This document provides instructions for an in-class activity on identifying persuasive techniques used in advertising. Students are split into groups and analyze sample ads to determine which persuasive appeals - like emotional appeals - are being used. They then select a reporter to share their analysis and examples. Afterwards, students reflect individually on Moodle about one ad in terms of what it aimed to do, the effectiveness of its technique, and strengths or weaknesses. They also comment on their group work and thoughts on the assignment.

1. Bellringer
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
1. What does it mean to persuade someone?
List several methods one might employ to
persuade another. Explain how these methods
might be effective in the art of persuasion?

2. Share out
• List on board some things you all think

3. • “Persuasion
is about
convincing
the reader
or listener
to think or
act in a
certain
way.”

4. Emotional Appeals
• “Perhaps the first step to understanding persuasion is
to recognize the role it plays in our everyday lives.
Advertisers attempt to persuade consumers each day
using a variety of techniques known as emotional
appeals.”

5. • Look at the
persuasive
techniques
chart. Which
technique do
you think
each of
these ads is
using?

12. • Everyone please come up to
the front of the room with
your chart

13. • Now that you have been split into groups,
look through the ads and find the
persuasive technique that was used in the
advertising.
• You will need select a reporter to share a
couple of the ads and the group’s
identification of persuasive techniques used
in them.

14. • In moodle:
• Compose a reflection on one of the ads you
looked at, using the following prompt:
• 2. “Explain what the ad was attempting to get
the viewer to do. How effective was the
technique(s)? What was the ad’s strength or
weakness?”
• 3. How well did your group work together
and what did you think of this assignment?