A Topic of Authority

The decision to add an authoritative figure to the beginning of our video was based on the idea that the average Joe is more likely to listen to an important message from a higher authority level. This idea plays on the Pathos element of rhetoric and the set-up of introducing the video as a ‘Broadcast Message’ from the Department Of Health is a form of pre-persuasion to make the video seem important and a must-watch. Also, another reason we chose to make the video from the DoH was the credibility of source; referenced from Pratkanis’ 107 social influence tactics. Using a High Status voice of the video should generate views and potential action from the audience. However, authority isn’t always listened to as Police and Armed Forces are seen as authoritative figures; but there are some people that will not work along-side them, or listen to them. This could be a problem with our authority idea.