Persuasive TechniquesCall to Action!

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Call To Action!- "Call to action" is a persuasive technique used by writers, television ad makers, and is used in many other mediums. Call to action uses specific phrases such as, (in advertising),"buy now!" And "call now", or in an argument, "We need to", "it is essential that" or even "enrol now". This is usually followed by phrases that reassure the audience that by taking this "call to action" they are making the right decision, such as "it's that easy" and "you're effort can make a difference!".

- This technique is effective in persuading the audience as it has a sense of urgency, tapping into your emotions making you feel like you need to take action. Phrases like "available for a limited time" and "We need to act now" are calls to action that have urgency and would make people feel at loss if they were to miss out on this one-time opportunity to purchase an item or be a part of saving something in danger, giving the essence of "duty".

Critique- Although an affective technique used to persuade the audience, Call to Action can be a manipulative and even deceptive technique. It can easily persuade viewers to make quick and un-researched decisions that they may not make if they looked into the argument or product further. This technique can also be deceptive when writers use statements like "limited time only" that can create a sense of loss and guilt if the reader does not buy the product. This drags many people into deals that they normally would not partake in. An example of this would be:"We need to stand up for the Forrest! If cutting down our forests continue we will have vast fields of dead and destroyed tree stumps. Take a stand, make a change. Stop tree logging in our forests!"- This creates a sense of urgency through appealing emotionally to people, giving a sense of urgency that forests are in danger, using their emotions to cloud their judgment. The reader isn't told that the trees are now replanted after cutting down the trees, or that these trees are used to construct their homes; the facts. This makes the call to action a pushy, manipulating piece.

Examples"For a limited time only, you can purchase any two video games and get another half priced! Come in store now and pick your favourite games for a crazy deal! It's that easy!"

- The slanted words show how call of action is used.

"We need to act now in order to preserve the natural beauty that is the Great Barrier Reef. It is essential we reduce our affect on the reef by investing in green energy and reducing greenhouse gases. Make a difference now, make a change."

Power of Three

The writer uses a "call to action" in order to persuade the audience to take part in preserving a natural beauty and by doing so they are making a difference. This makes people feel like they can be a part of something, be valued, and know that they are doing something genuinely good. They are therefore motivated and would be more likely to take action in preserving the GBR.