Why Ads Work: The Power of Self-Deception

Streaming video - 1996

The most important words in advertising are the ones you don't see or hear. Why Ads Work proposes that ads rarely lie, they merely allow plenty of room for self-deception. Ads use humor, drama, and entertainment because people being humored and entertained are not critical - they "suspend their disbelief." In short, they become the perfect consumer.. Why Ads Work will help your students reclaim their critical powers. Think of this video as a re-training of listening and reading skills. The technique is to focus on claims made by ads - the actual selling part that "claims" some benefits or value for the product.. Learn:. • How claims are devalued by small words or phrases such as up to, as much as, from, can, or fi...ghts. These phrases can completely change the meaning of a claim, yet most listeners fail to hear them. They see "works to fight wrinkles," but hear "prevents wrinkles.". • When "best" means "better" and "better" means "best". Why so many products can claim to be the best, the strongest, the most powerful, etc.. • The meaning of puffery and the difference between facts and opinions.. • The "magic" of Water is Wet claims. These are claims true for all brands but phrased in such a way as to make it sound unique and exciting.. more