Everyday Persuasion

Whether we recognize it or not, persuasion is everywhere.  From the time we wake up in the morning until we lay our heads at night, we are constantly trying to be persuaded.  Companies advertise their product through television and radio and try to convince the public that their product is better than the rest.  A prime example that pops into my head when thinking of persuasion through advertisement are the car dealership commercials on the radio.  In particular, this one dealership that advertises on the rock radio station near my hometown.  This Kia dealerships spokesman has a very loud, memorable voice that no one can forget, plus the commercial replays multiple times an hour.  Every time you mention the name "Tom Ring" in the Easton area people automatically know who you are talking about.  They intentionally make these advertisements loud and annoying so everyone remembers who the company is and their purpose for the commercial.  The target audience for this type of commercial would be radio listeners who jam out to rock and roll.  So typically, a majority of listeners would be middle aged people tuning  into the radio at work or during their commute.  Coincidentally this same type of middle aged audience would be the ones purchasing the cars for "Tom Ring".  I also find it interesting how television commercials persuade different types of people depending on what show they are watching.  It's funny how during Monday Night Football you watch an assortment of grilling and beer drinking commercials. This catches the men's attention in between witnessing Michael Vick throw a touchdown pass for my Philadelphia Eagles.  Companies advertise "manly" commercials during the game for a reason, trying to persuade the audience watching that they really want or even need the product.  My favorite time to watch commercials of this kind is during the Superbowl.  These companies are willing to pay millions of dollars for thirty seconds of air time because they understand how many potential customers are watching, which in turn, makes them more money.  But persuasion through television isn't just for the men.  Shows that women usually are interested in have commercials catching their attention too.  While watching "The Bachelor" airing Monday's at eight, the television station ABC plays a majority of jewelry and make up commercials for the women watching the show.  ABC know exactly who the target audience is and uses that to their advantage.  But persuasion doesn't just have to come from commercials.  During the half time show of the Giants Vs. Cowboys game, they added a short segment of the Democratic National Convention.  For a portion of this segment, they showed a short, interview styled clip of former president Bill Clinton (one of my most respected  presidents).  The whole interview was based on praising current President and 2012 Democratic candidate Barack Obama.  I personally enjoyed the clip but it got me thinking...The democrats are some smart people.  They realize how many generalized people are watching this first game of the season the same night as the convention, so they took advantage of it.  Using an American icon and former president to attempt persuading the viewers to vote Obama, smart move.  And on that note, one must understand that persuasion is in our everyday lives.  We just have to open our eyes and recognize it!!