Propaganda Techniques What techniques are used to persuade

Propaganda Techniques What techniques are used to persuade you?

What is propaganda? Use of carefully used words and/or pictures in order to influence opinions, emotions, attitudes and behavior.

Choices Bandwagon Like peer pressure Argument: “Everyone is doing it, so you should too. ” Crest toothpaste: “Four out of five dentists prefer Crest. ” What is “jump on the bandwagon” and where did it come from?

Name calling Often occurs in politics and wartime. Attaches a negative word or feeling to an idea, product or person. Often found in political cartoons

Glittering generalities Emotionally appealing. Associated with highly-valued concepts and beliefs Honor Glory love of country Freedom Peace Name calling in reverse

Testimonial When an important person or figure endorses a product or an idea. “If THIS important person believe this is a good idea, it must be. ”

Plain folk Use of ordinary people to gain confidence and trust. Just like the common person May use improper grammar or regional slang.

Transfer Uses symbols that pack a strong punch for their message. People Often either widely respect or despise used in politics and wartime American Swastika Flag

Faulty reasoning Factual supporting details are used, but do not support the conclusion. Irrelevant information (red-herring) Circular reasoning Either-or

Fear Use of emotional response to threats and danger to promote a product or agenda. During WWII Anti-vaccine campaign

repetition If you say it over and over again, people will believe it.

Otherness “Not everyone is doing this, but you are special, so you should. ” Promotes an elite mentality –feel you are the exception if you use/buy it.

Mass marketing to a subculture Targets a smaller group of people within the main culture. Makes the subculture more mainstream Example: Harley Davidson clothing and accessories

Collective memories Moments/events shared by large numbers of people because of a common experience Coca Cola uses this technique in many of their ads . Christmas Family Fun

Humanizing technology Simplifies or personifies products that are technical in nature. No longer use “scientific” mumbo jumbo to convince people but regular language.

Strong women Uses images of athletic females representing both beauty and power. Nike uses women athletes.