Powerful Examples of Persuasive Techniques in Opinion Writing

Starting With Real Examples of Persuasive Techniques in Opinion Writing

Instead of beginning with theory, let’s start with how persuasive opinion writing actually looks on the page.

Imagine an online opinion piece arguing that schools should start later in the morning. The writer opens with a short scene:

“It’s 6:15 a.m. My 14-year-old son is slumped over a bowl of cereal, eyes half closed. By 7:30, he’s expected to solve algebra problems he can barely see straight to read.”

In just a few lines, this writer is already using multiple persuasive techniques:

• A vivid anecdote to create an emotional connection.
• A specific character (the son) to humanize an abstract issue.
• Implied urgency: this is happening right now to real kids.

Then, a few paragraphs later, the writer cites data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that later school start times are linked to better academic performance and mental health outcomes (CDC, School Start Times).

Now we have a blend of emotional appeal and credible evidence. This is one of the best examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing: pairing a personal story with trusted research.

We’ll unpack several more examples like this and show you how to use them in your own pieces.

Emotional Appeals: One of the Best Examples of Persuasive Techniques in Opinion Writing

Emotional appeal is probably the most recognizable example of a persuasive technique in opinion writing. When done well, it doesn’t manipulate; it connects.

How emotional appeal works

Opinion writers tap into feelings like fear, hope, anger, or empathy to make readers feel the stakes of an issue. You’ll often see this in:

• Openings that drop you into a scene.
• Descriptions of people affected by a policy.
• Comparisons that highlight unfairness or injustice.

Real example: Mental health op-ed

Take an opinion piece arguing for better access to mental health care for college students. After mentioning that nearly half of college students report symptoms of depression or anxiety (NIMH data), the writer might share a story:

“On my campus, we lost three students in one year. Each time, the email was the same: ‘We are saddened to share…’ Each time, counseling appointments were still booked out for weeks.”

Here you see emotional appeal layered over data. The numbers show scale; the story makes it personal.

How to use this technique yourself

When you’re looking for examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing to copy in your own work, start with:

• A short, specific story that shows the problem.
• Details that readers can picture: time of day, setting, age, small actions.
• A clear connection between the story and your main argument.

Emotional appeals work best when they’re grounded in reality and supported by facts, not used as a substitute for them.

Using Evidence and Data: The Logical Backbone

If emotional appeals open the door, evidence and data keep readers in the room. Many of the strongest examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing combine feelings with facts.

What counts as persuasive evidence?

Opinion writers often draw on:

• Research studies and statistics from credible sources
• Government data
• Surveys and polls
• Reports from respected organizations

For instance, a writer arguing for stricter vaping regulations might cite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or CDC data on teen vaping trends, then link to an official page for readers who want more detail.

Real example: Remote work debate

Consider a 2024 opinion piece arguing that hybrid work should remain the norm. The writer might reference a study from a university or consulting firm showing that many workers report higher job satisfaction and equal or higher productivity when working remotely part of the week.

They might write something like:

“In a 2023 survey of more than 10,000 U.S. employees, researchers at Harvard University found that hybrid workers reported higher job satisfaction and lower burnout than fully in-office staff.”

(This is an example of how a writer might cite research; always check the current study details for precise numbers.)

How to build this into your own opinion piece

If you’re practicing with examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing, try this pattern:

• State your claim in a clear sentence.
• Immediately follow with a specific number or research finding.
• Name the source and, when possible, link to it.

Readers don’t need a wall of statistics. They need one or two carefully chosen, credible facts that support your point.

Storytelling and Anecdotes: Turning Ideas Into People

Another powerful example of a persuasive technique in opinion writing is the use of short, focused stories. These are not full memoirs; they’re snapshots that make an issue feel real.

Real example: Climate opinion piece

A climate writer arguing for stronger local flood protections might open like this:

“Last September, my neighbor’s living room filled with three feet of water in under an hour. Photo albums floated next to couch cushions. By the time the storm passed, her house of 20 years was unlivable.”

Then, the writer zooms out to connect this story to broader trends in extreme weather, citing data from agencies such as NOAA or NASA.

Why this works

When readers are faced with abstract topics—climate change, healthcare policy, AI regulation—stories give them something to hold onto. Among the best examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing, storytelling is the one that sticks in people’s memories.

To use this technique:

• Choose a story that clearly illustrates your argument.
• Keep it tight: a few vivid paragraphs, not a whole life story.
• Always tie the story back to your main point.

Rhetorical Questions, Repetition, and Rhythm

Not all examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing are about content; some are about style. The way you sound on the page can make your argument more memorable.

Rhetorical questions

Rhetorical questions are questions you don’t expect readers to answer out loud. They’re there to make people think.

For instance, in an opinion piece about student loan forgiveness, a writer might ask:

“If we can accept that 18-year-olds can sign up for tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, why is it so controversial to help them pay it back?”

The question nudges readers to examine a double standard without the writer having to spell it out.

Repetition and parallel structure

You’ll often see persuasive writers repeat key phrases or use similar sentence structures to drive a point home. For example:

“They showed up to work during the pandemic. They stocked our grocery shelves. They cared for our parents. They kept the lights on. But when it’s time to talk about living wages, suddenly we act like they’re asking for a favor.”

The repeated “They…” sentences build rhythm and emotional weight.

When you’re studying examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing, pay attention not just to what is said, but how it’s said.

Counterarguments and Rebuttals: Showing You’ve Thought It Through

One of the most persuasive moves a writer can make is to acknowledge the other side—and then explain why they still disagree.

Real example: Social media age limits

Suppose an opinion piece argues for stricter age verification on social media platforms to protect kids’ mental health. The writer might admit:

“Some parents worry that stricter age checks would invade their children’s privacy or limit their ability to connect with friends. Those concerns are real.”

Then the writer responds:

“But the data on social media and youth mental health is getting harder to ignore. Studies summarized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that heavy social media use is associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents (NIH, Social Media and Mental Health). When the cost is this high, it’s worth designing better safeguards, even if they’re inconvenient.”

Here, the writer:

• Names the opposing concern.
• Treats it respectfully.
• Uses evidence to explain why their position still stands.

This pattern shows up again and again in the best examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing, especially on complex or controversial issues.

Calls to Action: Turning Agreement Into Action

A strong opinion piece doesn’t just say, “Here’s what I think.” It often ends with, “Here’s what we should do next.” That’s where calls to action come in.

What a call to action looks like

Depending on the topic, a call to action might:

• Urge readers to contact a legislator
• Suggest changes in personal behavior
• Encourage schools or workplaces to adopt a policy
• Ask readers to donate, volunteer, or share information

Real example: School lunch reform

In an op-ed about improving school lunches, a writer might end with:

“If you’re a parent, ask your school board what’s actually being served in your cafeteria and how often menus are reviewed. If you’re a board member, commit to visiting the lunchroom yourself. Children can’t choose healthier meals if they’re never offered in the first place.”

Notice how specific those actions are. The writer is not just expressing frustration; they’re giving readers a next step.

When you look for examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing to model, pay attention to the final paragraphs. That’s often where you’ll see the clearest calls to action.

Tone, Voice, and Credibility in Modern Opinion Writing (2024–2025)

Persuasion in 2024–2025 doesn’t happen only in print newspapers; it happens on blogs, Substack newsletters, LinkedIn posts, and long Twitter/X threads. The techniques are the same, but the tone and format have shifted.

Here’s what’s trending in recent opinion writing:

• More transparency about sources. Writers link directly to studies, government pages, and expert interviews so readers can check the facts themselves.
• Personal-but-researched voice. Many opinion writers mix “I” statements with citations, blending lived experience and data.
• Attention to bias and nuance. Readers are increasingly skeptical of one-sided arguments, so acknowledging complexity can actually make you more persuasive.

You’ll see modern writers use the same classic examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing—emotion, evidence, stories, rhetorical questions—but with an added layer of openness: “Here’s where my data comes from, and here’s where I might be biased.”

Putting It All Together: A Mini Example of Persuasive Opinion Writing

To see how these techniques work together, imagine a short opinion piece arguing that cities should add more protected bike lanes.

The writer might:

• Open with a story about nearly getting hit by a car while biking with their child.
• Use emotional appeal by describing the fear in that moment.
• Bring in data from a city transportation department showing that protected bike lanes reduce injuries.
• Ask rhetorical questions like, “If we can widen roads for cars, why can’t we carve out a few feet for bikes?”
• Acknowledge counterarguments, such as concerns about parking, then explain why safety should come first.
• End with a call to action, urging readers to attend the next city council meeting or sign a petition.

This small scenario includes several of the best examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing, all working together: story, emotion, facts, structure, and a clear next step.

When you write your own opinions, you don’t need to use every technique every time. But choosing a few and using them intentionally can dramatically strengthen your impact.

FAQ: Examples of Persuasive Techniques in Opinion Writing

What are some common examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing?

Common examples include emotional appeals, personal anecdotes, statistics and research, expert quotes, rhetorical questions, repetition, addressing counterarguments, and clear calls to action. Most strong opinion pieces use a combination rather than relying on just one.

Can you give an example of using data persuasively in an opinion piece?

Yes. In an opinion article supporting school-based vaccination clinics, a writer might cite data from the CDC showing how vaccination reduces the spread of certain diseases in school settings, then argue that bringing vaccines directly to schools removes barriers for busy families. The key is pairing a clear claim with a specific, credible statistic.

How many persuasive techniques should I use in one opinion article?

There’s no fixed number, but many of the best examples of persuasive techniques in opinion writing use at least three or four: a story or emotional hook, some data or research, a nod to the opposing view, and a call to action. Too many techniques jammed together can feel forced, so focus on using a few well.

Is emotional appeal enough on its own to persuade readers?

Usually not. Emotional appeal can grab attention and build empathy, but readers today are quick to ask, “Where’s the evidence?” Combining emotion with solid facts and logical reasoning is far more persuasive than relying on feelings alone.

How can I practice these techniques in my own writing?

Pick a topic you care about—a local issue, a school policy, a workplace rule. Draft a short opinion piece and intentionally add at least one example of each: a brief story, a statistic from a credible source, a rhetorical question, and a specific call to action. Then compare your draft to published opinion pieces from major outlets and see how professional writers use similar techniques.