Persuasive Writing Techniques

Let your words work for you

Don’t tell them your idea, show them.

Word combinations have the ability to transform an uninspiring composition into a compelling one.

Persuading through logic and facts may convince some but emotion frequently plays its part. We need to make it easier for different readers to trust our words. We must capture their imagination and provide inspiration before producing facts and evidence.

Persuasion is less about saying we should be trusted and more about showing why we should be trusted.

Who is this course for?

This course has been designed for those who:

  • write reports, proposals or public policy

  • need to write clear explanations and justifications for expenditure, development or policy

  • wish to improve their communication skills

  • require flexibility: you decide how much time you are able to invest each week.

  • need a mentor to provide guidance and advice, whether it’s for grammar, word use or sentence rephrasing.

  • would benefit from assessed tasks with comments and examples on how to improve and strengthen writing.

  • prefer to work under their own steam.

If you would like to know if this course is suitable and meets your needs, please contact us.

Course type

Writing

Course delivery

Online | self-study

Duration

approx. 50 hours

Mentor

Yes

Assessed tasks

Yes

Language level

C1 | IELTS 7.0

Content

Core knowledge and course material is provided through this website:

  • explore our online pages which explain and illustrate what is and how to write persuasively

We look at the following:

  • communicating with conviction or being assertive without exaggeration

  • writing with purpose

  • diminishing returns or trying to say too much

  • which words are persuasive and why

  • choosing appropriate words

  • connecting with your reader

  • persuasion strategies

  • connecting with your reader

  • seeing things from the reader’s perspective

  • moving from bland to persuasive

  • using metaphors to give a better picture

Assessment

We believe practising is essential. Understanding where we are doing well and where we can improve is crucial:

  • when you submit your writing, your mentor appraises it, helping you improve style, vocabulary choice and structure

  • you will receive comments and suggestions from your mentor

  • your mentor is available for any questions or queries you may have

Objective

At the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • understand what makes writing unpersuasive

  • appreciate how our words can weaken or strengthen our writing

  • understand which elements make writing persuasive

  • which words are more persuasive and why

  • building trust with your reader

  • which strategies presents a compelling argument

  • create a pervasive and influential text

FAQ

  • The course is divided in units, each with a presentation.

    Exercises are available where appropriate. Once completed, send to your mentor who will assess.

  • We anticipate between 40-60 hours which depends how much time you invest in writing, reviewing and rewriting your tasks.

    The course is designed to be flexible. If you have time one week, but less in the following, that’s not a problem.

    The total time will depend how much time you invest.

  • Yes! You have a mentor with whom you can ask questions about your course. They also assess your tasks and provide feedback.

    Your mentor only provides email support. If you have any questions or comments about your assessment, let them know.

    If you would like online support, you can add online coaching sessions to supplement your course.

  • This course is designed for email support and self-study.

    However, you can add coaching sessions and discuss elements of your course with them.

  • Currently, this course is only online.

  • Each writing task has a presentation illustrating what is expected.

    Once you have submitted your writing, it is assessed for grammar, logical, word use and many other parameters. This is designed to identify weaknesses and strengths, helping you improve your message.

  • We all feel a little stuck or need motivation.

    If you are unsure how to progress in your course or writing, ask your mentor.

Coming soon

Complete the form and we will inform you when the Persuasive Writing Techniques course is available.