This document outlines common persuasive and propaganda techniques used to influence audiences. Some key techniques mentioned include appealing to emotions, bandwagon appeals that encourage conformity, false dilemmas known as either-or fallacies, testimonials from satisfied customers, appealing to authority figures, using loaded or emotive language, and name-calling of opposing views. Propaganda often relies on slogans, celebrity endorsements, and associating products or ideas with positive attributes or images.

1. Persuasive/Propaganda Techniques
•“Plain Folks” appeal- candidate/product is for
regular people, on public’s side, they
understand you
•Ex.- photos of president in jeans
-Bandwagon appeal- taps into desire to be part
of a group, everyone is doing a certain thing
•Ex. – fashion trend, games,
electronics

3. - Either-Or Fallacy-idea there are only 2 choices, 1 good
and one bad, with no third option
• Ex: “If you care about your kids, you’ll
give them this cereal”
- Glittering Generalities- Statement sounds good, but
doesn’t give a concrete argument
• Ex: Candidate promising to
improve conditions for Americans

4. • Beautiful People- endorsements from
celebrities, linking a product to
someone famous
• Testimonial- praise by satisfied customers
Ex.- Jenny Craig, Proactiv, exercise equipment, weight-loss
commercials
(both use transfer-connects product, candidate, idea, cause with
positive image, idea

5. - Appeal to authority-where you use statistics, get endorsements from
doctors, professionals, etc)
• Ex.-9 out of 10 dentists recommend

6. -Appeal to emotion -uses strong feelings rather than facts to
persuade, often relies on loaded language
•Ex.-teen driver commercials,
humane society ads
-Loaded Language- uses words with positive or negative
connotations to stir people’s emotions
•Ex.- pure, foul, organic, artificial,
all-natural, unclean

7. Name-Calling- Giving a negative, slanted view of the
opposite side and trying to associate them with things
people fear or dislike
•Ex. Negative political ads
Slogan- short catchy phrase used
over and over

8. WWI
Recruiting Poster

11. Analyze Civil Defense Videos for Techniques
• Duck and Cover
• Survival Under Atomic Attack