Propaganda techniques

Propagandists use a variety of propaganda techniques to influence opinions and to avoid the truth. Often these techniques rely on some element of censorship or manipulation, either omitting significant information or distorting it.

Rhetorical Techniques
During the period between World Wars I and II, the now-defunct Institute for Propaganda Analysis (IPA) developed a list of common rhetorical techniques used for propaganda purposes. Their list included the following:


 * doublespeak
 * fear
 * glittering generalities
 * name-calling

Other Techniques / Terms

 * ad hominem
 * apologise
 * astroturf
 * bad science
 * bait and switch
 * big lie
 * buzz
 * buzzwords
 * comic books
 * concision
 * controlling the message
 * demonizing the opposition
 * disinformation
 * divide and conquer
 * echo chamber
 * front group
 * greenwashing
 * guerrilla marketing
 * junk science
 * misinformation
 * photographic manipulation
 * policy laundering
 * politics of personal destruction
 * Political Code Words
 * product placement
 * providing pictures
 * Public Service Announcments
 * push poll
 * quoting out of context
 * release of forged documents
 * repetition
 * straw man
 * swiftboating
 * using celebrities
 * talking points
 * vagueness
 * video news releases
 * viral marketing (word of mouth)

Recommended Books

 * Anthony R. Pratkanis and Elliot Aronson, Age of Propaganda: The Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion, Owl Books, March 2001. ISBN 0805074031 ISBN 978-0805074031

SourceWatch Resources

 * Propaganda
 * Covert propaganda