MANIPULATORS Source: Alexandra Filcakova, IntercultuReality: TOOLS, METHODS and TIPS for tolerance and media literacy
encourage them to combine different techniques which they know from TV advertisements. 3. If the group is less experienced or there is not enough time, it’s possible to make a theatrical performance instead of doing a real video.
Time: 2-3h 4. They have 45minutes to make videos. Aim: -to introduce persuasive and manipulative techniques which are used in media - increase media critical thinking and recognition of techniques - improve competences in use of video and creating video spots Material: video camera or mobile phone with video camera, paper, pencils, pens, colours, PC and projector - selection of 15-20 printed techniques, shortly described (links on list of techniques are at the end of activity) Instructions: 1. Introduce that the topic of this session will be manipulative and persuasive techniques. If necessary, clarify the terms. Ask participants which techniques they know, and give some examples. 2. Divide participants into small groups (5-6 participants per group). All the groups have the same task, to create a TV advertisement or a political campaign promoting a person, idea or product using as many manipulative techniques as possible. Everything is allowed, participants can use everything they know from TV. They can take it seriously but also with humor. The important is to convince other groups. 3. For making the video they can use mobile phones and to avoid editing they should make one-shot movie. The advertisement can also be short,
Presentation of videos: Before you start the presentation of the videos, present to the participants shortly the most usual persuasive and manipulative techniques (max 1520). During presentation give concrete examples of use of techniques (from publicity, politic campaigns) and encourage participants to tell their examples. Participants will present their TV spots. Every video is followed by a small discussion facilitated by trainer/facilitator. Which techniques did you recognize? Did you recognize other techniques we didn’t mention? Debriefing: Have you seen these techniques being used in media? In which media products? Do you think that these techniques have influence over audience? Do they have influence on you? Do you know other techniques which haven’t been mentioned? How can we protect ourselves from these techniques?
