Part of Lesson Plan: Propaganda and Persuasion or influencing friends and convincing strangers

Activity Overview / Details

Write the word Persuasion on the board and ask if they know what the word means.

Write any answer on the board and then write definition, “Persuasion: to cause someone to do something by means of argument, reasoning or entreaty (plea), to convince, make someone believe.”

Give them scenario: It's Monday and because you came home late on Saturday, you have been grounded for two weeks . The next weekend your best friend is having their 18 ^th birthday party.

Ask how would students persuade parents to allow them to go?

List “techniques” students say on board: these may include but not exclusive to lying (I’m going to her/his house to study), feeling left out/isolated (I’ll be the only one NOT going), bribery (I’ll wash the car, dog, etc) guilt, flattery.

Handout "Persuasive Techniques" discuss with students. 

Now write Propaganda on board –ask students to define. If no student can define, write definition.

“The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person”