From our class independent reading immersion and close study of chosen Advertisements we've created this noticings chart of the advertisements genre.
Advertisements Noticings Chart by Cathy Rode and class
For our class anchor noticing chart we compiled the following noticings for propaganda and persuasive techniques:
12 Propaganda or Persuasive Techniques
Technique |
Definition |
Example |
Name Calling –
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Using negative words, usually in politics, to turn you against a competing person without giving evidence or facts
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“My opponent didn’t tell you the truth!”
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Plain Folks Appeal –
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Trying to show that a person or product is good for “ordinary” people, because a person is “just like you” and understands you
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An ordinary looking family sits together at a table to eat a certain brand of macaroni. OR Politicians show pictures of themselves playing with a dog or with their children, wearing casual clothing. |
Glittering Generality –
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Telling only positive things about something or someone, without giving evidence or facts
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Bandwagon –
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Convincing us to accept someone or something because of its popularity |
Commercials that show everybody’s got one, or everyone’s doing it! |
Testimonial –
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Using a famous person to try to make you buy or support something or someone
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Tiger Woods wears Nike clothing, and if you want to be like him, then you should, too! OR A famous actor is voting for a candidate, so you should, too. |
Hidden Fears –
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Suggesting that a person or product will protect you against something unpleasant or dangerous |
If you don’t want “ring around the collar,” use a particular detergent. OR This person will protect America against terrorism. |
Snob Appeal –
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Suggesting that association with a person or product can make you special |
The people who drive this kind of car wear fancy clothes, live in mansions, or go to great places. OR
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Facts and Figures –
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Using tests, statistics or information that sounds “scientific” to prove that one product or person is better than another |
“Four out of five dentists recommend this toothpaste.” OR “73% of Americans believe this candidate will do a better job – can they all be wrong?” |
Unfinished Comparisons –
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Comparing a product or person to another, without providing the other half of the comparison. |
“This soap cleans better!” – better than what? OR “This politician works harder for America.” – harder than whom? |
Repetition –
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Repeating a name, slogan or product over and over in the same advertisement |
“Buy it for less at Jamisons” repeated at least four times in the same advertisement OR “He says he didn’t know” repeated over and over about a politician in the same advertisement. |
Weasel Words, or Empty Phrases –
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Using broad promises or phrases that don’t really mean anything |
“With this diet, you can loose up to 100 pounds.” OR “Vote for this politician. He’s a real American!” |
The following is a chart that I sent home with students to fill out for homework during the unit:
Propaganda or Persuasive Techniques
Noticing Chart
Name:
Date & Time Seen |
Format of Advertisement |
Name of Product |
Description of Advertisement or Commercial (3-5 sentences) |
Propaganda or Persuasive Technique Used |
Explanation of why you think this technique was used |
Date:
Time: |
m Print (newspaper or Magazine) m Television or movie m Internet
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m Print (newspaper or Magazine) m Television or movie m Internet
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Date:
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m Print (newspaper or Magazine) m Television or movie m Internet
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