Ink & Insight: Quick Lessons for Writers

Did you know?

The seven propaganda techniques identified in 1938 are still used today in advertising, politics, and even social media. 

Can you spot which one shows up most often in your everyday scrolling?

1. Name Calling

What it is: Using negative labels to discredit a person, group, or idea.

How it was used: It creates fear or dislike without evidence

.Example: “That policy is dangerous socialism.”

2. Glittering Generalities

What it is: Using vague, positive words that sound good but mean little.

How it was used: It appeals to emotion instead of facts.

Example: “Support freedom, justice, and the future.”

3. Transfer

What it is: Linking a product, idea, or cause to something respected.

How it was used: It borrows credibility or emotion from symbols.

Example: A politician speaking in front of a national flag to gain trust.

4. Testimonial

What it is: Using a famous person to support a claim.

How it was used: It relies on authority or popularity instead of expertise.

Example: A celebrity saying, “I use this product every day.”

5. Plain Folks

What it is: Presenting someone as “just like you.”

How it was used: It builds trust through relatability.

Example: A billionaire eating fast food in an ad to seem ordinary.

6. Card Stacking

What it is: Only showing information that supports one side.

How it was used: It hides or twists facts to persuade.

Example: A campaign ad listing only achievements and ignoring failures.

7. Bandwagon

What it is: Encouraging people to follow what “everyone else is doing.

How it was used: It pressures people through popularity.

Example: “Millions have already joined, don't be left out.”

Writing Prompt

Choose one propaganda technique from above and write a short excerpt. Where a character, narrator, or speaker uses it intentionally or unknowingly.

Try this angle:

• Who is speaking?

• What are they trying to convince people of?

• What emotion are they targeting (fear, pride, belonging, trust)?

• What makes the message persuasive or manipulative?