Argument, Persuasion,Persuasive Techniques, and Rhetorical FallaciesAs we navigate through this PowerPoint, you will be expected to take notes in c-notes format. You must write down the word, definition, and examples on each slide.

Part 1: Argument

•Definition: A claim supported by reasons and evidence.

•Claim- a writer’s position on a problem or an issue.

•Support- reasons and evidence that are used to prove the claim

Part 2: Persuasive Techniques

•Bandwagon Appeal

•Testimonial

•Appeal to Pity, Fear, and Vanity

•Loaded Language

•Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Bandwagon Appeal•Definition: Suggests that a person should believe or do something because “everyone else” does it.

•Example: “See the movie that everyone is talking about!”

Bandwagon Appeal Example:

Testimonial•Definition: Relies on endorsements from well known people or satisfied customers

•Example: “As an Olympic athlete, I need a lot of energy. That’s why I drink Quench-Aide.”

Testimonial Example:

Appeal to Pity, Fear, or Vanity•Definition: Uses strong feelings rather than facts to persuade.

•Example: “Won’t you give this abandoned puppy a home?”

Appeal to Pity, Fear, or Vanity Example:

Loaded Language•Definition: Uses words with strongly positive or negative connotations

•Example: “Start your day with Morning Glory’s refreshing all-natural juice.”

Loaded Language Example:

Ethos, Pathos, Logos• Ethos (the Greek word for “character”;

credibility)- trustworthiness of the speaker or author

• Pathos:(Greek for “emotional”)- Convincing the reader by appealing to their emotions

• Logos: (Greek for “word”)- The effective presentation of the argument itself. Is the thesis or claim worthwhile? Is it logical, consistent and well supported by evidence? Is the evidence itself factual, reliable and convincing? Is the argument thoughtfully organized and clearly presented so as to affect the audience?

Rhetorical Fallacies

•Definition: False or misleading statements used by writers or speakers to persuade their audience to agree with them

•Examples: Ad Hominem and Stereotyping

Ad Hominem

•Definition: Attempts to discredit an idea by attacking the person’s character rather than his or her argument

•Example: “My opponent cannot be trusted: elect him and city violence will surely increase.

Stereotyping

•Definition: Makes a broad statement about people on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, race, or political, social, professional, or religious group

•Example: “All musicians think the same way”