How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Propaganda

Techniques > Propaganda

Propaganda is an evocative word that brings to mind images of dictatorships and wartime misinformation. Although not as widespread as conspiracy theorists might have us believe, it is still in use daily in virtually every country.

• Propaganda Articles
  • What is Propaganda?: Basic definition of propaganda.
  • A Brief History: From Pope Gregory XV onwards.
  • Military, Media and Education: The dictator's three friends.
  • Modern Propaganda: Totalitarian omnipresence of persuasive messages.
  • The Herman-Chomsky Propaganda Model: Filters that shape the news.

• Propaganda Techniques
  • Astroturfing: Creating illusion of grass roots activity.
  • Bandwagon: Pump up the value of 'joining the party'.
  • The Big Lie: So large it must be true.
  • Card-stacking: Build a highly-biased case for your position.
  • Character Assassination: Destroy the person.
  • Glittering Generalities: Use power words to evoke emotions.
  • Information Management: Knowledge is power.
  • Milieu Control: Controlling communication.
  • Name-calling: Denigrating opponents.
  • Plain Folks: Making the leader seem ordinary increases trust and credibility.
  • Slogans: impactful catchphrases.
  • Sockpuppeting: Using faked, non-existent people to support a cause.
  • Stereotyping: Classify the other side negatively.
  • Testimonial: The testimony of an independent person is seen as more trustworthy.
  • Transfer: Associate the leader with trusted others.
  • Six Tools for Managing Perception: Toffler's methods.
  • Four Methods used in Fake News: Simple approaches that have big effect.
• Other methods:
  • Denialism: Choosing to avoid the truth.

See also

Conversion techniques

Propaganda links