Classic propaganda techniques

7 techniques6 annotated in the archive

The seven techniques named by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1937.

Bandwagon Urging the audience to adopt a belief or a product because everyone else already has, so that the fear of being left out replaces a judgment of the thing itself. 9 in the archive
Card stacking Presenting only the facts, figures, and quotations that favor one side, and leaving out everything that doesn't, so that a true selection produces a false impression. 7 in the archive
Glittering generalities Attaching an idea to words that sound like values, such as freedom, progress, or family, so that the audience approves of it without asking what it actually proposes. 8 in the archive
Name-calling Attaching a hostile label to a person, group, or idea so that the audience rejects it without examining the evidence. 6 in the archive
Plain folks Presenting a speaker or a product as ordinary, humble, and "of the people," so that the audience trusts it as one of their own rather than judging it on its merits. 6 in the archive
Testimonial Having a respected or admired person endorse an idea, product, or candidate, so that the audience's regard for the person stands in for a judgment of the thing endorsed.
Transfer Carrying the authority, prestige, or emotional charge of one thing over to another by placing them together, so that a flag, a cross, or a uniform lends its standing to a product or a policy. 14 in the archive