September 5, 2009 -- “The Myths of Persuasion”
Original Broadcast Dates: Monday 4 May 2009 11:30 am, Saturday, 9 May 2009 4:30 pm
In a society whose only real knowledge of the ad business ranges from Darren Stephens in Bewitched to Don Draper in Mad Men, a few misconceptions are bound to crop up. This week, Terry O’Reilly tackles some common myths surrounding the ad business, including the Myth that advertising steers behaviours and trends, the myth that any publicity is good publicity, and the myth that advertising is about spontaneous ideas.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Ask Terry
27 June, 2009 -- Ask Terry
The ‘ol Age of Persuasion mailbag has been packed a little too full lately. So this week- in the season finale- Terry O’Reilly dedicates an entire show to answering your questions about advertising and marketing. How do you pitch your great ad idea to a major brand? Will product placement replace conventional advertising? What’s an eco-friendly way of removing carpenter bees from the back deck? Okay, Terry has some of the answers. At least he’ll take his best swing at your pitches, this week on The Age of Persuasion.
The ‘ol Age of Persuasion mailbag has been packed a little too full lately. So this week- in the season finale- Terry O’Reilly dedicates an entire show to answering your questions about advertising and marketing. How do you pitch your great ad idea to a major brand? Will product placement replace conventional advertising? What’s an eco-friendly way of removing carpenter bees from the back deck? Okay, Terry has some of the answers. At least he’ll take his best swing at your pitches, this week on The Age of Persuasion.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Embracing New Media
15 June 2009 -- Embracing New Media
When the telephone was first invented, a debate arose: not over the invention itself, but over what to say when answering it. In time, the word “hello” prevailed. As Terry O’Reilly observes, the creation of each new medium brings with it a learning curve, as its strengths are discovered, and its ‘language’ invented. Terry explores ways marketers and advertisers have struggled with each new medium: how early radio was treated as ‘print read aloud’, and how early TV was ‘Radio with pictures’. And he’ll show how, only now, marketers are beginning to speak the new ‘language’ of the Internet.
When the telephone was first invented, a debate arose: not over the invention itself, but over what to say when answering it. In time, the word “hello” prevailed. As Terry O’Reilly observes, the creation of each new medium brings with it a learning curve, as its strengths are discovered, and its ‘language’ invented. Terry explores ways marketers and advertisers have struggled with each new medium: how early radio was treated as ‘print read aloud’, and how early TV was ‘Radio with pictures’. And he’ll show how, only now, marketers are beginning to speak the new ‘language’ of the Internet.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Urban Legends
June 8, 2009 -- Urban Legends
Bulletin… bulletin… bulletin… this just in… the actor who played “Mikey” in the Life Cereal Ads did not die as result of consuming pop rocks and cola (or from any other cause). Just as not-dead is Jared Fogel, spokesman for Subway restaurants. A tooth will not dissolve when left in Coca Cola overnight. And Pepsi did not have to give a Harrier Jet to a business student who sued them over a “Pepsi Points” TV ad in the 90’s. Join Terry O’Reilly around the campfire as he explores Urban Legends surrounding advertising. He’ll debunk a few of the howlers, and tell stories of a few that are true.
Bulletin… bulletin… bulletin… this just in… the actor who played “Mikey” in the Life Cereal Ads did not die as result of consuming pop rocks and cola (or from any other cause). Just as not-dead is Jared Fogel, spokesman for Subway restaurants. A tooth will not dissolve when left in Coca Cola overnight. And Pepsi did not have to give a Harrier Jet to a business student who sued them over a “Pepsi Points” TV ad in the 90’s. Join Terry O’Reilly around the campfire as he explores Urban Legends surrounding advertising. He’ll debunk a few of the howlers, and tell stories of a few that are true.
The Museum of Persuasion
June 1, 2009 -- The Museum of Persuasion
Anyone remember subtlety in advertising? Or longform ads with irresistible prose? Or the quaint, old-fashioned jingles that were once the mainstay of national advertising. Terry O’Reilly has collected them in a magnificent new Museum of Persuasion. And he’s just itchin’ to take you on a tour. He’ll offer a nostalgic look at ways advertising has reached people in the past, and show how it points to where the craft of persuasion is headed.
Anyone remember subtlety in advertising? Or longform ads with irresistible prose? Or the quaint, old-fashioned jingles that were once the mainstay of national advertising. Terry O’Reilly has collected them in a magnificent new Museum of Persuasion. And he’s just itchin’ to take you on a tour. He’ll offer a nostalgic look at ways advertising has reached people in the past, and show how it points to where the craft of persuasion is headed.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Entertainment or Nothing
May 25, 2009 -- Entertainment or Nothing
It’s no secret that entertaining messages attract audiences. But today, as advertisers, government agencies, business and educators are learning- entertainment is fast becoming the only way to reach an audience. Terry O’Reilly explains how all kinds of modern messages are being wrapped in entertainment, or are tied to engaging ideas. He’ll explain how that is driving some unlikely players- including the Pope, the Queen, major corporations and government ministries, to such entertainment-skewed media as YouTube.
It’s no secret that entertaining messages attract audiences. But today, as advertisers, government agencies, business and educators are learning- entertainment is fast becoming the only way to reach an audience. Terry O’Reilly explains how all kinds of modern messages are being wrapped in entertainment, or are tied to engaging ideas. He’ll explain how that is driving some unlikely players- including the Pope, the Queen, major corporations and government ministries, to such entertainment-skewed media as YouTube.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Marketing the Invisible
May 11, 2009 -- Marketing the Invisible
It’s easy to understand a product when it has a snappy label, fits in your shopping cart, and stores tidily on a shelf at home. But how can you get excited about a brand that’s invisible? How do marketers tweak your interest in something you don’t see or touch? Brands such as insurance and services and, say, a Pentium chip pose some interesting problems in the ad world. This week Terry O’Reilly shows how marketers make the intangible… tangible.
It’s easy to understand a product when it has a snappy label, fits in your shopping cart, and stores tidily on a shelf at home. But how can you get excited about a brand that’s invisible? How do marketers tweak your interest in something you don’t see or touch? Brands such as insurance and services and, say, a Pentium chip pose some interesting problems in the ad world. This week Terry O’Reilly shows how marketers make the intangible… tangible.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Myths of Persuasion
May 4, 2009 -- “The Myths of Persuasion”
In a society whose only real knowledge of the ad business ranges from Darren Stephens in Bewitched to Don Draper in Mad Men, a few misconceptions are bound to crop up. This week, Terry O’Reilly tackles some common myths surrounding the ad business, including the Myth that advertising steers behaviours and trends, the myth that any publicity is good publicity, and the myth that advertising is about spontaneous ideas.
In a society whose only real knowledge of the ad business ranges from Darren Stephens in Bewitched to Don Draper in Mad Men, a few misconceptions are bound to crop up. This week, Terry O’Reilly tackles some common myths surrounding the ad business, including the Myth that advertising steers behaviours and trends, the myth that any publicity is good publicity, and the myth that advertising is about spontaneous ideas.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Real Deal: Authenticity
April 25 -- “The Real Deal: Authenticity”
The secret to Tiger Woods’ success as a golfer is that he can make a golf ball soar, spin, curve- heck, he can make it deal cards if he wants to. But what’s the secret to Tiger Woods as a brand? It’s authenticity. This week Terry O’Reilly explains the importance of a brand living up to its promise- of actually being everything it says it is. Terry will even summon the courage to tell of his riveting childhood disillusionment after ordering a family of Sea Monkeys from a comic book.
The secret to Tiger Woods’ success as a golfer is that he can make a golf ball soar, spin, curve- heck, he can make it deal cards if he wants to. But what’s the secret to Tiger Woods as a brand? It’s authenticity. This week Terry O’Reilly explains the importance of a brand living up to its promise- of actually being everything it says it is. Terry will even summon the courage to tell of his riveting childhood disillusionment after ordering a family of Sea Monkeys from a comic book.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Season 3 Episode 2: “Recession Marketing”
April 20, 2009 -- “Recession Marketing”
Strange things happen in the Age of Persuasion during an economic downturn. As Terry O’Reilly observes, many advertisers abandon their sense of humour, and often- mistakenly- turn to aggressive, desperate hard sell. Meanwhile, some brands, such as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and SPAM, actually thrive. And a few, courageous marketers know that in tough times, great marketing is counter-intuitive. Terry explains why.
Strange things happen in the Age of Persuasion during an economic downturn. As Terry O’Reilly observes, many advertisers abandon their sense of humour, and often- mistakenly- turn to aggressive, desperate hard sell. Meanwhile, some brands, such as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and SPAM, actually thrive. And a few, courageous marketers know that in tough times, great marketing is counter-intuitive. Terry explains why.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Season #3 Episode #15 “Big and Small”
April 13, 2009 -- Big and Small
For more than a century, advertisers have fallen to the lure of hyperbole: over-inflating the importance of their brand. They made cheap currency of claims such as bigger, faster, stronger, better-tasting, harder-working, brighter, softer, newer, more-economical and longer-lasting. As Terry O’Reilly points out, some very small help is on the way. A newer, better, smarter generation of advertisers are finding ways to leverage the ‘smallness’ of their brand, and still get noticed without hyperbole.
For more than a century, advertisers have fallen to the lure of hyperbole: over-inflating the importance of their brand. They made cheap currency of claims such as bigger, faster, stronger, better-tasting, harder-working, brighter, softer, newer, more-economical and longer-lasting. As Terry O’Reilly points out, some very small help is on the way. A newer, better, smarter generation of advertisers are finding ways to leverage the ‘smallness’ of their brand, and still get noticed without hyperbole.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Season 3 - Episode #14 - “Brand Loyalty”
April 6, 2009 -- Brand Loyalty
Brand loyalty is the greatest prize a marketer can earn. Yet nowadays, it’s increasingly rare. This week, Terry O’Reilly explains the tangible- and intangible process of forming loyalties between brands and customers: and what goes into that ‘gut’ feeling that makes people reach for one brand over another, when all else is equal. He’ll explain how brands such as Apple and Harley Davidson cultivated vast tribes of loyal followers, and how it is that some brands prompt disloyalty.
Brand loyalty is the greatest prize a marketer can earn. Yet nowadays, it’s increasingly rare. This week, Terry O’Reilly explains the tangible- and intangible process of forming loyalties between brands and customers: and what goes into that ‘gut’ feeling that makes people reach for one brand over another, when all else is equal. He’ll explain how brands such as Apple and Harley Davidson cultivated vast tribes of loyal followers, and how it is that some brands prompt disloyalty.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Season #3 Episode #12 “Selling God”
March 30, 2009 -- Selling God
This week Terry O’Reilly marches you boldly where the angels of marketing fear to tread: he looks at the delicate, always-controversial relationship between faith and advertising. He’ll look into the controversy surrounding recent bus ads, which read “There Probably Is No God. So Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life.” And he’ll explain why not all people of faith embrace the marketing tactics popular in some of today’s churches.
This week Terry O’Reilly marches you boldly where the angels of marketing fear to tread: he looks at the delicate, always-controversial relationship between faith and advertising. He’ll look into the controversy surrounding recent bus ads, which read “There Probably Is No God. So Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life.” And he’ll explain why not all people of faith embrace the marketing tactics popular in some of today’s churches.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sun Tzu and the Art of... Persuasion
March 16, 2009 -- Sun Tzu and the Art of... Persuasion --
What does modern advertising and marketing have to do with a 25 hundred-year-old military theorist? Terry O’Reilly is so glad you asked. This week he examines the ancient bamboo scrolls of Sun Tzu- author of The Art of War, and shows how modern marketers- including an upstart vodka and a revolutionary hair colouring brand- have gleaned valuable lessons from Sun Tzu’s writings.
What does modern advertising and marketing have to do with a 25 hundred-year-old military theorist? Terry O’Reilly is so glad you asked. This week he examines the ancient bamboo scrolls of Sun Tzu- author of The Art of War, and shows how modern marketers- including an upstart vodka and a revolutionary hair colouring brand- have gleaned valuable lessons from Sun Tzu’s writings.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Repetition Repetition Repetition
March 9, 2009 -- Repetition Repetition Repetition
Is advertising advertising advertising all about repetition repetition repetition? This week, Terry O’Reilly examines the role ‘frequency’ plays in ad messages. He’ll explain how many times you are meant to see or hear an ad in a given week, and why some campaigns seem to bombard you more than others. He’ll also explain how the creative content is what helps some ads run successfully for years, and causes others to wear out their welcome almost immediately.
