J. Barr American Lit. 10/23/2012 Persuasive Techniques in The West Wing As you the video clip, follow along with the script and match the techniques he describes with his dialogue. After the clip, you will identify these techniques in our readings. Background: Toby is a speech writer for the president. He has come to a meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to represent the White House, and he finds many protesters outside. The protesters feel that the WTO is unfair and only benefits rich people and those in power. Toby believes that the WTO will benefit everyone in the long run, and he explains to the police officer not only his argument, but the persuasive techniques he uses to support his argument. A transcript is provided below: Toby: It’s activist vacation, is what it is. Spring break for anarchist wanna-bes. The black the gas masks as fashion accessories . . . Police officer: These kids today, with the hair and the clothes . . . Toby: Alright, that’s it, flatfoot. Police Officer: I got great feet. Toby: What are the benefits of free trade? Food is cheaper. Police Officer: Yes. Toby: Food is cheaper. Clothes are cheaper, is cheaper, cars are cheaper, phone service is cheaper. You feel me building a rhythm here? That’s because I’m a speech writer; I know how to make a point. Police Officer: Toby . . . Toby: It lowers prices, it raises income. You see what I did with and there? “lowers” “raises” It’s called the science of listener attention. We did repetition, we did floating opposites, and now you end with the one that’s not like the others, ready? Free trade stops wars. And that’s it. Free trade stops wars! And we figure out a way to fix the rest. world, one peace.” I’m “One sure you’ve seen that on a sign somewhere.
J. Barr American Lit. 10/23/2012 Persuasive Techniques in The West Wing As you the video clip, follow along with the script and match the techniques he describes with his dialogue. After the clip, you will identify these techniques in our readings. Background: Toby is a speech writer for the president. He has come to a meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to represent the White House, and he finds many protesters outside. The protesters feel that the WTO is unfair and only benefits rich people and those in power. Toby believes that the WTO will benefit everyone in the long run, and he explains to the police officer not only his argument, but the persuasive techniques he uses to support his argument. A transcript is provided below: Toby: It’s activist vacation, is what it is. Spring break for anarchist wanna-bes. The black the gas masks as fashion accessories . . . Police officer: These kids today, with the hair and the clothes . . . Toby: Alright, that’s it, flatfoot. Police Officer: I got great feet. Toby: What are the benefits of free trade? Food is cheaper. Police Officer: Yes. Toby: Food is cheaper. Clothes are cheaper, is cheaper, cars are cheaper, phone service is cheaper. You feel me building a rhythm here? That’s because I’m a speech writer; I know how to make a point. Police Officer: Toby . . . Toby: It lowers prices, it raises income. You see what I did with “lowers” and “raises” there? It’s called the science of listener attention. We did repetition, we did floating opposites, and now you end with the one that’s not like the others, ready? Free trade stops wars. And that’s it. Free trade stops wars! And we figure out a way to fix the rest. “One world, one peace.” I’m sure you’ve seen that on a sign somewhere.