Persuasion and Influence in American Life [Paperback]

Gary C. Woodward (Author), Robert E. Denton Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2004 | ISBN-10: 1577662857 | ISBN-13: 978-1577662853 | Edition: 5

The current edition of this excellent, accessible survey of various approaches to persuasion incorporates the sometimes-tumultuous political and national events of the new millennium. It also devotes attention to theories and models that track the flow of influence through the filter of the electronic media and to models of media influence, especially refinements of agenda-setting theory. Those familiar with earlier editions will note that some chapters have been simplified and streamlined, while others have grown to include newer theories and cases. The text equips readers with the tools to handle, in a credible, ethical manner, the enormous diversity of persuasive activities going on around them. Its engaging blend of classical persuasion, social psychology, theory, and practice provides them with a solid foundation to think critically about the persuasion of others and to become effective persuaders themselves.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Bowers et al., The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control, Second Edition (ISBN 9780881337129); Denton-Kuypers, Politics and Communication in America: Campaigns, Media, and Governing in the 21st Century (ISBN 9781577665335); Johannesen, Ethics in Human Communication, Sixth Edition (ISBN 9781577665557); and Stewart et al., Persuasion and Social Movements, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577664635).

From the Back Cover

"It is obvious that Woodward & Denton are passionate about researching and teaching persuasion. It is refreshing to use an up-to-date and well-crafted textbook that sparks interest and easily creates dialogue in the university classroom. Teaching persuasion can be a `death in tall grass' experience unless you have an excellent text like this one. I highly recommend it." -- J. David Turner, Methodist University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc; 5 edition (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577662857
• ISBN-13: 978-1577662853
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,098,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars authors should follow their own advice, September 1, 2005

By 

R. Potance - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Persuasion and Influence in American Life (Paperback)

This book was very poorly organized. Some chapters are overly long (like Chapter 8) and others should be completely eliminated because they have very little to do with the topic (Chapter 2). The authors are clear enough in their language and use good examples but the scope of the information is too broad. In trying to tie together the micro (psychological) and macro (political) elements of persuasion they bore and confuse readers. Ironically the end result isn't very persuasive. Not a single person in the "Persuasion" class I read this for class liked this book- including the professor.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As much a manual as an illumination, June 20, 2008

By 

Rodger Garrett "SighKoBlahGrr" (Loma Linda, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Persuasion & Influence in American Life (Paperback)

Well. I looked at the two reviews that were posted as of June, 2008, and decided I had to take a stand. One -can- crab about the "spill-over" and gaping holes here and there, but as a revelation of technique to those who are largely unaware of how those with the knowhow and financial wherewithall manipulate public opinion, this is a -very- worthwhile read.

I expect anyone who "digs in" here will come away with a much better grasp of how electoral politics, as well as marketing and advertising, work to influence voting and buying habits. While this is an undergraduate school text, the authors are pretty "toothy" in their examination of societal norms, manipulation of symbols, credibility, audience-targeting, and the use -- as well as intentional -misuse- -- of logic.

It also seems fair -- and accurate -- to assert that in the wrong hands, this is as fine and dandy a basic manual for designing propaganda and media manipulation as it is a means for illuminating such to the uninformed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for College, November 8, 2011

By 

hard to please - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Persuasion and Influence in American Life (Paperback)

This may be a "required" book for an upper college level class, however it is a great book for all. Very insightful. Has information on how to deliver your point without offending or challenging someone. It also reveals "political" speech tactics and the media.