Persuasive Techniques

We will define and create examples of persuasive techniques.

Rhetorical Devices – techniques used to evoke a response from the audience Emotional (Pathos) Interest based on feelings You must make the audience feel the same way Logical (Logos) Interest based on what makes sense You must use good reasons and lots of evidence Ethical (Ethos) Interest based on what is good or right You must establish credibility with the audience

Evidence – using proof to persuade Anecdote A personal story Example: “You should buy Gears of War 2, because my mom bought it for me and ever since I got it I have had so much more fun!” Case Study Scientific research that tests a hypothesis Example: “Proactive is clinically proven to get rid of acne!”

Types of Evidence

Commonly Accepted Belief A typically valued thought or idea Example: “Don’t talk to strangers!” Citation Quoting a reference Example: “According to Mickey Mouse, Disneyland is fun.”

Types of Evidence

Expert Opinion The recommendation of a specialist Example: “Dr. Dangerous says you should take your vitamins every single day!” Fact A statement that can be proven Example: “1 in every 6 men will develop colon cancer.”

Fallacious Reasoning – an error in reasoning, where the conclusion is NOT supported Bandwagon The reasoning that “everyone is doing it!” Example: “You should smoke because we’re all doing it” Either/Or Fallacy The misconception that you’re either part of one thing or another Example: “Vote for Obama or you will not get change in this country.”

Fallacious Reasoning

Inaccurate Generalization A simplified statement that applies to a whole group of people Example: “Don’t go to RMMS because all of the students are mean.” Loaded Language Powerful words that carry deep meaning with them Example: President Bush is not a good president. That loser in the White House doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.

Fallacious Reasoning

Propaganda Information, ideas, or rumors spread to help or harm a person or group.

Example: Gay people should NOT get married because it’s nasty.

Snob Appeal Charming that is based on wanting to be the best.

Making someone feel that they should do something because they will be the best.

Example: Paris Hilton perfume.

Fallacious Reasoning

Stereotype A typically hurtful statement that applies to a whole group of people.

Example: “Don’t go to L.A. because all Los Angelinos are lazy.” Testimonial The personal story of a celebrity or person not directly related to the issue.

Example: Old Spice – LL Cool J

Which types of reasoning, evidence, or fallacy do you think is most persuasive and WHY?