Transcript Propaganda Techniques

Propaganda and Persuasive
Techniques
to use and not to use
Propaganda Techniques
Used to influence people to believe,
buy, or do something.
Name-Calling
An attack on a
person instead of an
issue.
Is this a good thing
to use?
Bandwagon
Persuades the
reader to do, think,
or buy something
because it is popular
or because
“everyone” is doing
it.
How well does this
work?
Red Herring
An attempt to
distract the reader
with details not
relevant to the
argument.
Does this make you
sound like you know
what you’re talking
about?
Testimonial
Attempts to
persuade the reader
by using a famous
person to endorse a
product or idea
Got Milk?
Sweeping generalization
(stereotyping)
Makes an
oversimplified
statement about a
group based on
limited information.
Avoid words such as
always, everybody,
never, and none.
Circular Argument
States a conclusion as
part of the proof of the
argument.
This is just restating
something in other
words without offering
proof.
We need a new traffic
light at the corner
because it’s necessary.
Either-Or
Stating that there
are only two
possible alternatives
(Either I get into the
college of my
dreams, or my life is
ruined).
Really? (Try not to
use this!)
Cause and Effect
Assuming that
because event B
followed event A, A
caused B.
I flunked the test
because Joe sat
beside me instead of
in front of me.
Glittering Generality
Using words linked to
highly valued concepts.
When these words are
used, they demand
approval without
thinking, simply
because such an
important concept is
involved.
Honor, glory, love of
country, freedom,
democracy
Transfer
Linking something
we respect and
revere to something
the person wants us
to believe.
The American Flag
or even the Swastika
What to Use?
Ethos
Pathos
Logos
Defense of a Claim:
Support provided to
mark an assertion as
reasonable.