Persuasion Techniques Vocabulary

a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

“His essay was a polemic against government overreach.”

Origin: Greek `polemikos` (warlike, hostile), from `polemos` (war)

the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing

“Her rhetoric moved the audience to action.”

Origin: Greek `rhetorike` (art of an orator), from `rhetor` (orator, teacher), from `eirein` (to speak, say)

fluent or persuasive speaking or writing

“His eloquence won over even his harshest critics.”

Origin: Latin `eloquentia` (eloquence), from `eloqui` (to speak out), from `e-` (out) + `loqui` (to speak)

the art or practice of formal public speaking

“Churchill was known for his powerful oratory.”

Origin: Latin `oratorius` (of speaking), from `orare` (to speak, pray), from `os` (mouth)

a strongly encouraging or urging communication

“The coach's exhortation fired up the team.”

Origin: Latin `exhortatio`, from `exhortari` (to encourage), from `ex-` (thoroughly) + `hortari` (to urge)

insulting or abusive language

“The debate devolved into mutual invective.”

Origin: Latin `invectivus` (abusive), from `invehi` (to attack with words), from `in-` (against) + `vehere` (to carry)

a forceful and bitter verbal attack

“Her diatribe against the proposal lasted twenty minutes.”

Origin: Greek `diatribe` (a wearing away, discourse), from `diatribein` (to wear away time), from `dia-` (through) + `tribein` (to rub)

a lengthy, aggressive speech

“He subjected them to a harangue about their failures.”

Origin: Old French `arenge` (public speech), from Italian `aringa`, possibly from Germanic `hring` (circle, assembly)

a long, angry speech of criticism

“The customer launched into a tirade about the poor service.”

Origin: French `tirade` (a volley, long speech), from Italian `tirata` (a pulling), from `tirare` (to pull, draw)

the concluding part of a speech; a lengthy oration

“The lawyer's peroration summarized all key points dramatically.”

Origin: Latin `peroratio`, from `perorare` (to speak at length), from `per-` (through, thoroughly) + `orare` (to speak)