The Protest Letter
10 September 2014
Antonian College Prep
Ms. Trevathan’s English III
AND PERSUASIVE RHETORIC
AgendaWhat is Rhetoric? How can I identify
and use Persuasive Rhetoric? How do structure my letter? Is there
an outline or map to follow?Styles of persuasion3 BASIC APPEALS: Logical, Emotional,
EthicalWhat are the guidelines and/or
requirements?How should my letter look (form)?
Persuading your audience with RHETORICRhetoric is the art of communicating ideas.
Persuasive rhetoric consists of reasoned arguments in favor of or against particular beliefs or courses of action.
To be effectively persuasive, a work has to engage both the mind and the emotions of its audience, making them think that the problem is important enough for them to care how it is, or if it is, resolved.
To be effective, YOU should…
Clearly state the issue and a position
Give an opinion and support it with facts and reasons
Takes opposing views into account (anticipate naysayers)
Use sound logic and effective language
Conclude by summing up reasons and/or call to action.
Styles of PersuasionGo beyond “PLEASE!” (see p. 260)Elevated Language uses formal
words and phrases that lend a serious tone to discussion/issue
Rhetorical Questions - You remember the definition, don’t you?!
Repetition and repeating the point tells the audience that it is especially important. ◦Parallelism is a form of repetition.
3 Basic types of AppealsLogical appeals provide rational
arguments to support writer’s claims (see p. 260 for deductive and inductive reasoning).
Emotional appeals appeal to emotion and are based on specific examples of suffering or potential threats and can include “loaded language”
Ethical appeals are based on shared moral values and call forth the audience’s sense of right, justice, and virtue.
Guidelines for Letter (form)1 to 2 pagesFormatted like a
letter – NOT double-spaced like a paper
Multiple paragraphsMust be addressed
to, and aimed at, a real entity, person, company, or organization
Let’s look at an example
Must have appropriate heading: formal name AND title and mailing
address inc. city, state, zip.
Establish reason for letter in a thesis-like fashion. FACTS generally work better than
emotional appeals.
Solid rhetoric and reasoning in body paragraphs(s).
Closing with a re-emphasis of your points and reasoning. Be polite, but assertive.
Sign with polite, professional closure: Sincerely