This is the first of a series of Coaching Tips pointing out important distinctions made in the new Propaganda Guide. This one deals with Degrees and Titles and Status in Section C.
“Degree” means “college degree.” “Title” refers to a title given because of the person’s office (President, Chairperson, Judge), rank (General), noble birth (Duchess), attainment (Professor, Harvard graduate, champion, record setter, astronaut, most valuable player), or respect (Reverend, Coach).
Descriptions based on opinion are not considered real titles. So the following do not constitute titles for this technique: star of a hit series, business leader, basketball legend, etc. If descriptions like these are used, the answer should be Status.
If a true title is given in the example, answer Degrees and Titles even if the person might be famous enough that the title is not necessary for most people.
Players may assume that any person cited without a title is real and well-known. No made-up names will be used in Status examples. So if no title or other identification is included in the example, assume the person has sufficient fame without it and answer Status.
Examples
Ad: “Shaquille O’Neal, 13-time All-NBA Center, drinks Gatorade. Shouldn’t you?”
Answer: Degrees and Titles
Ad: “Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal drinks Gatorade. Shouldn’t you?”
Answer: Status (The answer would be same without the words “basketball legend.”)