I want YOU!!!

This poster, created back in 1917, was used by the USA to persuade civilians to sign for the army in both WW1 and WW2, to a great effect. The type of persuasion technique used in this poster is by making people feel responsible towards the message. The man in this poster is Uncle Sam, a representation of the USA. As in the poster, the figure of Uncle Sam seemingly points towards the readers; it would seem as if the message was directed at the reader personally, in that the USA would really require the reader’s help in the army. The words ‘I want YOU for the U.S. army’, with greater emphasis in the ‘YOU’ (bigger font size), helps convey the message of Uncle Sam, and also helps in making the message more personal. By making the message personal, people would be more likely to feel responsible for evaluating the message. In the end, this poster was used to a great effect in persuasion as it used peripheral route to tripper feelings of patriotism and duty among the readers, which lead them to voluntary sign for the army.
Clement Ho, T04