Persuasive elements

VOCABULARY & TECHNIQUES

Persuasive elements

Vocabulary for Persuasion

FactA statement which can be proven to be true.

My friend has 6 fingers on her left hand! That picture was painted by Picasso Our group will stop in Denver for the night. The score of the game was 63 to 41.


OpinionSomething that you believe or prefer. Not

based on facts.

Diet Coke is the best pop. Her house is really beautiful. He is the nicest boy in this class. The Chiefs are better than the Vikings


BiasTo show prejudice for or against – to favor or

dislike.

His brother was a mess, so I’m sure he’s just as horrible!

My daughter is the best singer and should have the lead part in the musical.


Propaganda Spreading of ideas or rumors to help or

injure a cause. One-sided communication to influence people’s thinking.

Vote for Mr. Chavez! He always protects the working people and will fight for you!

Vote against Mr. Chavez! He has already increased taxes and hurt middle class Americans.


StereotypeA very simple opinion of an entire group of

people. (Judging a person solely based on race, gender, profession, amount of money etc..)

Kindergarten teachers are…. People from Switzerland …. Presidents always…. All Chinese people…

Techniques of Persuasion

BandwagonA technique that encourages you to do what

everyone else is doing – follow the crowd. This technique makes use of ones desire to be part of the crowd.

ALL kids are wearing Lucky jeans. Everybody’s going to the game Friday night. Nobody likes having a curfew.


Citing statistics: Using statistics to prove a point or sell a

product.

97% of Dentists recommend this toothpaste Using Red Bull increases your energy by 93%. 94% of readers agree; Snuggies are the best!


TestimonialsFamous people, or someone you respect

or like, claims that something is good or advertises or promotes a product or idea, even though they are not experts.

A professional football player claims a particular deodorant is the best.

A famous actress claims she uses a particular hair color brand.


Glittering GeneralitiesUses words that have favorable meanings (or

fancy-sounding/scientific words) to make a product sound better than it is or an idea sound like a fact when it isn’t. A movie is called the “number one movie in America.” Snack food is described as “wholesome and nutritious.” A face cream states that it can “erase years” from your

face. “Many people believe…” (How many people? Who are

these people?)


Emotional AppealWords or images that appeal to the audience's

emotions are used such as fear, anger, joy, desire for success, etc.

What would you do if all your possessions were lost in a fire? Get the Save-All Fireproof-Safe and protect your valuables.

Buying a Smith Brand Smoke Detector could save your life.

Maxes Money-Making Secrets can make you rich.

Example #1

Example #2

Example #3

Example #4

Example #5

Example #6

Example #7

Example #8

Answers!!!

#1 – Bandwagon (All REAL men buy Macs, so should you!) #2 - Glittering generalities – “undeniably satisfying!” What will

be so satisfying…never explained!!) #3 - Emotional Appeal – scaring you into NOT using meth. #4 - Testimonial - Weight Watchers worked for Jennifer Hudson,

it will work for you too! #5 - Citing Statistics – 100% of user reduced gingivitis! #6 - Glittering generalities – “The advantage is undeniable” The

“advantage” is never explained. #7 – emotional appeal – “When you buy an animal you actual kill

an animal”…you don’t’ want to kill a helpless animal – do you?!?!? #8 – bandwagon – 99 billion people eat McDonalds, so should you!

Persuasive elements

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