Persuasive Text and Media

1. Persuasive Text and Media January 2013

2. Back to Basics • What is persuasion? • Persuasion is the ability to convince a person or group of individuals to take upon the same thoughts or beliefs you may have. • It’s the author’s goal to persuade the reader to agree with their point-of-view, or opinion/belief.

3. Methods of persuasion • How do people/companies persuade you? • In other words, how do they get you to side with them or buy their products? • They use propaganda techniques such as: • Bandwagon Appeal • Testimonials • False Authority • (You’ve already covered this, its review from 6th grade!) • Let’s look at and discuss some video examples.

4. Methods of persuasion • People or companies use one of two ways (or both) to deliver their message; they can use explicit messages or implicit messages. • What the heck does that mean??!! • Explicit messages are messages that are specific, clear and defined. It leaves very little room for interpretation. • Implicit messages are messages that use visuals, body language, etc. to communicate meaning. The meaning must be inferred.

5. Public persuasion • Where can you see examples of persuasion? • Be sure to think outside the box! • Examples: • Commercials, newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio, flyers, internet, speeches, friends

6. Vocabulary • Rhetorical fallacy - an argument that is not sound but may still be convincing • Ad hominem - a rhetorical fallacy in which the intent is to attack the character or circumstance of the proponent of the position in order to distract from the argument. • Exaggeration - an overstatement or a representation of more than is true

7. Vocabulary • Stereotyping - a rhetorical fallacy in which one classifies a person or group according to a common aspect that is oversimplified, rigidly applied, and often uncomplimentary. • Categorical claim - a rhetorical fallacy in which a claim is based on the often faulty logic of relating two things solely because they are in the same category (e.g., Chihuahuas are good inside dogs. German Shepherds are dogs; therefore, German Shepherds would be good inside dogs too.)

8. Vocabulary • Appeal - the means of persuasion in an argument. According to Aristotle, there are three fundamental appeals to convince a person: reason (logos), ethics (ethos), and emotion (pathos). • Logical fallacy - an incorrect or problematic argument that is not based on sound reasoning (e.g., Because everything is bigger in Texas, you can expect a bigger salary in Texas.)

9. Vocabulary • Emotional fallacy - unfairly appeal to the audience's emotions • Ethical fallacy - unreasonably advance the writer's own authority or character

10. Step to analyzing Speeches • Determine the argument and the structural approach of the argument • Determine the evidence provided in support of the argument • Explain how the structural approach and evidence supports the argument