Plain Folks
Definition:
Attempting to gain credibility
by presenting an argument with the suggestion that the speaker
is just like you and understands your life and needs.
Examples:
A politician wears a suit when
he addresses bankers and an open-collared shirt and rolled-up
sleeves when he addresses
farmers.
The speaker said, “Hey, I know how tough
it is to …”
A commercial shows an aloof lawyer
babbling in legalese in the background while the front
man explains that, in
contrast,
he’ll speak to you in plain language and will
work for your needs alone.
The actress Sally Fields says
that she, just like you, leads a very busy life,
so she’s
glad she only has to take her Boniva pill once a month.
-
How do politicians and movie
stars insult us when they use this technique?
-
If it is
true that this technique can be insulting, then why does
it continue to be used?
-
Which of the four examples above
will impress or sway people’s
minds if they aren’t specifically watching out
for such influence?
-
Do adults ever use the “I’m
just like you and therefore I understand” technique
on teens? Give examples. Is it effective?
-
You are running
for president of your class. What examples of this technique
might you use in your speeches?
Download
a PDF file of the student handout, Plain Folks. |
