your argument more efficiently.
Persuasive writing takes time and practice to become more effective. However, staying honest to your intentions and using the right vocabulary to convey your thoughts can dramatically impact the reader’s mind. The insights given in this blog are highly impactful and allow you to brush up your persuasive writing with the right tools and information.