I want to talk in detail about Rhetorical Devices and Misleading Language. This to me stuck out because this is pretty much what we encounter everyday. Whether we are in our cars or at home we are being struck by media on television and radio with their use of this language and devices. The book brings up a few instances of when we might see or notice these devices at work. One of the first devices is Euphemisms, which is defined as the replacement of a term that has a negative association by a neutral or positive term. In advertisement they never use the words like "small", "old", or "adequate"to describe their product. They know there terms are off putting so they replace them with words that don't seem as bad like "compact", " Charming", or "excellent". Another devices advertisement uses is Hyperbole, which is pretty much an exaggeration. There is no need to explain this because it is easy to see how this is used (Viagra Commercials.) This is just the tip of the ice burg but these two me are the most used of all. There are also feel- good slogans, vague language, and emotive words. All of these thing are used to trying to get us to purchase an item and it words as we can see from our last trip to the mall.
Heisenberg.
Hello Heisenberg,
ReplyDeleteUsing the right rhetorical devices and language are essential in our daily life. I like how you discuss two rhetorical devices. Euphemisms are not only use in commercials but also in public speaking. I personally believe if one can use euphemisms appropriately, they must be a pretty good public speaker. When the negative phrase is being replaced by some other better words, audience will find it comfortable and not offensive. I think you use a great example to describe what hyperbole is, because Viagra commercials are definitely exaggerating functions of the pill. In conclusion, I think euphemisms and hyperbole are essential for marketing and advertisement because you do not want to offend audience nor to exaggerate the information when you are advertising the product.
Thank you!
Adrian
Hello Heisenberg!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post this week about different rhetorical devices and misleading language. As a marketing major I have to be really careful about how I combine words and create slogans or advertise a product. Mostly due to legal reasons, but also you do not want to mislead a consumer so much that they never trust your brand. Misleading language is always a part of our lives whether a social or a business setting. It is just important to remember that stretching the truth can sometimes give people the completely wrong impression in the end. Thanks for your post, it was really great!