Media Decoder Worksheet
Media Literacy & Health Presentation Companion
ANALYZING MEDIA INFLUENCES
Track key advertising techniques and examine how media shapes health choices and daily decisions.
Name:
Date: Period:
1 How Do You Determine What Health Choices Are Right For You?
Slides 2–3
Fill in the four factors for each influence category as presented on the slide:
INTERNAL Influences (from within)
EXTERNAL Influences (from outside)
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MEDIA
Awareness of media influences helps you make healthy choices about behavior and products.
Slide 4 Road Map
6 Most Effective Advertising Techniques
1. Characters 2. Buzz 3. Celeb Power 4. Exaggeration 5. Shock 6. Emotion
2 Technique #1: Creating Characters
Slides 5–7
Definition: Helps people remember the brand by making a character with the name.
Mascot Recognition Challenge (Slides 6 & 7) Write brand names quietly, then check answers with the class!
Your Score: ____ / 13
(Recognized brand mascots)
3 Technique #2: Buzz Marketing
Slides 8–9
Definition: Creates a viral campaign that draws awareness to a brand or product.
Example Clip: Coca-Cola Happiness Machine What made it spread viral?
What unexpected things happened with the machine, and why does an interactive stunt cause word-of-mouth buzz?
Analyzing Influences in the Media • Student Guided Notes Turn to Page 2 for Techniques 3–6 & Reflection →
Part II
TECHNIQUES 3–6 & CRITICAL REFLECTION
Slides 10–19
4 Technique #3: Celeb Power & Influencer Marketing
Slides 10–12
Definition: Used most often on with promoting products.
Slide 11 Observation (Kylie Jenner / FitTea):
Why do companies pay celebrities huge sums to post products?
Slide 12 Question (Your Experience):
Name an influencer/creator YOU know who promotes products:
Influencer:
Product:
5 Technique #4: Exaggeration
Slides 13–14
Definition: Captures the and of an audience.
Infomercial Montage Example:
What exaggerated "first-world problem" was shown to make viewers think they need the item?
6 Technique #5: Shocking
Slides 15–16
Definition: Pushes people out of their and makes them curious.
WWF Forest & Dispenser Ads:
Why is showing trees shaped as disappearing lungs or paper towel deforestation shocking?
7 Technique #6: Emotional Appeal
Slides 17–18
Definition: This marketing technique tugs at the of viewers.
Video Example Reaction: Feelings → Decisions
What specific emotion did this commercial provoke (sadness, affection, compassion)? How does that emotion influence someone to buy or donate?
8 Analyzing Influences Reflection (Slide 19)
Critical Synthesis
1. How does media affect the health, lifestyle, and purchasing decisions we make every day?
2. Which social media influencers, commercials, or products have influenced YOUR decisions recently? Describe what you bought, tried, or thought about differently:
Analyzing Influences in the Media • Student Guided Notes Page 2 of 2 • Complete
