Persuasion and Rhetoric Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts in persuasion, argument structures, audience types, and propaganda techniques.

What is a fact?

A statement that can be proven true or false.

What are the building blocks of a strong argument?

Fact, evidence, argument.

What characterizes a favorable audience?

The majority agrees with your thesis.

How should you address a neutral audience?

Provide clear, easy-to-understand facts to persuade.

What is the challenge with an apathetic audience?

They have no opinion, making persuasion difficult.

How to approach a hostile audience?

Start with ethos to lower their defenses and use logic to prove reliability.

Name one type of propaganda.

Bandwagon.

What is loaded language?

Words with strong emotional connotations.

What is testimonial propaganda?

Using famous people or experts to endorse a product.

What does transfer propaganda do?

Associates positive qualities of one thing with another product.

What is repetition in propaganda?

Repeating information to keep it in the audience's mind.

What is name-calling in propaganda?

Attaching negative or positive labels to provoke a response.

What does 'plain folk' propaganda suggest?

The speaker or product is just like the audience.

What is a red herring?

Introducing a distracting issue to divert attention from the main point.

What is circular reasoning?

An argument that supports itself by restating its conclusion.

What is ethos?

An appeal to the speaker's character and authority.

What is pathos?

An appeal to the audience's emotions.

What is logos?

An appeal to logic and factual reasoning.

What is one tip for using ethos effectively?

Cite reliable sources.

What is another tip for using ethos?

Highlight your expertise.

Give a third tip for using ethos.

Show respect.

What is one tip for using pathos effectively?

Link to relatable stories.

What is a second tip for using pathos effectively?

Use powerful imagery or metaphors.

Define argument in the context of persuasion.

A claim supported by evidence and reasoning intended to persuade others.

What is evidence?

The body of facts, data, or information that supports a belief as true or valid.

What is the definition of persuasion?

The process of reinforcing or changing people's beliefs or actions.

What do advertisers appeal to according to Maslow's Hierarchy?

They appeal to the needs identified in Maslow's Hierarchy.

What are the stages of Maslow's Hierarchy?

Physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, self-actualization.

What are physiological needs?

Basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.

What are safety needs?

Personal security, employment, resources, health, and property.

What is love and belonging?

Needs for friendship, intimacy, family, and a sense of connection.

What is esteem in Maslow's Hierarchy?

Respect, self-esteem, status, recognition, strength, and freedom.

What is self-actualization?

The desire to become the most that one can be.

What is propaganda?

An appeal to emotion used for the purpose of influencing opinions of an audience.

What is the relation of propaganda to Maslow's Hierarchy?

Propaganda explains how advertisers appeal to the needs in Maslow's Hierarchy.