PRACTICE GROUPING TASK (from 3 texts extracted from previous lessons)

Texts A, B and D are all strong inclusions in the first group of persuasive language techniques I am going to explore. Text A is packaging for ‘Matchmakers’ by Quality Street; (a popular UK chocolate brand). The overall appearance of the text that is used on the packaging is immediately eye catching, which would instantaneously make potential buyers more persuaded to pick up the product than if the typography (and packaging) was not audacious or colourful. The linguistics used in this text includes informal adjectives to describe the product such as; “YUMMY” and “DELICIOUS” rather than the possible alternative of simply describing the product for what it is; [Honey comb flavour chocolate]. The use of these adjectives clearly accommodates to the consumers for this product which could possibly be anyone who is younger or perhaps has younger children as all the language included are commonly used adjectives and are easily readable. This is also shown in its mention of social networking opportunities for the audience to ‘Like on Facebook’, which is socially deemed as a younger and more modern thing to do. Additionally, the persistent use of capitalising the most ‘important’ persuasive language, allows the target buyers to be subconsciously persuaded to believe that the product is indefinitely all of the adjectives mentioned above. Both the language and the typography where it is used easily persuades the audience to buy the product because it is bold, informal and perceives itself as an “approachable and friendly” product for a large audience by using a certain type of tonal language choice over the entirety of the packaging. Text B is another packaging for a food brand ‘Jaffa Cakes’ by Mcvitie’s. This packaging uses a similar technique to Text A, in terms of bold typography and informal adjectives such as; “CRACKELY CHOCOLATE” and “THE SMASHING ORANGEY BIT” to perceive itself as a friendly and approachable product and to persuade the consumers to want to buy it for these mentioned traits. However, B uses a significantly less daring technique in the way it uses font. But this may be because the use of the word “ORIGINAL” persuades the audience to buy the product because it is a ‘classical’ and ‘original’ product in itself and a product that everyone knows about already. It may also be because the brand may be accommodating to a wider audience than text A. Therefore the typography needn’t be too brash or too big. As well as Text A, Text B includes a social networking option but instead uses a more communal phrase; “Join us at fb/jaffacakes.”  This may persuade the audience to actually ‘join them’ on a network because of its social and communal meaning which allows for the target audience to then again be wider by accommodating to more individuals, all of which have different interests. My last Text, Text D is a transcript (of a speech), which seemingly took place inside of a local newsagents between two people; the customer and the employee. In terms of persuasive language, person B (the employee) has to be able to persuade person A (the customer) to want to return and buy more produce. This is clearly shown throughout the transcript as person B is persistently friendly and uses persistent informal language to attempt to form a type of ‘acquaintance bond’ between both of them. It is especially noticeable when B says’ “I’m not getting much right today [laughs]” as this is of a significantly more relaxed tone than there would be if there was only silence or a demand from ether person. Additionally, person B is mostly using self-deprecating language to subconsciously make the person A feel more superior which could possible persuade him to return as they may feel like they’re getting good customer service as person B wants to meet their every need.