1. Propaganda Techniques
English 9 Honors

2. What is propaganda?
Propaganda is an expression of opinion or action by individuals or groups, deliberately designed to influence opinions or actions of other individuals or groups with reference to predetermined ends
Wait, that is kind of confusing there must be an easier way to get it . . .

3. Great, but what does that mean?
Basically, if you and I have an opinion and express it with intent to influence some individual or group, then we are propagandists.
It’s convincing large numbers of people to believe or act a certain way.

4. History of Propaganda
Propaganda has been occurring for thousands of years . . .
Religion: The word first appeared in 1622 while influencing the masses on religious beliefs.
Propaganda and war: Governments use propaganda to persuade their people of the justness of their cause as well as hide the failures of the front line.
Nazi propaganda: In 1933, Hitler realized the potential of propaganda and appointed Joseph Goebbels as Minister for Propaganda.

5. Propaganda Today
Today, propaganda continues to be used in large quantities in the modern world
We see it used by:
Governments all over the world
Politicians, home and abroad
Advertisers, from little items like gum, to huge items like cars

6. Propaganda Devices Name-calling Glittering Generalities Transfer
Testimonial
Plain Folks
Card Stacking
Band Wagon

7. Name-Calling Device
Giving “bad names” to individuals, groups, nations, races, policies, practices, beliefs and ideals
Name-calling tries to make us form a judgment without examining the evidence
Appeals to hate and fear

8. Glittering Generalities Device
Use of “virtue” words
Uses words that appeal to our emotions of love, generosity and brotherhood
Words like: truth, freedom, honor, liberty, social justice, public service, loyalty, progress, democracy

9. Transfer Device
The propagandist carries over the authority or prestige of something or someone we respect to have us accept something
The idea that good feelings, looks or ideas are transferred to the person for whom the product is intended
Often times, strong symbols are used to stir our emotions

10. Testimonial Device
Uses prominent people with the expectation that the crowd will follow the leader
We consider someone else to be an expert and are influenced by their decision

11. Plain Folks Device “Just plain folks among the neighbors”
Used to win our confidence by having the “elite” (politicians, etc.) appearing to be common people, just like us.

12. Card Stacking Device Only part of the truth is told
Propagandist uses over-emphasis and under- emphasis to dodge issues and evade facts

13. Band Wagon Device
“Everybody’s doing it; come along and follow the great majority, for it can’t be wrong!”
Used to make us follow the crowd
To accept the propagandist’s work in mass

14. For review, the 7 techniques used:
Name-calling Device
Glittering Generalities Device
Transfer Device
Testimonial Device
Plain Folks Device
Card Stacking Device
Band Wagon Device

15. Is all propaganda bad? What do you think? It depends, right?
It is important to be aware of techniques used, so you know if you are being influenced blindly

16. Let’s test your knowledge now . . .
The following slides contain propaganda techniques in full effect.
Some are harmless, like buying a certain cell phone network
Some, though, contain more powerful or hateful messages
As the image appears, I want you to try to figure out what device is being used (it can be more than one)

17. Lucky Jeans What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
“Everybody”
Plain Folks?
Band Wagon?

18. German Propaganda Poster
What is the message here?
What symbols are being used?
What types of propaganda are being used?
Working man
Plain Folks?

19. Burger King What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
So, if I eat here, it’s like grilling at home . . .
Or, maybe it’s just a transfer propaganda technique

20. Lose Weight & Inches What propaganda techniques are being used here?
How?
Well, if the doctor says so!
Wait, what about that fine print?
Card Stacking?

21. American Propaganda Poster
What is the message here?
What types of propaganda are being used?
This World War Two propaganda poster urges Americans on the home front to carpool as a way to fight Nazism by making more fuel available to the troops.
Name Calling!

22. Ford Fusion What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
SAFETY!
FAST!
Must be Glittering Generalities!

23. Political Cartoon What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
Wow! Vermin, huh?
Pretty tough names!
Name Calling!

24. Skechers Shoes What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
Who is that?
She wears Skechers, they must be cool!
Testimonial!

25. Politicians What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
Just like everybody else?
Plain Folks?

26. US Propaganda Poster What is the message here?
What symbols are being used?
What types of propaganda are being used?
Lady Liberty
The children of America
Transfer

27. Verizon Wireless What propaganda techniques are being used here? How?
So everyone is “in”?
Well, I don’t want to be “out”!
Band Wagon!

28. Superman What propaganda device is being used? How?
Standing in front of the flag?
Transfer?

29. What propaganda device is being used? How?
“Best Choice”?
Glittering Generalities?

30. Icy Hot Patch What propaganda device is being used? How?
“When the heat is on, the pain is gone!”
Shaq must know!
Testimonial?

31. Nazi Propaganda Poster
What is the message here?
What images are being used?
A strong, loving family
An eagle protecting them
Plain Folks or Transfer

32. Testimonial American Express
What propaganda techniques are being used here?
How?
Tiger Woods has a lot of money . . .
he must know how to spend it well!
Athletes are popular candidates for testimonial.
Tiger Woods is on of the top testimonial figures in sports
And he uses American Express
Testimonial!