“15 minutes could save you 15 percent or more on car insurance!” How many times have you heard that one? The incredibly well-known insurance company Geico has been using that line for years, a line that has been persistently delivered by the renowned Geico gecko.
This advertisement in particular exemplifies the rhetorical argument of logos. The information provided by the text clearly lays out the purpose of the advertisement as well as the reason why the consumer should care. “You will save money if you buy insurance from us, and you will have many options.” The picture tells the audience that Geico is selling insurance at cheaper rates than competitors, which is a great reason to switch providers. In this way, logos plays the key role in this specific advertisement.
Also, this add functions off of the commonplace that obtaining insurance is strongly recommended, if not required. People in today’s world need to protect their assets, and Geico persuades those people that its insurance does what other companies do for a cheaper price.
Another great example of rhetorical argument appears with this billboard advertisement. The picture above shows that the board shows a hot air balloon draped over the sign containing a giant vacuum cleaner with the name Miolo displayed on the face. This is a very effective advertisement in that it uses the rhetorical arguments of ethos and pathos to appeal to potential customers. The sign functions off of the hyperbole that the company’s vacuums are so strong that they can pull a hot air balloon straight out of the sky. Miolo expects customers to therefore respond in an emotional manner such as, “Wow! Look at that sign!” After it captures their attention, the company’s intention is to leave the image of the company’s strong vacuum in their heads. Although we see only one written word on the advertisement, it implies a great deal about the company’s ability to make a quality product and to appeal to people’s sources of excitement.
Good examples of rhetoric in both of these advertisements. I especially like the hot air balloon one. Great ideas for the paper. It seems like you know what you are doing. Good luck on developing your paper.
I really like the second advertisement you present in your post. I have not previously heard of Miolo vacuum cleaners, but when I see one I will most definitely think back to the advertisement you have presented. It also captures one’s attention because it is not a traditional, boring, flat billboard that one passes without notice while speeding down the highway. The Geico advertisement is a great example of a strong marketing campaign, because everyone associates their saying about saving 15% with the company and on an even larger scale people now associate geckos with insurance.
When I first saw that picture, I wondered why you had a picture of a hot air balloon crash. Even when I knew I would be seeing advertisements, I was still drawn to closely looking at the billboard. Even with the lack of words (And I think because of it) it effectively draws the audience’s attention. I think it would make a great paper! And, as Charles said, most advertisements work to add ethos in before all others (how can you work with someone you don’t respect?) One way I can see this in the Geiko advert is the fact the geiko has a smooth, British accent and was originally seen on a large desk. Both of those things suggest a level of wealth and sophistication in America, which is needed when you a couple-inches-tall lizard!
That is an extremely interesting billboard, even just seeing a picture of it has me fascinated. You could definitely make a strong paper out of the strategy behind that and the rhetorical devices it uses to sell its product, particularly ethos. I think that most commercials have a sense of ethos to establish their credibility to convince someone to use their product or service, and they all work with varying degrees of success.