Persuasive and Propaganda Techniques

1. Persuasive and Propaganda Techniques September 21st

2. What is propaganda? • The process of spreading ideas, information, or rumor to help or hurt a known cause, political system, or view • Ideas, facts, or allegations spread to further one’s ideas, one’s cause, or to damage an opposing cause • Used in commercials, advertisements, political campaigns, news programs, etc. • These messages have been carefully designed to influence our opinions, emotions, attitudes and behavior

3. What is persuasion? • Basically, uses the same methods as propaganda • Often used in letters, editorials, articles, and newspapers to influence the outcome of a situation or to sway someone to think as the writer does • Most successful when used with good solid facts to support the argument • It is always helpful to anticipate what questions will be asked or what opinions will be voiced that are different than yours

4. The Techniques • Name Calling • Glittering Generalities • Bandwagon • Plain-Folks Talk • Flag-Waving • Testimonial • Scare Tactics • Prizes or Reward • Repetition

5. Name Calling • Names, words, or tone of voice used to create a positive or negative feeling about a person or item without evidence.

6. Glittering Generalities • Fantastic promises that sound too good to be true.

7. Bandwagon • Urges others to do what everyone else is doing.

8. Plain-Folks Talk • The product is good for “ordinary people” who are “just like you.”

9. Flag Waving • Shows support for a specific city, state, country, school, or team.

10. Testimonial • Using the endorsement of a famous person within the community.

11. Scare Tactics • Uses language or pictures to frighten the viewer into purchasing a product.

12. Prizes or Reward • Something is being given away or can be won.

13. Repetition • A word, phrase, brand name, or phone number is repeated (at least 3 times) so that it is remembered by viewers.