Messaging

(image: Propaganda-Messaging.png)

Messaging is the focus of propaganda, whether it is informing a broader audience by distilling the truth into expedient infographics or manipulating the facts to 'sell' the audience on a version of the truth that fits the purpose of the author.

QUESTIONS TO ADDRESS

1. Identify the message, the sender or author of the message and the recipient of the message.
2. What is the article/advertisement/editorial/infographic purpose? What do you think it wants to communicate?
3. How does it communicate this message? Pay particular attention to details: Think about the use of colour, language, space, fonts or symbols.
4. Put yourself in the shoes of the recipient. What is the target group? The message has to match with the expectations, convince the audience or at least gain its confidence.
5. What do you think are the expectations of the public that the piece of propaganda deliberately addresses and fulfils? How does it play to a confirmation bias?
6. What does this poster suggests about the audience’s beliefs and values?
7. Do you think these assumptions made about the target group are accurate?
   • If yes, the use of the map/advertisement/article will be effective and the propaganda is likely to reach its goal.
8. Consider the message, the sender or author of the message and the recipient of the message and the role the play to contribute to the formation and transmission if a propaganda message.
9. Consider the real-world headlines of a mainstream media outlet, like a national newspaper.