Persuasive TechniquesWe will define and create examples of persuasive techniques.

Rhetorical Devices – techniques used to evoke

a response from the audienceEmotional (Pathos)

Interest based on feelingsYou must make the audience feel the same way

Logical (Logos)Interest based on what makes senseYou must use good reasons and lots of evidence

Ethical (Ethos)Interest based on what is good or rightYou must establish credibility with the audience

Evidence – using proof to persuade

AnecdoteA personal story

Example: “You should buy Gears of War 2, because my mom bought it for me and ever since I got it I have had so much more fun!”

Case StudyScientific research that tests a hypothesis

Example: “Proactive is clinically proven to get rid of acne!”

Types of Evidence

Commonly Accepted BeliefA typically valued thought or idea

Example: “Don’t talk to strangers!”

CitationQuoting a reference

Example: “According to Mickey Mouse, Disneyland is fun.”

Types of Evidence

Expert OpinionThe recommendation of a specialist

Example: “Dr. Dangerous says you should take your vitamins every single day!”

FactA statement that can be proven

Example: “1 in every 6 men will develop colon cancer.”

Fallacious Reasoning – an error in reasoning, where

the conclusion is NOT supportedBandwagon

The reasoning that “everyone is doing it!”Example: “You should smoke because we’re all doing it”

Either/Or FallacyThe misconception that you’re either part of one thing or another

Example: “Vote for Obama or you will not get change in this country.”

Fallacious Reasoning

Inaccurate GeneralizationA simplified statement that applies to a whole group of people

Example: “Don’t go to RMMS because all of the students are mean.”

Loaded LanguagePowerful words that carry deep meaning with them

Example: President Bush is not a good president. That loser in the White House doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.

Fallacious Reasoning

PropagandaInformation, ideas, or rumors spread to help or harm a person or group.

Example: Gay people should NOT get married because it’s nasty.

Snob AppealCharming that is based on wanting to be the best.

Making someone feel that they should do something because they will be the best.

Example: Paris Hilton perfume.

Fallacious Reasoning

StereotypeA typically hurtful statement that applies to a whole group of people.

Example: “Don’t go to L.A. because all Los Angelinos are lazy.”

TestimonialThe personal story of a celebrity or person not directly related to the issue.

Example: Old Spice – LL Cool J

Which types of reasoning, evidence, or fallacy do you

think is most persuasive and WHY?