1. Propaganda Techniques

2. What are Propaganda Techniques?
They are the methods and approaches used to spread ideas that further a cause - a political, commercial, religious, or civil cause.

3. Why are they used?
To manipulate the reader’s or viewer’s reason and emotions; to persuade you to believe in something or someone, buy an item, or vote a certain way.

4. What are the most commonly used propaganda techniques?
Assertion
Bandwagon
Card Stacking
Glittering Generalities
Lesser of Two Evils
Name Calling
Pinpointing the Enemy
Plain Folks
Simplification (Stereotyping)
Testimonials
Transfer

5. Assertion
Assertion is commonly used in advertising and modern propaganda.
an enthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true
any time advertisers state that their product is the best without providing valid evidence for this, they are using an assertion.
Assertions, although usually simple to spot, are often dangerous forms of propaganda because they often include falsehoods or lies.
Advertisers often imply that the statement requires no explanation or back up, but that it should merely be accepted without question. Examples of assertion, although somewhat scarce in wartime propaganda, can be found often in modern advertising propaganda.
The subject, ideally, should simply agree to the statement without searching for additional information or reasoning.

6. Assertion
Trident is the number #1 chewing gum brand in the world and continues to grow in all of its major markets. As the world’s first sugar free chewing gum, Trident is backed by a strong dental heritage that has been reinforced over the years with the message “4 out of 5 Dentists surveyed would recommend sugarless gum to their patients who chew gum".

8. Assertion of a religion of running—transcending
The reader is subordinate to the runner

9. Resume
Your advertisement—of you
Making assertions about who you are and what you can do

11. Bandwagon
Bandwagon is one of the most common techniques in both wartime and peacetime and plays an important part in modern advertising.
the bandwagon approach encourages you to think that because everyone else is doing something, you should do it too, or you'll be left out
the technique embodies a keeping up with the Jones’ philosophy.
Propagandists use this technique to persuade the audience to follow the crowd. This device creates the impression of widespread support. It reinforces the human desire to be on the winning side. It also plays on feelings of loneliness and isolation. Propagandists use this technique to convince people not already on the bandwagon to join in a mass movement while simultaneously reassuring that those on or partially on should stay aboard. Bandwagon propaganda has taken on a new twist. Propagandists are now trying to convince the target audience that if they don't join in they will be left out. The implication is that if you don't jump on the bandwagon the parade will pass you by. While this is contrary to the other method, it has the same effect: getting the audience to join in with the crowd. The Institute of Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following questions when confronted with this technique. What is the propagandist's program?  What is the evidence for and against the program? Even though others are supporting it, why should I? As with most propaganda techniques, getting more information is the best defense.  When confronted with Bandwagon propaganda, consider the pros and cons before joining in.

13. 1942

14. Card Stacking
Keep in mind that an advertiser is under no obligation "to give the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Card stacking is used in almost all forms of propaganda, and is extremely effective in convincing the public.
Propagandist uses this technique to make the best case possible for his side and the worst for the opposing viewpoint by carefully using only those facts that support his or her side of the argument while attempting to lead the audience into accepting the facts as a conclusion. In other words, the propagandist stacks the cards against the truth. Card stacking is the most difficult technique to detect because it does not provide all of the information necessary for the audience to make an informed decision. The audience must decide what is missing. The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following question when confronted with this technique: Are facts being distorted or omitted? What other arguments exist to support these assertions? As with any other propaganda technique, the best defense against Card Stacking is to get as much information that is possible before making a decision.

15. Card Stacking
Although the majority of information presented by the card stacking approach is true, it is dangerous because it omits important information. The best way to deal with card stacking is to get more information.

19. Glittering Generalities
Glittering generalities occurs very often in politics and political propaganda.
Glittering generalities are words that have different positive meaning for individual subjects, but are linked to highly valued concepts. When these words are used, they demand approval without thinking, simply because such an important concept is involved
. For example, when a person is asked to do something in "defense of democracy" he is more likely to agree. The concept of democracy has a positive connotation to him because it is linked to a concept that he values. Words often used as glittering generalities are honor, glory, love of country, and especially in the United States, freedom. When coming across with glittering generalities, we should especially consider the merits of the idea itself when separated from specific words.

20. Glittering Generalities
This technique uses important-sounding glad words that have little or no real meaning. These words are used in general statements that cannot be proved or disproved.
Words like "good," "honest," "fair," and "best" are examples of "glad" words.
Propagandists employ vague, sweeping statements (often slogans or simple catchphrases) using language associated with values and beliefs deeply held by the audience without providing supporting information or reason. They appeal to such notions as honor, glory, love of country, desire for peace, freedom, and family values. The words and phrases are vague and suggest different things to different people but the implication is always favorable. It cannot be proved true or false because it really says little or nothing at all. The Institute of Propaganda Analysis suggests a number of questions we should ask ourselves if we are confronted with this technique: What do the slogans or phrases really mean? Is there a legitimate connection between the idea being discussed and the true meaning of the slogan or phrase being used? What are the merits of the idea itself if it is separated from the slogans or phrases?

23. “Pure, fresh, mountain spring water
“Pure, fresh, mountain spring water. Bottled especially for you in Utah from only our purest mountain springs.”

