define persuasive techniques?

It's a technique to try to get someone to do something -- or at least change his/her mind.

Possibly these articles will help a little more.

http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceAntecedents.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceMorePrinciples.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/InfluenceStillMore.html

Persuasive techniques refer to various methods and strategies that are used to influence an audience's thoughts, beliefs, or actions. These techniques are commonly employed in persuasive writing, advertising, politics, sales, and public speaking, among other contexts. Understanding persuasive techniques can be helpful in analyzing the intentions and effectiveness of communication.

To define persuasive techniques, it can be useful to consider some common examples:

1. Emotional appeal: This technique aims to elicit specific emotions in the audience, such as fear, happiness, sympathy, or anger. By tapping into people's emotions, persuasive messages can create a stronger connection and influence the audience's decision-making process.

2. Logical reasoning: Using logical arguments and evidence, this technique aims to persuade an audience by appealing to their capacity for rational thinking. It could involve providing relevant statistics, facts, expert opinions, and logical deductions to support a specific point of view or argument.

3. Credibility and authority: This technique involves establishing the credibility and expertise of the speaker or source to gain the audience's trust. It can be achieved by using endorsements from experts, citing credible sources, or highlighting personal expertise and achievements to persuade the audience.

4. Social proof: This technique draws on the concept that people tend to adopt beliefs or actions that others have accepted or endorsed. By showcasing testimonials, endorsements, or examples of a large group of people who support a particular idea, product, or belief, persuasive messages aim to create a sense of social validation.

5. Persuasive language and rhetoric: The use of persuasive language, such as rhetorical questions, vivid imagery, repetition, and powerful metaphors, can help captivate an audience's attention, evoke emotions, and enhance the persuasive impact of a message.

To identify persuasive techniques in various contexts, including articles, advertisements, or speeches, consider analyzing the communication for these elements. Look for emotional appeals, logical reasoning, credibility-building elements, social proof, and the use of persuasive language and rhetoric. Additionally, understanding the intention and desired outcome of the message can provide further insights into the employed persuasive techniques.