Abstract
This article describes how a critique of Susan Powter's "Stop the Insanity!" info-mercial provides educators with an effective, class-tested, and fun assignment to be included in the persuasion section of a basic communication course. This assignment provides students with an excellent example of a message from popular discourse that follows Monroe's Motivated Sequence. It also facilitates discussion of several key issues related to persuasion in general. Additionally, because this activity uses a popular discourse text, students enhance their critical thinking skills and become more critical consumers of messages they receive through popular discourse.
Recommended Citation
Heaton, Daniel W.
(1997)
"The Em-Powter-ing of America: Using Info-mercials to Teach Persuasion and Popular Discourse in the Basic Communication Course,"
Basic Communication Course Annual: Vol. 9, Article 10.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/bcca/vol9/iss1/10
Included in
Higher Education Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Other Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons