Persuasive Devices and Logical Fallacies

Standard 5: LogicCLE 3001.5.5SPI 3001.5.5 – 1.5.11Select/Identify/Analyze persuasive devices and logical fallacies used in written and oral communication.

Persuasive Devices

Techniques used to influence opinions, emotions, attitudes or behavior.

The purpose is to benefit the speaker, writer, or sponsor.

It appeals to the emotions not the intellect.

It can be negative or positive.The purpose is to persuade.

Persuasive TechniquesRhetorical QuestionBandwagonLoaded WordsTestimonialPlain FolksSnob AppealMisuse of StatisticsName-Calling

Rhetorical QuestionsA question posed for its

persuasive effect.◦Not supposed to be

answered.◦Ex: ◦ "Aren't you glad you use Dial?

Don't you wish everybody did?"

Bandwagon Persuasive technique that invites you to

join the crowd with the argument that everyone else is doing it.◦Everybody’s doing it!◦If many people believe it, it must be so.

Everyone in Auburn is supporting Bob Riley. Shouldn’t you be part of the winning team?

Loaded Words Using language with emotional

connotations to further an argument.Descriptive words used to elicit strong

feelings.Examples

◦House – shack◦Job – chore◦Dog – mutt◦Perfume - odor

TestimonialStatement endorsing an idea/product by a prominent

person – celebrity, politician, radio personality, etc.Product does not have to be related to “star’s” field.Commonly uses musical artists, sports giants,

actors/actresses

Plain FolksThe speaker of an argument presents

himself as an ‘average Joe.’◦Consider Sarah Palin in the recent presidential

campaign.

Calling herself "an average hockey mom," Palin joked, "You know what they say the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick!

Snob AppealAssociating a

product or decision with the idea that it will raise us above the common folks.

Misuse of StatisticsUsing statistics to change your audiences

in opinions in your favor. ExampleChildren with bigger feet spell better.This was the result of a survey about measuring factors

affecting the spelling ability of children. When the final analysis came about, it was noted that children with bigger feet possessed superior spelling skills! Upon further analysis you will find that older children had bigger feet and quite certainly, older children would normally possess better spellings than their younger counterparts!

Name - CallingThe use of language

to demean or degrade the other side of the argument.

Used a lot by politicians or towards politicians.

My opponent is a flip-flop man who cannot make up his mind. He changes mind with the breeze! How could anyone follow such a weak-willed flip-flopper?

Logical Fallacies

Personal AttackAn argument which

states that a person is wrong based on their characteristics.

Examples◦"You're new here,

aren't you?“◦"I used to think that

way when I was your age."

False AnalogyFinding

similarity where none exists

Example:◦Chilies are spicy◦Chilies are red.◦Red things are

spicy.• Democrats choose Nancy

Pelosi.• Gas prices are up 39%.• Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats

are responsible for the gas prices.

False DilemmaWhen only two

choices are given.Example:

◦America, love it or leave it.

You do not always have to love America to live here.

Appeal to FearPersuasion through fear or forceExamples

1. "You know, Professor Smith, I really need to get an A in this class. I'd like to stop by during your office hours later to discuss my grade. I'll be in your building anyways, visiting my father. He's your dean, by the way. I'll see you later."

2. You must believe that God exists. After all, if you do not accept the existence of God, then you will face the horrors of hell."