(And when you want something from your parents!) Rhetorical Fallacies A rhetorical fallacy is an argument that is not sound (true, reliable, legitimate) but may still be convincing. Rhetorical fallacies are used to sway someone’s opinions, like in debates, commercials, speeches, and ads. (And when you want something from your parents!)

Only a few Texans own guns, so it won’t be a big deal to outlaw them. exaggeration the actual truth is simplified OR multiplied to the extent that it is no longer valid Only a few Texans own guns, so it won’t be a big deal to outlaw them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Htbo1yW6qeU

incorrect factual claims an outright lie presented as fact The only way to earn millions a year is to attend Waxahachie State College!

red herring an argument that distracts the audience from the original topic of discussion We cannot cut taxes. We should be spending our time focusing on animal abuse and how to prevent it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YOh-rpvjYg

false authority using a biased, suspicious, or incredible source to defend a conclusion Trust me, your friend Cletus! You definitely need an OIxoco brand artifical heart!

emotional appeal drawing on a person’s emotions to convince them to support your position Thanks to President Connor, millions of Iraqi soldiers are buying guns with your hard-earned money! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gspElv1yvc

ad hominem an attack on the person making the claim, thus making the claim invalid/false We cannot trust what this man says. He was convicted of lying under oath last year!

97% of Americans now own microwaves. Get yours now! bandwagon the belief that something should be done because the majority of people do it 97% of Americans now own microwaves. Get yours now!

stereotyping placing a common group trait onto specific individuals in that group If you’re a redhead, you sunburn easily! Buy Sunbaby sunblock today!

I’m Chuck Norris, and I support Congressman Jones. testimonial A testimonial is an endorsement, where someone famous sells an idea or product I’m Chuck Norris, and I support Congressman Jones. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDO9hP-xKL8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZddRRUEUck

Marlboro cigarettes cause cancer less often than other brands. appeal to authority a person judged to be an authority says something is true, so it must be true Marlboro cigarettes cause cancer less often than other brands.

false need Every girl NEEDS Louis Vuitton handbags and heels! convincing the audience that they must have or must believe something Every girl NEEDS Louis Vuitton handbags and heels!

the use of words that have positive or negative connotations loaded terms the use of words that have positive or negative connotations Forcing fast food down your kid’s throat is murder! You should treat your angels to organic food.

asserting a series of improbable cause/effect relationships slippery slope asserting a series of improbable cause/effect relationships If you hang out with older kids, you will pick up bad habits. You will begin smoking cigarettes. You will develop lung cancer and die at a young age. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7udQSHWpL88

false assumption creating an invalid “if…then” connection If you vote for John Marten, then you will enjoy a life of wealth!

preying upon the audience’s fears scare tactic preying upon the audience’s fears If you vote for pro-gun legislation, you’ll be shot by a stranger in the street! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odz-AcEqGW0