Using the power of

persuasion to promote the

curriculum - the loathsome
‘infomercial’ as an engaging
teaching tool in the middle
school classroom.

Created by: Mike Bullerwell, Darlene Barr, and Ryan Hainstock – Annapolis Valley Regional School Board
 Middle school students create an
infomercial to learn about the power and
techniques of persuasion. This is a parody
of infomercials. The intent is not to lie and deceive, but
to persuade.

Subject Topic ideas

areas
ELA Sell a book from the Active Readers series
www.scholastic.ca/bookfairs/choosing/msprod.htm
Sell a product to make you a better speaker
www.school-for-champions.com/speaking/knowledge.htm
www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Grisby1.html
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/english/intervie.htm

Math Sell a silly “math help” device that will make you a math wiz
http://www.jmmsofdc.com/index.html
Sell artwork or objects using math patterns
www.artlandia.com/products/SymmetryWorks/solutions/

Science Save an animal or ecosystem

www.worldwildlife.org/
Alternative energy products
www.energyforkeeps.com/energy_sites.html
Social Social justice issues
Studies www.one.org
Current issues from news headlines
www.world-newspapers.com/canada.html
Secrets of selling self-help products
PDR http://www.all-in-one-business.com/20050511/
Dove Campaign for Real Beauty – original video
http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.ca/flat2.asp?id=7134

Visual Product design for target audience

Arts Logo design for target audience
www.brandsoftheworld.com
PART 1 – Introduction
Overview
Persuasive communication aimed at our youth comes in many forms.
It is directed toward changing another person’s beliefs both in a
positive or negative way and affecting their long- term attitudes
Our daily decisions are affected by what is happening around us. What
we see and hear in various media technologies play a huge part in the persuasive
communication around us. It is important that our youth can critically evaluate how style,
form, source and medium influence the validity of the choices they make as individuals
and as a part of a conscientious society.
Over the period of this activity, students will be asked to formulate decisions and use
various technologies to follow a motivated sequence:

ƒ Establish the needs of your audience

ƒ Propose your plan for satisfying those needs
ƒ Explain how the plan will be carried out
ƒ Describe how the results will satisfy each need
ƒ Ask your audience to take the action your plan requires.

Timeline
This project can be manipulated to meet the time requirements allotted
by the individual teacher. The opening day of this project will require
a minimum of 60 minutes to introduce, through class discussion,
samples of various media technologies, and the framework of the
project required from each student. You may want to break up the
assignment and have deadlines for various sections. For example, the students can pass in
a storyboard or outline before they produce the assignment.

Logistics
Considerations should be given for the following:

1. Video gathering and editing takes more time

i) A video camera could be set up on a tripod in a quiet space in the school and
students could take their turns recording their presentation at a time they sign up
for.
ii) In order for students to have the opportunity to use the camera and computers,
teachers can post a sign up sheet providing the opportunity for students to use
 equipment needed at various time throughout the day. This time could be used
during another subject area where cross-curricular goals are being met.
iii) The theme of the projects could be cross-curricular based thus providing time in
other subjects during the day for project work. For example, students could work
on the research and script writing in ELA and taping in science or PDR to provide
more time with the cameras. The infomercial assessments could even be included
as part of the student’s mark in both subjects.

2. Permissions

Video, audio and other media technologies should meet with the School Board’s
privacy of information policy.

PART 2 – Background: The Power of Persuasion: The

Infomercial

Persuasive language is…

…used to influence, to manipulate, to change someone’s mind

…speaking with conviction (really believing what you are saying)
…putting people in the mood to listen/spend $
…disguising how easy it is to do $omething (break task down into
parts)
…different from speaking as a news reporter because…
…uses “If…then…” statements to show how your actions (sending
$) will change something (their feelings, appearance, an animal’s
life)
Example: “If you don’t send in the $ right now then hundreds of
birds will disappear forever!”

