Using Evidence

You can use strong evidence such as facts and statistics, statements of expert
authorities, and research findings to create impact and establish credibility. Readers will
more likely be convinced to side with your position or agree with your opinion if it is
backed up by verifiable evidence.

Example:
The Philippine government should take measures to decrease class sizes in public
schools, as it is one of the biggest problems in the Philippine education system. Class
sizes have gone up to 75 or 80 students per class, and newspapers reported that of the
764 public schools in the metropolis, 82 percent had to resort to conducting classes in
two shifts, one that starts as early as 6 a.m. and another that ends as late as 6 p.m. The
shortage of school classrooms and the large class sizes have a massive effect on
childrens education. According to the National Education Research and Testing Center,
only 68 percent of sixth-grade students were able to achieve a passing score in science
and mathematics, and secondary students fared even worse, with only barely 50 percent
of students passing the same subjects. If the government does not act on improving the
class sizes in public schools, we cannot expect public school students to fare better in
their academics.

Giving Examples
Another technique to persuade readers is by giving examples. Providing examples can
enhance your idea or opinion and make it concrete. These examples can be based on
observations or from your own personal experience. When using examples, they must
be concrete, relevant, and reasonable.

Example:
I think our employees should be required to undergo a workplace sensitivity training.
Disrespecting coworkers based on appearance, gender, or beliefs can lead to loss of
employees. For instance, one of our best employees quit last week because of
derogatory remarks regarding his faith. We also had a major incident last month involving
verbal aggression between two employees, which ended with both parties resigning. If
our employees are not made aware of their bad actions and uncivil behavior toward
others, there may be more cases like these.

Attacking an Opposing View

In this persuasive technique, you assert your opinion by attacking or criticizing someone
or an opposing idea. Belittling someones idea, dismissing the credibility of someone or
an idea, and making fun of someones idea are some forms of attack that can be used
to strengthen your opinion. However, this technique can insult or alienate the readers if
excessively done.

Example:
Saying that Queen Elizabeth I of England is the greatest monarch who ever lived is
simply preposterous. People often depict her as wise and just. However, they seem to
forget that her reign reflected violations of human rights and social injustices. Her natural
charisma may have won her the love of the public, but her government was highly
corrupt. Queen Elizabeth I is certainly far from the idealized queen that many people
continue to love.