Overview/Purpose:
Students build on their understanding of documentaries by focusing specifically on the persuasive techniques that are used in this genre.
Guiding Questions:
- How is persuasion used in documentaries?
- What makes a documentary compelling?
Recommended Time:
90 minutes
Common Core State Standards:
Materials:
Technology Required:
Internet access
Lesson Design:
In small groups, students watch the same films as they did in the prior lesson, though this time with a much more specific focus on the techniques used to persuade the audience.
As they view the films, students ask themselves:
As they view the films, students ask themselves:
1. Where do I see examples of persuasion?
2. How is sound used as a persuasive technique?
- Students track responses to these questions.
- The class reconvenes to discuss and chart responses.
- Some things worth noting:
1. Persuasion can be visually created through: - – Powerful images – video, photographs, artwork
- – Expressions on people’s faces
- – Use of color vs. black and white
- – Use of celebrities
- – Use of regular people
- – Clear calls to action
2. Persuasion can be created through sound via:
- – Play on words
- – Repetition
- – Humor
- – Imperative commands
- – Music to create tone
- – Lyrics that add to meaning and/or tone
- – Tone of actor/narrator’s voices
- – Silence
Rock Your World is a program of Creative Visions
Rock Your World is a Program of Creative Visions, a 501(c) (3) organization that supports creative activists - individuals who use the power of media and arts to create positive change in the world.