24. Lesser of Two Evils
This technique is often implemented during wartime to convince people of the need for sacrifices or to justify difficult decisions.
The "lesser of two evils" technique tries to convince us of an idea or proposal by presenting it as the least offensive option.
This technique is often accompanied by adding blame on an enemy country or political group. One idea or proposal is often depicted as one of the only options or paths. When confronted with this technique, the subject should consider the value of any proposal independently of those it is being compared with.

28. Name Calling Often seen in editorial cartoons and writing
This techniques consists of attaching a negative label to a person or a thing
People engage in this type of behavior when they are trying to avoid supporting their own opinion with facts. Rather than explain what they believe in, they prefer to try to tear their opponent down.
Propagandists use this technique to create fear and arouse prejudice by using negative words (bad names) to create an unfavorable opinion or hatred against a group, beliefs, ideas or institutions they would have us denounce. This method calls for a conclusion without examining the evidence. Name Calling is used as a substitute for arguing the merits of an idea, belief, or proposal. It is often employed using sarcasm and ridicule in political cartoons and writing. When confronted with this technique the Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following questions: What does the name mean? Is there a real connection between the idea and the name being used? What are the merits of the idea if I leave the name out of consideration? When examining this technique try to separate your feelings about the name and the actual idea or proposal (Propaganda Critic: Common Techniques 1).

30. Political ad campaigns
Liberal
Conservative
Tea Party

31. Pinpointing the Enemy
Pinpointing the enemy is used extremely often during wartime, and also in political campaigns and debates. This is an attempt to simplify a complex situation by presenting one
Although there may be other factors involved the subject is urged to simply view the situation in terms of clear-cut right and wrong. When coming in contact with this technique, the subject should attempt to consider all other factors tied into the situation. As with almost all propaganda techniques, the subject should attempt to find more information on the topic. An informed person is much less susceptible to this sort of propaganda.

34. Simplification (Stereotyping)
Simplification reduces a complex situation to a clear-cut choice involving good and evil. This technique is often useful in swaying uneducated audiences.
When faced with simplification, it is often useful to examine other factors and pieces of the proposal or idea, and, as with all other forms of propaganda, it is essential to get more information.

39. Euthanasia?

40. Plain Folks
This technique is usually most effective when used with glittering generalities, in an attempt to convince the public that the propagandist views about highly valued ideas are similar to their own and therefore more valid.
This technique uses a folksy approach to convince us to support someone or something. These ads depict people with ordinary looks doing ordinary activities.
Propagandists use this approach to convince the audience that the spokesperson is from humble origins, someone they can trust and who has their interests at heart. Propagandists have the speaker use ordinary language and mannerisms to reach the audience and identify with their point of view. The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following questions before deciding on any issue when confronted with this technique. Is the person credible and trustworthy when they are removed from the situation being discussed? Is the person trying to cover up anything? What are the facts of the situation? When confronted with this type of propaganda consider the ideas and proposals separately from the personality of the presenter.

41. Plain Folks
The plain folks device is an attempt by the propagandist to convince the public that his views reflect those of the common person and that they are also working for the benefit of the common person
The propagandist will often attempt to use the accent of a specific audience as well as using specific idioms or jokes
The propagandist, especially during speeches, may attempt to increase the illusion through imperfect pronunciation, stuttering, and a more limited vocabulary. Errors such as these help add to the impression of sincerity and spontaneity

44. Testimonial
Testimonials are often used in advertising and political campaigns.
Testimonials are quotations or endorsements, in or out of context, which attempt to connect a famous or respectable person with a product or item.
Propagandists use this technique to associate a respected person or someone with experience to endorse a product or cause by giving it their stamp of approval hoping that the intended audience will follow their example. The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves the following question when confronted with this technique. Who is quoted in the testimonial?  Why should we regard this person as an expert or trust their testimony? Is there merit to the idea or product without the testimony? You can guard yourself against this technique by demonstrating that the person giving the testimonial is not a recognized authority, prove they have an agenda or vested interest, or show there is disagreement by other experts.

45. Testimonials
When coming across testimonials, the consider the merits of the item or proposal independently of the person of organization giving the testimonial.
Testimonials are very closely connected to the transfer technique, in that an attempt is made to connect an agreeable person to another item.

48. Transfer
Transfer is often used in politics and during wartime. It is an attempt to make the subject view a certain item in the same way as he views another item, to link the two in the subjects mind.
In this technique, an attempt is made to transfer the prestige of a positive symbol or the fear/disgust of a negative symbol to a person or an idea.
For example, using the American flag as a backdrop for a political event makes the implication that the event is patriotic in the best interest of the U.S.
Transfer is a technique used to carry over the authority and approval of something we respect and revere to something the propagandist would have us accept. Propagandists often employ symbols (e.g., waving the flag) to stir our emotions and win our approval. The Institute for Propaganda Analysis suggests we ask ourselves these questions when confronted with this technique. What is the speaker trying to pitch? What is the meaning of the thing the propagandist is trying to impart? Is there a legitimate connection between the suggestion made by the propagandist and the person or product? Is there merit in the proposal by itself? When confronted with this technique, question the merits of the idea or proposal independently of the convictions about other persons, ideas, or proposals.

53. Assertion and transfer