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Propaganda Techniques

The document discusses what propaganda is and defines it as a set of strategies designed for persuasion. It then outlines and describes several common types of propaganda techniques including name-calling, glittering generalities, transfer, testimonial, plain-folk, card-stacking, and bandwagon.

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angelica12almonte
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95 views10 pages

Propaganda Techniques

The document discusses what propaganda is and defines it as a set of strategies designed for persuasion. It then outlines and describes several common types of propaganda techniques including name-calling, glittering generalities, transfer, testimonial, plain-folk, card-stacking, and bandwagon.

Uploaded by

angelica12almonte
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is propaganda?

Propaganda is a set of
strategies designed for
persuasion. It can be used to
convince people to believe in
an idea, buy a product, or
support a cause. Often an
exaggeration of a stereotype or
a basic truth, propaganda
typically contains information
that has been manipulated to
influence public opinion.
The power in each of these
categories lies in their appeal to
one’s emotions over logic or
reason. Each emotion has a
strategic advantage to turn a
person’s opinion, and that
emotion can be preyed upon by
a single style of propaganda or
multiple employed in tandem.

What are common types of


propaganda?
Name-calling

The name-calling technique is


very literal. Propaganda that
utilizes this technique uses
insults to call out the perceived
deficits of the competition or
the opposing side. This name-
calling can resort to the use of
stereotypes and slurs.

Glittering generalities
Glittering generalities are
empty words or words that
make people or products sound
better than they are with
vague, often unprovable
statements. This technique is
especially used in political
campaigns when politicians are
described as “refreshing” or
“decent” — descriptors that are
complimentary, subjective, and
ultimately meaningless.
Transfer

The technique of transfer


involves transferring the
positive or negative value of
something onto a person,
product, or cause by
association. For example, a
business owner could seem
more trustworthy or
respectable because they stand
in front of an American flag in
their commercial.

Testimonial

Testimonials are the


endorsement by a celebrity or
generally respected person for
a product, person, or cause.
This technique is commonly
used as a persuasive device in
advertising — say you are
looking to find a high-quality
toothpaste, and four out of five
dentists recommend a specific
brand. You would be more
likely to spend money on that
brand because someone who
ostensibly knows more than
you about that product tells
you to use it.

Plain-folk

The technique of plain-folk


takes the concept of “real
people” and uses it as an
aspirational tool. It seeks to
convince an audience that a
certain product is perfect for
the average person, or that a
politician is a regular Joe — just
like them. Plain-folk makes
“lowest common denominator”
a compliment rather than an
insult.

Card-stacking
Card-stacking is a way of listing
all the features or aspects of a
product, person, or because
that stresses the positive
qualities while downplaying the
negative or questionable
qualities. The intention is to
give the audience only a small
part of the picture.

Bandwagon
The bandwagon technique
encourages people to join up
with others or take part in
something because everyone
else is doing it — without
critically thinking about why
they would involve themselves.
It additionally plays on our fear
of missing out on something
others are enjoying.

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