Power Words for Persuasive Saying and Writing
Getting people to take action or think a certain way can be challenging. The good news is persuasive language can help you to do just that. It is the language we use to convince or influence someone to adopt a particular belief or take a specific action. That’s why in this article, I’ll be focussing on persuasive language examples to show just how effective this concept is.
Effective persuasive language involves the use of persuasive techniques such as emotional appeal, logical appeal, rhetorical questions, repetition, and the use of strong, convincing evidence to support the argument. It is commonly used in advertising, marketing, politics, sales, and other areas where the goal is to persuade people. But these can be used by the regular office professional.
This article could get pretty long if I were to go in depth. From here on, I’ll be narrowing down the most effective persuasive words you can start using in your persuasive language along with examples to bring them to life.
There is no such thing as a neutral word. Every word we speak is pregnant with meaning and filled with power.” – Paul David Tripp.
1. Free
For our first persuasive language example, I’ll start off with the one word that can make people act like fools. It’s one of the most convincing words on the planet. This is the reason it’s all over sales copy. In fact, there are studies proving that most people would never have considered something, for example trying your new product, if it wasn’t free. Free samples, anyone?
But how do you as a manager or office worker harness the power of this word? Here’s an example.
“Sign up for our company’s new wellness program today and get a free gym membership for the first month. This offer is only available for a limited time, so take advantage of it now and start your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.”
In this example, the word ‘free’ is used to incentivise employees to sign up for the wellness program by offering a free gym membership. The offer is presented as time-limited to create a sense of urgency and encourage employees to take action right away.
From this persuasive language example, you’ll agree this is one powerful word. So remember not to go overboard. Overpromising and underdelivering on bargains is cheap and unbecoming.
2. Fair
The concept of fairness is a universally recognised and valued idea. It’s the basis for this second persuasive language example using the word ‘fair.’ This word works best when fairness is relevant to the situation or topic.
You may recall this word during your childhood when you didn’t want to share your toys. Hearing that we are not being fair or that we should be fair takes us right back to when we weren’t treated fairly and how wrong we felt. Hence, this word is often used in persuasive language to appeal to people’s sense of justice or equity. Here’s an example of this word in use.
“It’s not fair that some employees are getting a higher pay for the same job, while others are getting a lower pay.”
In this persuasive statement, the word ‘fair’ is used to appeal to the sense of justice and equity. The statement highlights that some employees are getting higher pay than others for the same job, and argues that this is unjust and unequal.
By using the word ‘fair,’ the statement is suggesting that there should be equal treatment and compensation for all employees who are performing the same job. This would strike the listener’s sense of equity or justice, letting them agree that something is to be done to correct this unfairness.
3. Because
It’s true the word ‘because’ gets used a lot. But that’s because it’s so effective. See, I just used it.
It’s true some people won’t take action unless you give them a reason to. AKA-why, which is the other nagging word that initiates a because-response.
There is no better way to incorporate that reason in your persuasive language than with the word ‘because.’ The reason can even be illegitimate. Here’s a persuasive language example using this word.
“Can I leave work an hour early today because I have to attend my child’s parent-teacher conference?”
In the above, you’re not only asking a request but including the reason by using the word ‘because.’ By explaining why you must leave early, you’re appealing to your manager’s sense of understanding and empathy. Additionally, mentioning your child’s parent-teacher conference implies that you have important family obligations to attend to.
4. You
Hearing the word ‘you’ lets your ears perk up a bit. There’s a reason people pay high bucks for personalisation. It’s the same reason people are addicted to Instagram and social media following. The explanation is people are generally obsessed with themselves.
Using the word ‘you’ is the substitute for saying someone’s name when it’s not available. So tailor your message making the other person the focus. It’s sure to get their attention.
“You have the skills and experience we need to lead this project to success.”
In the above persuasive language example you’re emphasising the other person’s skills and experience directly rather than generally. By doing so you’re implying that they are the best person for the job and positioning them as a valuable contributor to the project’s success. It makes them feel appreciated and valued, making them more willing to lead the project.
5. Now
This fifth word screams urgency. You will agree there is no time like the present. Using the word ‘now’ can create a sense of urgency and encourage the listener to take action immediately.
Here’s an example.
“Let’s start implementing these changes now before it’s too late.”
This persuasive language example emphasises the importance of taking action immediately to avoid negative consequences in the future. It creates a sense of urgency and emphasises the need to act quickly before it’s too late. However, it’s important not to overuse it, as it can become tiresome or even pushy if used too frequently.
6. Easy
Face it, life is complicated. Why? Because we are human, full of emotions, desires, needs, and fears. But most people hate complicated things.
So what’s the opposite of complicated? Easy.
People love easy. There’s a reason you would rather stay in and watch YouTube videos than study for that math exam in two hours. You are more willing to do something that is easy versus something that is hard. That’s the power of this word.
The bottom line is people look for easy processes, tasks, things, and decisions. When you position your ask as something easy, they are more likely to do it. Here’s a persuasive language example using this word.
“Hey, Jane. I wanted to talk to you about the new software we’re implementing. I know that change can be challenging, but I want to assure you that this transition will be easy. We’ll provide you with training and support, and the software is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Would you be willing to attend the training session and give the software a try?”
In the above, you are encouraging Jane to adopt new software. You acknowledge that change can be difficult, but emphasise that the transition will be easy by reassuring them of training and support and that the software is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. By using the word ‘easy,’ you apply to their desire for simplicity making the persuasion more appealing.
Overall, using the word ‘easy’ in persuasion can be an effective way to alleviate concerns or anxieties about adopting new technology or processes and encourage employees to take action. However, it’s important to ensure that the software or process truly is easy to use and that the benefits highlighted in the persuasion are accurate and achievable.
For more persuasion techniques and tips, check out our ultimate list of 78 persuasion techniques which touched on some of what we did today.
