Persuasive Techniques Flashcards
Symbols
Symbols – words, places, images, songs, etc. that represent something else.
Ex. A white dove traditionally symbolizes peace.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole – another word for an extreme exaggeration.
Ex. Our hot dogs are the tastiest in the world.
Fear
Fear – sometimes, media makes us afraid that if we don’t pay attention, something bad could happen.
Ex. Buy this alarm, or your car will be stolen!
Humor
Humor – making someone laugh is a particularly effective persuasive technique.
Ex. Funny dogs in a commercial to advertise dog food.
The Big Lie
The Big Lie – sometimes, media doesn’t tell the truth.
Ex. Sugar-Crunch Cereal offers a nutritional way to start your day.
Testimonials
Testimonials – using famous people to sell products and ideas.
Ex. A hockey star uses a certain stick, so I should too.
Repetition
Repetition – constant bombardment of an idea or product.
Ex. Having a commercial play in heavy rotation.
Name Calling
Name Calling – making fun of others to sell something.
Ex. The new kid is strange because he doesn’t eat a certain kind of candy bar.
Flattery
Flattery – complimenting someone to force them to pay attention.
Ex. The cool and smart kids eat that kind of candy bar.
Bribery
Bribery – offering something we want.
Ex. Buy one, get one free!
Bandwagon
Bandwagon – this technique implies that everyone else is involved, so why not you?
Ex. All the cool kids wear this brand of jeans. Shouldn’t you?
Warm and Fuzzy
Warm and Fuzzy – cute images to help sell a product.
Ex. Those cute cats love that fabric softener, so I will too.
Beautiful People
Beautiful People – good looking models make us believe we can look like them.
Ex. I’ll look just like her if I wear that brand of lip gloss.
Plain Folks
Plain folks – people just like us use the product.
Ex. That guy looks just like me, so I should use his product.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific Evidence – stats and charts that persuade us that something is worthwhile.
Ex. Nine of ten teachers surveyed that children should get at least eight hours of sleep a night if they are going to do well in school.
