Author’s strategy of persuasion

Bias tactics are used by authors to persuade their audience Some persuasive strategies are called “Propaganda techniques,” which means using one or more of he following methods of persuasion, not just the facts, to convince the audience.

Peer Pressure Suggests that you will become a part of an important group if you do what the members of the group tell you to do.

Bandwagon Suggests that everyone else is involved so you should be, too. This strategy may also be called everybody likes

Repetition Drills A concept into the audience, not by explaining, but by saying the concept over again; the conclusion just restates the beginning. This strategy is also called Circular thinking

Testimonial Is the endorsement of an action or a product by a celebrity who may or may not be an expert in that field. This strategy may also be named a famous person says

An expert says Is the use of a professional in a particular field to endorse an action or product.

Transfer Is the suggestion that an action will make the audience be like someone they admire.

One-sided argument Mentions only the good side: unfavorable facts are withheld. This strategy is also called Stacking the Deck

Loaded words Are words that imply a positive or negative meaning and give rise to emotions.

Plain Folks appeal Suggests that common everyday people support an action or product.

Snob Appeal Suggest that people with money and fame support an action or product.

Broad Generalization Is the use of a broad statement without details to back up the statement. This strategy is also called glittering generality.

Fear Is the suggestion something bad will happen if the audience doesn’t do/does do a certain thing.

Romantic Appeal Suggest that an action will make the audience more attractive to a love interest.

Humor May bring a smile to the lips of the audience and provides a reason to remember a message.

New and Improved Suggests that a product is better than it once was.

The Humble Approach Suggest that a product is not the best liked, so the company works harder to please the customer.

Statistics Uses numbers to impress the audience, although numbers can misrepresent the true situation.

Concern for the Public Good Suggests that an action or a product helps people.

Youth Appeal Suggest that an action or a product is for younger people and may attract older people who want to think of themselves.

Symbols Remind the audience of an action or product and provide a short-hand way to remind the audience of the action or product.

Eye Appeal Relies upon the products appeal to any of the five senses.

Happy Family Appeal Suggest that an action or product will be good for one’s family

Name-Calling Relies upon the use of derogatory words (put-downs) to persuade the audience.