This fully-updated fourth edition introduces readers to the rich tapestry of persuasive technique and scholarship, interweaving perspectives from rhetoric, critical theory, and social science and applying their insights to practical political, social, and business contexts. This text examines current and classical theory through the lens of contemporary culture, encouraging readers to explore the nature of persuasion and to understand its impact in their lives. Employing a contemporary approach, it draws from popular culture, mass media, social media, advertising, political campaigns, and social movements to help readers become informed creators and consumers of persuasive messages. Case studies show how and why people fall for persuasive messages, demonstrating how persuasion works at a cognitive level. This new edition includes extended treatment of the ethics of persuasion, including opposing views on handling controversial issues in the college classroom; a new chapter on propaganda and ideology; and a greater focus on digital contexts and social media. Discussion questions, exercises, and key terms are provided for each chapter. This textbook will be a valuable tool for students of communication, media studies, politics, psychology, and business and advertising. Online resources for instructors include PowerPoint slides and test bank.

This fully-updated fourth edition introduces readers to the rich tapestry of persuasive technique and scholarship, interweaving perspectives from rhetoric, critical theory, and social science and applying their insights to practical political, social, and business contexts. This text examines current and classical theory through the lens of contemporary culture, encouraging readers to explore the nature of persuasion and to understand its impact in their lives. Employing a contemporary approach, it draws from popular culture, mass media, social media, advertising, political campaigns, and social movements to help readers become informed creators and consumers of persuasive messages. Case studies show how and why people fall for persuasive messages, demonstrating how persuasion works at a cognitive level. This new edition includes extended treatment of the ethics of persuasion, including opposing views on handling controversial issues in the college classroom; a new chapter on propaganda and ideology; and a greater focus on digital contexts and social media. Discussion questions, exercises, and key terms are provided for each chapter. This textbook will be a valuable tool for students of communication, media studies, politics, psychology, and business and advertising. Online resources for instructors include PowerPoint slides and test bank.

Ruthie's mother is terminally ill and she has to endure sexual harassment, pain and agony for several years to support her mother.

Ruthie is a paralegal who has been looking for employment for almost two years. She finally got a job but it was far from what she expected. Her boss is obsessed with her and his wife does not have a clue as to what is really happening.

Ruthie boss gave her a box of papers pertaining to a case and told her to read them. He said, "This will help you to become a better paralegal." Ruthie read and used those papers to her advantage to include in her book.

She begins to feel sorry for her boss but Ruthie couldn't take it anymore and decides to take matters in her own hands.

Somehow, her boss becomes ill. He ends up getting in a terrible accident and eventually dies.

At the end, Ruthie and his wife understood the humiliation and pain she endured.

Ruthie's mother is terminally ill and she has to endure sexual harassment, pain and agony for several years to support her mother.

Ruthie is a paralegal who has been looking for employment for almost two years. She finally got a job but it was far from what she expected. Her boss is obsessed with her and his wife does not have a clue as to what is really happening.

Ruthie boss gave her a box of papers pertaining to a case and told her to read them. He said, "This will help you to become a better paralegal." Ruthie read and used those papers to her advantage to include in her book.

She begins to feel sorry for her boss but Ruthie couldn't take it anymore and decides to take matters in her own hands.

Somehow, her boss becomes ill. He ends up getting in a terrible accident and eventually dies.

At the end, Ruthie and his wife understood the humiliation and pain she endured.