Non-fiction techniques are techniques used by writers of expository texts (texts which are designed to inform, persuade, teach, instruct etc.) to SHAPE meaning and reader understanding.
Major things to consider
Genre
Language
Style (includes language elements as well)
Point of view
Structure
Non-fiction elements: (some of these may be included above):
Selection of detail, facts, events (selectivity as to what is included)
Sequencing of events, facts etc; ordering and chronological arrangement
Structure of information; format and presentation
Use of persona, point of view
Expanding boundaries of factual reporting (exaggeration, embellishing, expanding)
Use of anecdotes, analogies, allusions, metaphors
Descriptive language; figurative language and imagery
Choice of words and use of language (e.g. colloquialisms such as ‘dude’); connotative and emotive language
Use and creation of tone (author’s attitude to subject)
Use of dialogue
Use of humour, satire
Interpretation of events, facts; opinionative response; versions of reality
Use of facts, data, statistics, authority figures
Foregrounding; use of repetition and rephrasing
Rhetorical argument and user of rhetorical devices; questions, rhetorical questions;
Use of narrative techniques (above).
Narrative or literary elements used in fiction:
Writers of non-fiction texts may include narrative elements: