Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies of Coca Cola Christmas Advertisement


cokelore_santa_left.jpg

Here is an advertisement by Coca Cola that is using many different rhetorical devices we have talked about in class.  The rhetorical device ethos, that attempts to gain credibility to the audience, is evident here in that Santa Claus is the one drinking the Coke.  This gains credibility because people Santa Claus is known as a very positive figure in our society, and by having such an idolized figure drink a Coke, people will think that it is worthy for them to drink as well. 

The rhetorical strategy known as pathos is also evident in the advertisement in that people have a strong emotional connection with not only Santa Claus, but also, Christmas as well.  Therefore, by pairing their product with such a positive emotional connection, the advertisers are appealing to important feelings in their intended audience.

The another rhetorical device known as logos is not as evident here, but I believe another, Kairos certainly is.  Considering that it is August it is actually not a relevant rhetorical strategy right now, but come December it certainly will be.  This of course being because December is the month of Christmas and this as will be relevant on a larger rhetorical context.  People will be in the Christmas spirit and will be much more inclined to buy products that they associate with Christmas time.  Therefore, by Coke taking advantage of the Holiday spirit, I feel they will likely increase their sales.

Overall I believe this to be an effective ad using multiple rhetorical devices we've discussed in class.  By appealing strongly to the audiences emotions, and gaining credibility for consumption of the product, especially during Christmas time, I feel that Coke has created a very successful advertisement.  
  

Friday, August 26, 2011

Facebook Advertisements


I see all kinds of rhetorical devices used on the internet, radio, television, billboards, and newspapers everyday.  To me, the most interesting and effective form of advertising is on Facebook.  This is because of the fact that when Facebook asks for the list of your interests they actually turn the information over to different companies so that they can market their product specifically to those who claim to be interested in it on Facebook.  This is most relevant for me in terms of music.  Under the information section of my profile I have listed countless numbers of bands and musicians I like, therefore, I get various advertisements on the side of my facebook page of different albums and EPs that are soon to be released that appeal to my music taste.  I personally believe this to be the most effective advertising yet because it allows the companies to market their products specifically to individuals that they know would appeal to them.  No longer to that they have to blindly market their products to entire demographics with absolutely no data to indicate whether or not the people are interested in their product in the first place.  Some people believe it to be wrong for Facebook to turn this information over to companies, but I actually enjoyed being marketed for products that actually interest me rather than just being randomly marketed by irrelevant products all the time.

Media

I see all kinds of rhetorical devices used on the internet, radio, television, billboards, and newspapers everyday.  To me, the most interesting and effective form of advertising is on Facebook.  This is because of the fact that when Facebook asks for the list of your interests they actually turn the information over to different companies so that they can market their product specifically to those who claim to be interested in it on Facebook.  This is most relevant for me in terms of music.  Under the information section of my profile I have listed countless numbers of bands and musicians I like, therefore, I get various advertisements on the side of my facebook page of different albums and EPs that are soon to be released that appeal to my music taste.  I personally believe this to be the most effective advertising yet because it allows the companies to market their products specifically to individuals that they know would appeal to them.  No longer to that they have to blindly market their products to entire demographics with absolutely no data to indicate whether or not the people are interested in their product in the first place.  Some people believe it to be wrong for Facebook to turn this information over to companies, but I actually enjoyed being marketed for products that actually interest me rather than just being randomly marketed by irrelevant products all the time.