Why Is a Persuasive Essay Typically Written in Third Person? And Its Associated Views

In the realm of writing, the persuasive essay stands out as a unique form, aiming to influence the reader’s perspective and persuade them to adopt a particular viewpoint or engage in a specific action. One of the most significant choices in writing such an essay is the point of view from which it is told — often, the third person is the preferred choice for this genre.

1. Objectivity and Distance

The third person perspective allows for a greater sense of objectivity. It provides a distance between the writer and the subject, ensuring that the writer doesn’t inject their personal biases or opinions directly. This neutrality is crucial in a persuasive essay as it enhances the reader’s trust in the content and makes them more receptive to the writer’s arguments.

2. Improved Engagement

Using the third person allows the writer to present facts and examples more effectively. The third person perspective is more versatile, enabling the author to smoothly transition between different perspectives — personal, societal, historical, etc. This fluidity helps in painting a broader picture, engaging the reader more deeply and effectively.

3. Universal Application

The third person perspective has a universal appeal that makes it easier to connect with a wide range of readers. Whether it’s about a societal issue or a personal experience, using the third person helps create a universal language that resonates with readers beyond their individual backgrounds or perspectives.

4. Stronger Narration

Third person writing offers stronger narrative capabilities. It allows for detailed storytelling without getting bogged down in personal pronouns or subjective viewpoints. This is crucial in a persuasive essay as it helps build a strong argumentative structure that is supported by compelling narratives.

5. Enhanced Authority

By using the third person perspective, the writer can present their arguments with greater authority. The distance created by this perspective gives the impression of expertise, making the writer’s opinions and arguments appear more credible and reliable.

In conclusion, the choice of using the third person perspective in a persuasive essay is not just a stylistic choice but one that is deeply connected to the effectiveness of communication and influence. It allows for objectivity, engagement, universal appeal, strong narratives, and enhanced authority — all essential elements in persuading readers to adopt new viewpoints or engage in specific actions.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it necessary to write a persuasive essay in the third person? A: No, it is not necessary to write a persuasive essay in the third person. However, it is often preferred because of its ability to create distance between writer and subject, ensuring objectivity and enhancing reader trust.

Q: Can a persuasive essay be written in the first person? A: Yes, a persuasive essay can also be written in the first person. The first person perspective allows for personal anecdotes and experiences to be shared, which can be powerful tools in persuasion.

Q: What are some of the benefits of writing a persuasive essay in the third person? A: Some of the benefits of writing a persuasive essay in the third person include objectivity, engagement, universal appeal, strong narratives, and enhanced authority. The third person perspective also helps build trust with readers and enhances their willingness to be influenced by the content.