Structure of an infomercial

• Break the word down: “Info-“… information / to inform

“-mercial”… commercial / commerce
• To inform, to request, to persuade
• Discuss with students how an infomercial is different from a
commercial (it is much longer, often has a host leading a
presentation, flashes the phone number and payment details on the
screen…)

Discuss and view examples for the two main types of infomercials: those that sell a
product and those that ask for money to support a cause
Teachers could generate a chart with students to get a clearer picture of the two types of
infomercials. The chart that follows is just a start.

$elling a product $upporting a cause

vocabulary if they might not recognize a word, have a
visual to support
sentence structure short sentences, sounds more like talking
than formal writing
rate of speech fast slow
tone expert, pushy, excited thoughtful, pleading
repetition recap phone number and package details
often
hook improved guilt, sympathy
appearance,
improved self-
confidence

Basic Structure of an Infomercial

ƒ Beginning: often begin with questions and promises

ƒ Middle: often includes research stats, video proof
ƒ End: usually has testimonials and payment details

Discuss the use of incentives to persuade people to view their spending as “worth it.”

Discuss the use of testimonials to convince people with “real” people. This is based on
the premise that we can trust an average person, but not the salesperson/host.

Discuss deceptive pricing schemes that make it SEEM easier to buy a product.
(ex. ”In just 4 easy payments of $19.99 this incredible product can be yours!”)
Examples
ƒ For an excellent website that outlines the written structure of an
infomercial, click here http://www.successful-
sites.com/articles/copywriting-claiborne-infomercial.php

ƒ For a website that has a transcript (annotated with an expert’s

critique) of an infomercial, click here
http://www.infomercialwatch.org/tran/trudeau.shtml

There are many examples available, obviously on TV. There are also some examples on
the Internet. However, not all examples are appropriate for students – so screen them
beforehand.

ƒ The first generation infomercials for products such as the Veg-o-matic and Chop-
o-matic, plus a Saturday Night Live parody for the Bass-o-matic. (Please note:
Real Media Player is required to view these video

ƒ Typical infomercial for beauty products (bareMinerals) – Select the menu item
“How-To”. These videos give a few examples of the infomercial structure.

ƒ Two infomercials on FingerPrint America – a child identification kit. Good for

some infomercial techniques.

ƒ An Infomercial Spoof – good example of the characters that students can use and
the ridiculous nature of infomercials.

NOTE: It may be necessary to stress that this activity is a parody of infomercials.

Students are using the format of an infomercial to present legitimate information that
supports the curriculum. They may not understand the idea of using parodies to promote
positive messages, so use some examples of ad parodies from AdBusters (print ads and
TV commercials) to show how they took the format of commercials to spread their
messages of media awareness.
 Create an Infomercial
Using your notes from class discussions of persuasive speech and
the structure of an infomercial, create an infomercial that is AT
LEAST 2 minutes in length.

Your infomercial may either sell a product OR ask people to send

in money for a particular cause. Your product or cause may be
either real OR fictitious (made up.)

Choose one of the three formats to create and share your

infomercials:
1-live in front of class using a computer
2-an audio file
3-a video

Papers to be handed in with your presentation:

¾ A WRITTEN SCRIPT of what is said in the infomercial
¾ All ROUGH COPIES and planning notes you made
¾ Completed checklist
¾ A list of websites, books, magazines, experts (people)
you went to for research.

*NOTE* If you ask a friend to be a part of your presentation,

YOU must write the words they say. They are only actors in your
presentation.
 STUDENT CHECKLIST
Use the following checklist to be sure that your infomercial is
complete. This sheet must be handed in with your presentation.

[] The product that I will sell is _____________.

or
[] A cause I will promote is ______________ .
[] My audience is ____________.
[] My “hook” is _________.
[] The incentives (bonus/”thank you” items) I will offer are _____________.
[] One of my sentences that show my persuasive speech style is
_____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________.
[] I open with these questions / promises:
____________________________.
[] Circle what you’ve used to prove your point: statistics (numbers), video,
photos, other ______________

[] My “sneaky” pricing scheme is _________________________________.

[] The phone number that I repeat clearly and often is _________________.
[] I have included testimonials from the following people ______________.
[] I have written my script as a character would speak in my role
[] I have explained any important words or ideas that my audience might not
understand using… (circle one) words, photos, video clips, drawings
Assessment choices:

ƒ online rubrics…..Make your own rubric online with RubiStar.

ƒ OR
ƒ marking slip (see below)
ƒ OR
ƒ rubric (see below)

INFOMERCIAL MARKING SLIP

Student Name: __________________
Product or cause: _____________________
5=superior (professionally done!)
___ Spoke slowly and clearly 4=competent (a good
understanding)
___ Style of writing appropriate for purpose 3=acceptable (some understanding)
___ Style of speaking appropriate for purpose 2=borderline (a little understanding)
___ Script copies (good and rough!) 1=poor (did not understand)
___ Checklist filled out and handed in
___ Professional and mature attitude while performing
___ Persuaded audience to send in money
___ Total
/35

INFOMERCIAL MARKING SLIP

Student Name: __________________
Product or cause: _____________________
5=superior (professionally done!)
___ Spoke slowly and clearly 4=competent (a good
understanding)
___ Style of writing appropriate for purpose 3=acceptable (some understanding)
___ Style of speaking appropriate for purpose 2=borderline (a little understanding)
___ Script copies (good and rough!) 1=poor (did not understand)
___ Checklist filled out and handed in
___ Professional and mature attitude while performing
___ Persuaded audience to send in money
___ Total
/35
 RUBRIC FOR INFOMERCIAL
(use cells to checkmark or include a comment)

1 2 3 4 5
POOR BORDERLINE ACCEPTABLE COMPETENT SUPERIOR
Did not A little Some A good Professionally
understand understanding understanding understanding done!
Used a
writing
voice
appropriate
for chosen
audience

Used a
speaking
tone
appropriate
for chosen
audience

Used
persuasive
writing and
speaking
techniques

Made eye
contact and
spoke
clearly

Handed in
rough
notes, good
copy and
completed
checklist

Followed
the
structure
of an
infomercial
Part 3 – Technology

Equipment Requirements:
(depending on your project you may some of the following)

ƒ Digital video camera(s)

ƒ IEEE Firewire cord or USB
ƒ Computer(s) with video editing capacity – connection for
importing video (IEEE preferred) and software (Pinnacle,
iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, Premier Elements). Should
also have audio recording/editing software (Garageband,
Audacity, Sound Studio). Also, presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote).
ƒ Microphone (although, the built-in mic will work if you’re stuck)
ƒ LCD Projector
ƒ External audio speakers

Activities:
There are a number of different formats that an infomercial can take
place in – which means that there are a number of different
technologies that you can integrate. The idea of presenting with the
goal to persuade means that you want to appeal to your audience in as
many ways as possible. Multimedia applications and hardware allow
information to appeal to all of your audience’s senses and will give a
message more emphasis.

For this activity, we will outline three possible scenarios using technology to deliver the
infomercial. Each provides various levels of experience and will appeal to a broad range
of technical skills. The following outline will provide the necessary steps and resources to
use technical tools.

1. Video – Students can create a video and present it to the audience in the
same packaged multimedia message that television infomercials
actually follow. Students will plan their infomercial in a storyboard,
record the footage, and edit the footage to output it as a video.

ƒ Students need to plan their video. They have gone through the elements and
language of an infomercial in Part 2, now they need to put those parts in a
visual presentation with audio. This is the point that you want students to go
through the elements of capturing video.

Î Go to Atomic Learning for free videos on shooting video, techniques, and

storyboarding. Also includes free storyboard creation software. There is also a
 handout on the storyboarding process with links to additional resources.

ƒ Following their plan in the storyboard, the students can use a digital video
camera to record their footage. It is important that they have a plan so that
time is not wasted – especially if the group is sharing equipment with other
groups. Again, make sure that the students shoot at different angles and
perspectives. Also, make sure that they are familiar with the operation of the
camera and the elements necessary to take good footage.

