For example: writers can re-position themselves in a number of ways, such as through the use of personal anecdotes or statistics.

When a person constructs a piece to be read (or otherwise experienced), they are set in a position in comparison to the reader. For example, the average reader would view a writer from The Age as above themselves in terms of knowledge on the issue. This position obviously depends on the writer, reader, style, tone and a number of other factors surrounding the piece.

This position can then be altered by the writer – effectively re-positioning them against the reader. This can be used to persuade a reader through positioning the writer as an expert on the issue (and therefore someone reputable enough to listen to) or in bringing them down to the same level of the reader, making their writing appear more accessible or casual.

Techniques that may raise the position of the writer against the reader include:

• statistics (and other forms of evidence)
• personal anecdotes
• signposting or a logical structure

Techniques that may lower the position of the writer against the reader include:

• humour
• colloquial language
• inclusive language