Honors English 2 Propaganda and Rhetoric Techniques

propaganda

information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view

card stacking

only including facts that will support an argument, candidate, or product

glittering generality

the use of positive language to associate positivity to a good person/idea

name-calling

association of a person/idea with a negative symbol/word (rejecting things based on the negative connotation)

bandwagoning

if everyone believes/does it, so should you!

transfer

projecting ideas onto a person or idea through symbols or pictures (based on association)

testimonial

using a famous/authoritative figure to promote a product or idea; vouches for its value

plain folks

empathizing with the average person to gain trust and comfort in oneself

fear

warns audience of disaster should they not follow a particular course of action (includes a threat + specific recommendation to prevent said threat)

rhetoric

the use of specific words to achieve a desired effect; split into logos, pathos, and ethos

logos

appeal to the mind through logic/reason

allusion

referencing someone/something from history, art/literature, pop-culture, religion, etc.; referencing something of familiarity

analogy

comparison showing similarities between opposing facts or ideas (often exaggerated)

statistics

scientifically proven statements (statistics, numerical information, data, etc.)

pathos

appeals through and to emotions

anecdote

short story used as an example to illustrate a point, attaching a moral or message at the end

loaded words

words with extremely positive or negative connotation

personal experience

personal example to illustrate your main point

repetition

repetition for emphasis

parallelism/parallel structure

repetition of similar grammatical structures, creating balance, rhythm, and clarity.

anaphora

repetition of words/phrases at the beginning of successive clauses

ethos

appeals to morals to gain trust and confidence in a person

call to action

invites the audience to take action; mentally, physically, emotionally

expert opinions

statements made by a recognized authority on a subject

quotations

using someone else’s words or statements as evidence to prove an argument

rebutting a counterargument

refuting a counterargument made by someone with the opposite point of view on a subject

comparison/contrast

illustrates similarities or differences between two things

rhetorical question

a question asked for impact, not for an answer