Î Adobe has a good section for students on digital video (and pictures as
well). In addition, here is a free online course in using a digital video camera
and its functions.

ƒ Once they have the footage, then students can edit the footage on the
computer. This is where the storyboard is made a reality by taking raw footage
and following the storyboard outline to make a finished product.

Î Depending on your software, here are some good tutorials on common

video editing applications. Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Studio Part II, iMovie,
iMovie Part II, Windows MovieMaker.

2. Audio – Students can also work in another medium to spread their

message. Digital audio recording has grown in popularity and students can
create full audio productions with little experience or time. In this case,
students can create their infomercial as an audio presentation – much like
a radio broadcast.

ƒ Rather than create a storyboard, the students need to create a script to follow.
They need to consider the different characters involved and whether they want
a narrator. They need to consider whether they want music and sound effects
to go with their production. They may also want to create a “jingle” to go with
their product.

Î Think about the recording environment. Here are some tips in setting up to
record audio. Try this site from BBC on recording audio, which focuses on
Shakespeare, but has practical tips.

ƒ Record the presentation using a digital recording application. This allows you
to record the different segments and then edit your work, also adding any
music or sound effects.

Î Again, it depends on your operating system, but there are a number of good
audio recording applications. For Macs, try Garageband or Sound Studio (both
come free with OSX). You can also try Audacity (free for PC or Mac).
 ƒ Once you have your recording complete, there are a number of
different ways to output the file. If you want to play the file from the
computer, just leave the file on the computer. If you want the file to
play on a regular CD player, then export or save it as a WAV file.

Î Here is a good overview of the use of audio and the different formats.

3. Live Presentation – Rather than prerecord the infomercial, they may wish
to perform in front of a live studio audience. In terms of technology, there
are many ways to support and animate a presentation. The most likely
support in the classroom will be the use of visuals through programs such
as PowerPoint, Hyperstudio or iWork’s Keynote.

ƒ The students still need to create an outline or script for their presentation.
They should have an idea of how they are going to introduce their topic,
persuade the audience, and then conclude the presentation. Using software,
such as PowerPoint, allows students to highlight their main points, present
testimonials, show data visually, and control the pace of the presentation.
Students should write out a brief outline before they actually create a
multimedia presentation.

Î Try using Inspiration to map out the presentation. There are also some
good handouts that students would find useful in planning a multimedia
presentation and interactive report.

ƒ The students can start working on their presentation. Remind them that
technology is only there to support the presentation. The PowerPoint (or other
application) should show the main points or other elements that the hosts
cannot provide. They will NOT be reading the presentation off the screen.

This is also a good opportunity to incorporate multimedia elements such as

video, still photos, graphics, charts, sound bytes, etc. Students should consider
ways to support their main points using these tools and as a way to break-up
the oral presentation.

Î The most common application in schools is PowerPoint. Here is a good

overview of the program, some good templates they may use. Also, you may
want to use Hyperstudio or Apple’s Keynote application.
General Considerations – All of these presentations will require some
setup. Teachers will need to use audio and video equipment to present the
final products. Try these tips and tutorials if you need some guidance.
The best idea when dealing with hardware is to enter the brand name and model number
in a search engine. Most manuals and support services are online.
ƒ Setting up an LCD Projector
ƒ Presenting from a Computer

Examples of correlations to ICT and

curriculum outcomes:

English Language Arts (By the end of Grade 9)

GCO 2: Students will be able to communicate information and ideas effectively and
clearly, and to respond personally and critically.
Including 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

GCO 3: Students will be able to interact with sensitivity and respect, considering the
situation, audience, and purpose.
Including 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

GCO 4: Students will be expected to select, read, and view with understanding a range of
literature, information, media, and visual texts.

GCO 5: Students will be expected to interpret, select, and combine information using a
variety of strategies, resources, and technologies.
Including 5.1

ICT Integration

Basic Operations and Concepts

BOC 9.1- operate a wide variety of school media, computer, and other educationally
appropriate equipment for learning, communication, and the representation of their
learning, independently and safely with teacher.
BOC 9.4 – manage their electronic files and correspondence efficiently.
BOC 9.5 – form a range of resource options, knowledgeably select, manage, and use
technological resources to solve curriculum problems and enhance their learning, with
teacher guidance
9.6- understand and use a wide range of terminology they use for learning.
Social, Ethical, and Human Issues:

SEHI 9.1- demonstrate understanding of the nature of technology and its impacts on
different societies and environments; using technology, in logical and global contexts,
with due regard for the legal and human.
SEHI 9.2- identify and demonstrate the values and techniques of mass media, pop culture
and electronics information.
SEHI 9.5- identify technology-related career opportunities
SEHI 9.6- follow the Internet Access and Use Policy

Productivity:

PTS 9.1- use software to brainstorm

PTS 9.2- explore curriculum concepts under study using specialized software.
PTS 9.3- explore curriculum through a wide range of print and electronic forms.
PTS 9.4- create, manipulate sound images and video using digital equipment and
computer based editing.
PTS 9.5- develop multimedia presentations

Communications:

CT 9.1- use language in a range of aural, print, media and electronic forms to explore
CT 9.2- design and build an internet website
CT 9.3- critically evaluate style.

Research, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

RPSD 9.1- select appropriate measuring and recording devices and/or software to collect
data.
RPSD 9.3- write and represent their research using with fluency
RPSD 9.4- assess the quality, comprehensiveness, biases, and perspectives of print and
media
RPSD 9.5- critically evaluate how style, form, source and medium influence validity
RPSD 9.6- select and refine a research topic
RPSD 9.9- accurately and independently cite information resources
Social Studies

Culture
2.1 examine and develop a general concept of culture
2.5- demonstrate an understanding of the issues and events surrounding cross-cultural
understanding locally, regionally and globally.
2.7 demonstrate an understanding of the local and global forces that cause cultures to
constantly change

Economics

3.1 examine and explain the role that basic economic principles play in daily life.
3.3 evaluate the importance of economics in entrepreneurship.

Technology

4.4 analyze how technology affects transportation and communications in the

Atlantic region
4.7 evaluate the effects of technology on recreation, home life, and community life

Health Education/PDR

Values and Practices for Healthy Living

GCO C: Students will demonstrate knowledge of factors that contribute to healthy living
values and practices.
C3.4 demonstrate an awareness of changing attitudes toward adulthood and ageing

GCO D: Students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to live
happily and productively as an individual, within a family, and within the community.

D1.2 identify and practice strategies for living with change and uncertainty
D3.1 demonstrate respect for the feelings and beliefs of others
D5.1 identify social, economic, and technological trends that affect life/work building
D5.3 demonstrate an understanding of the ongoing role of decision making in life/work building
Visual Arts

Creating, Making, and Presenting

GCO 1: Students will be expected to explore, challenge, develop, and express ideas,
using the skills, language, techniques, and processes of the arts.

1.1 manipulate and organize design elements and principles to achieve planned
compositions
1.2 assess and utilize the properties of various art media and their ability to convey
messages and meaning
1.3 respond verbally and visually to the sue of art elements in personal works and the
work of others

GCO 2: Students will be expected to create and/or present, collaboratively and

independently, expressive products in the arts for a range of audiences and purposes
2.5 work interactively, co-operatively, and collaboratively

GCO 3: Students will be expected to demonstrate critical awareness of and value the role
of the arts in creating and reflecting culture.

3.1 examine the role and the influence of visual images in their daily lives, including
mass media and popular culture
3.4 recognize and describe the role of the visual arts in challenging, sustaining, and
reflecting society's beliefs and traditions

GCO 5: Students will be expected to examine the relationship among the arts, societies,
and environments.
5.3 demonstrate an understanding of how individual and societal values affect our
response to visual art