Rhetorical Devices
Bandwagon
Definition: advocates the importance of
being in the “in” crowd. This is the idea that
“everybody” is doing it, and so should you!
Bandwagon Video
Glittering Generalities
Definition: emotionally-appealing words
that are meant to evoke action.
Example: using the words freedom, honor,
and democracy to appeal to your emotions
in a speech
What are the glittering generalities
in these ads?
Name-Calling
Definition: denigrating (putting down) a
particular group or individuals.
Example: Japanese-Americans were
victimized by name-calling after the Pearl
Harbor attack
Who are the videos denigrating?
Plain folks
Definition: when someone (i.e. a political
candidate) tries to seem like an everyday
person in order to make him/herself seem
more trustworthy and credible
Example: placing a candidate with her/his
family to convey she is a mother just like the
voters
What does Romney and Obama do that makes
them seem just like us?
Review- bandwagon, glittering generalities, namecalling, plain folks
Testimonials
Definition: individuals’ experiences heighten
appeal. People and/or celebrities declare
which product or candidate they support
What are the celebrities trying
to have you buy?
Transfer
Definition: defining or judging someone by
who they do or do not associate with
Example: The McCarthy trials of the 1950s
decided if people were Communists based
on who the accused associated with
What is the
transfer?
Card-stacking
Definition: making one side of an argument
look good by presenting information to
support that side, with the opposition being
buried or underrepresented
What are the two sides? Which is favored?
All students need to complete homework to be
successful. 87% of Fortune Five Hundred CEO’s
report having completed the majority of their
homework in high school. Students learn
important study skills for college through
homework. Homework can sometimes take
away from other afterschool activities like a job
or sport.