What is an example of emotional appeal? Emotional appeal, also known as pathos, is a persuasive technique that aims to evoke emotions in an audience to influence their attitudes or behaviors. It is a common strategy used in advertising, marketing, and public speaking to create a strong emotional connection with the listeners or viewers. In this article, we will explore a real-life example of emotional appeal and understand how it can be effectively utilized to convey a message.
Emotional appeal is often employed to create empathy, compassion, or even fear in the audience. One of the most powerful examples of emotional appeal can be found in the “Like a Girl” campaign by Always, a feminine hygiene brand. The campaign aimed to challenge the negative stereotypes associated with the phrase “like a girl” and promote confidence among young girls and women.
In the advertisement, young girls were asked to perform various physical activities such as running, playing sports, and fighting, while being filmed. When asked to run “like a girl,” the girls hesitated, performed the activities poorly, and expressed discomfort. However, when asked to do the same activities without the label, they performed with confidence and enthusiasm. The emotional impact of this ad was profound, as it highlighted the negative connotations attached to the phrase and encouraged viewers to support girls and women in pursuing their passions without limitations.
The “Like a Girl” campaign effectively used emotional appeal by tapping into the audience’s empathy and compassion. By showcasing the girls’ struggles and their subsequent transformation into confident individuals, the campaign created a strong emotional connection with viewers. This emotional bond encouraged people to take action, such as supporting girls in sports or speaking up against gender stereotypes.
Another example of emotional appeal can be found in the “Dove Real Beauty” campaign, which focuses on promoting body positivity and self-acceptance. The campaign showcases women of various ages, shapes, and sizes, challenging the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media. One of the most memorable ads features a group of women of different ages and body types standing side by side, smiling and confident. The ad concludes with the tagline, “You’re more beautiful than you think,” which aims to empower women and encourage them to embrace their unique beauty.
The “Dove Real Beauty” campaign is a prime example of emotional appeal as it taps into the audience’s insecurities and promotes a positive message. By showcasing women who embody beauty in different forms, the campaign aims to shift the focus from physical appearance to inner beauty and self-worth. This emotional appeal not only resonates with the audience but also inspires them to embrace their true selves.
In conclusion, emotional appeal is a persuasive technique that can evoke strong emotions in an audience, leading to a deeper connection and potentially influencing their attitudes or behaviors. The “Like a Girl” and “Dove Real Beauty” campaigns are excellent examples of how emotional appeal can be effectively used to convey powerful messages and inspire change. By understanding the power of emotions, we can create compelling content that resonates with our audience and encourages them to take action.
