Persuasive Strategies Copyright 2006 IRANCTE All rights reserved

Persuasive Strategies Copyright 2006 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. Read. Write. Think. org materials may be reproduced for educational purposes. Images © 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Claim/Thesis State your argument. Example: I am going to try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack.

Experts/Big Names Experts? Big Names? Example: Former U. S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines. Big name or expert?

Quoting Experts • Experts are professionals who work and or study a specific topic or area of knowledge. • Often includes physicians, lawyers, professors, researchers and analysts.

Which is more convincing? Which is a testimonial? An expert opinion? Dr. Michael Loshigian, a podiatrist and foot surgeon at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, reports that “injuries every spring and summer directly (are) related to wearing (flip-flops) too much. http: //www. cbsnews. com/stories/2007/ 07/03/earlyshow/health/main 301168 3. shtml

Mr. Scott’s Opinion • “These kids have no business wearing flip flops! They are always falling off, and they’re bad for their feet. Bad, I say. You can’t tell me that there feet won’t suffer later in life from wearing those goofy things so much!” adds Larry Scott, BGJHS teacher.

Big Names • Insert celebrity Ad

Statistics Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing. Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

Emotional Appeal/Loaded Words Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument. (with the use of words that evoke strong emotional responses) Compassionate Mom’s who love their babies choose B diapers. Gentle fibers nurture baby’s skin.

Emotional Appeal/Loaded language Specific words or images intended to connect a reader’s emotional response to a persuasion topic. (sad puppy= adoption ads) Example: Your generous donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a safe home.

Repetition A repeated phrase used to create a desired effect--sometimes with the help of sound devices “You'll never put a such as alliteration or better bit of butter on your knife. " assonance. ~ Country Life Butter slogan

Research The use of scientific “study” to form facts and gather info Example: According to Dr. Spock, a representative from ABC Medical Center, A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school.

Bandwagon Strategy that insists that “everybody’s doing it”—that the audience should join the “majority” 8 out of ten college athletes depend on Z sports drink to quench their thirst during the game.

Testimonial Relies on the “story” or “experience” of an individual with whom the audience can identify. Example: It’s easy. It’s fast. It feels good! And now, thanks to my purchase, I can shake it up at home where it’s convenient

What is Propoganda? Propaganda is the use of facts, ideas, or claims to persuade people to support a particular opinion. The trick: author’s only provide facts and opinions that support their view.

What is Bias? • Bias is an unfair prejudice about someone or something. • It doesn’t allow for exceptions. Why might this be called a blanket statement?

Examples of Bias • In relationship to who is better at math and science? • Individuals that wear all black? • Others based on appearance? • Bias based on ethnicity? • Gender? • Geographic locations (like Kentuckians)

READ: “Behind the Music…” • http: //online. wsj. com/article/SB 1136857997 23842312. html

Retro ads links • http: //www. retrojunk. com/details_commercial/8365/ NBA • http: //www. retrojunk. com/details_commercial/6499/ cigarette mash • http: //www. retrojunk. com/details_commercial/6381/ swim • http: //www. retrojunk. com/details_commercial/4117/ drunk driving • http: //www. retrojunk. com/details_commercial/3429/ star wars • http: //www. retrojunk. com/details_commercial/3351/ frying pan • http: //www. retrojunk. com/content/commercial. php? view=l ist&era=1990&step=3&type=psa&sort=new&page=3 baby

• http: //www. bigscreen. com/journal. php? id=8 58

“No Adult, No Movie” Before Reading- (Discuss) • Interview the text---what do you predict this will be about? Can you predict the author’s claim or argument? • What clues do you get simply by “previewing” and “skimming” that show you that this piece is persuasive. • What do you want to know about the author?

During Reading… Think about… Do you notice any specific persuasive strategies? Does the author use facts to support his argument? Opinions? Both?

After Reading… Answer 16 -22 Then answer the following in 2 -3 sentences each. 1. Can you find 2 spots where the author uses emotional or loaded language to get your attention? 2. What emotion is he trying to evoke in you, the reader? 3. What 2 reasons are the basis for his proposal? (2 ways that the proposal would benefit everyone). 4. Did the author use mostly facts or opinions to support his claim? 5. List 2 facts from the article that the author used to support his claim. 6. Lastly, rate this article in terms of how well it uses persuasive techniques to convince you. 1 -5, 5 being the most persuasive. Justify your answer in a sentence or two.

Impromptu Propaganda Poster 25 minutes prep time REQUIREMENTS Topic: (On back before you start) Claim/argument: (on back before you start) 4 persuasive strategies (one of each pair) Expert, Big Name, `Testimonial Emotional appeal OR bandwagon Statistic OR research (may be invented today) 1 drawing that demonstrates emotional appeal

Topics Be active!- Less TV and more exercise Texting while driving Latchkey children- Why parents should take more responsibility Smoking in public places - pro or con Drop out rate raised? Now 16, may raise to 18? Coke vs. Pepsi Texting- inappropriate Rock music is better than Country & Western. Should an Extra Language be Made Mandatory in Schools Vampires are real? Not Real? Single Sex Classrooms? Teens getting jobs? One product vs. another