Is advertising advertising advertising all about repetition repetition repetition? This week, Terry O’Reilly examines the role ‘frequency’ plays in ad messages. He’ll explain how many times you are meant to see or hear an ad in a given week, and why some campaigns seem to bombard you more than others. He’ll also explain how the creative content is what helps some ads run successfully for years, and causes others to wear out their welcome almost immediately.
Great Canadian Campaigns
March 7, 2009 -- Great Canadian Campaigns
There’s no “Made in Canada” label on ad campaigns: but Terry O’Reilly often wishes there were. This week he proudly tells the story of some Made-in-Canada success stories. They’re ad campaigns with maple syrup in their veins; how an idea resurrected from a wastebasket put one retail chain on the map; how a campaign that ran on TV just six times is still talked about, nearly four decades later. And how a three-word ad phrase brought a nation to its feet.
There’s no “Made in Canada” label on ad campaigns: but Terry O’Reilly often wishes there were. This week he proudly tells the story of some Made-in-Canada success stories. They’re ad campaigns with maple syrup in their veins; how an idea resurrected from a wastebasket put one retail chain on the map; how a campaign that ran on TV just six times is still talked about, nearly four decades later. And how a three-word ad phrase brought a nation to its feet.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Commandeering Holidays
February 21, 2009 -- Commandeering Holidays
Is the meaning of major holidays- from Easter and Passover to Christmas and Ramadan- becoming lost in a sea of holiday marketing? This week Terry O’Reilly explains why advertisers don’t dare ignore the opportunities presented by holidays. Just as marketing has come to dominate major Christian holidays, Terry explains how, in a sense, the baton has been passed: it was the church, after all, that commandeered many of its holidays from pagan traditions.
Is the meaning of major holidays- from Easter and Passover to Christmas and Ramadan- becoming lost in a sea of holiday marketing? This week Terry O’Reilly explains why advertisers don’t dare ignore the opportunities presented by holidays. Just as marketing has come to dominate major Christian holidays, Terry explains how, in a sense, the baton has been passed: it was the church, after all, that commandeered many of its holidays from pagan traditions.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Breaking the Contract
February 16, 2009 -- Breaking the Contract
When Advertisers take our time and attention, shouldn’t they give something back? Terry O’Reilly thinks so. This week Terry examines the unwritten “contract” forged between Advertisers and audiences more than 80 years ago. He’ll tell the story of ad giant Albert Lasker, who, in the 1920’s, pioneered the idea of sponsor-driven broadcasts. You’ll discover why an understanding of the contract makes you a better consumer, and why today’s advertisers violate the contract at their peril.
When Advertisers take our time and attention, shouldn’t they give something back? Terry O’Reilly thinks so. This week Terry examines the unwritten “contract” forged between Advertisers and audiences more than 80 years ago. He’ll tell the story of ad giant Albert Lasker, who, in the 1920’s, pioneered the idea of sponsor-driven broadcasts. You’ll discover why an understanding of the contract makes you a better consumer, and why today’s advertisers violate the contract at their peril.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Human Face of Persuasion
February 9, 2009 -- The Human Face of Persuasion
Hooda thunkit: for all their flow charts and profit projections, Marketers are re-discovering the true “secret weapon” of persuasion: people. In this episode from Season One of the Age of Persuasion, Terry explains the value of putting a “human face” to a brand: from the fictional Aunt Jemima to the very real Chef Boyardee. And how Radio uses the power of the human voice to say things about a brand… without saying them.
Hooda thunkit: for all their flow charts and profit projections, Marketers are re-discovering the true “secret weapon” of persuasion: people. In this episode from Season One of the Age of Persuasion, Terry explains the value of putting a “human face” to a brand: from the fictional Aunt Jemima to the very real Chef Boyardee. And how Radio uses the power of the human voice to say things about a brand… without saying them.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
According to Hoyle
February 2, 2009 -- According to Hoyle
Are there “rules” for creating great ads? This week, Terry O’Reilly dusts off the Great Rulebook of Creative Advertising and shares some of its immutable laws, and plays successful ads that… well… mute them. He’s show how ‘rules’ and conventions in ad creative change with time. And he’ll share a few ideas he’s scribbled in the book over the years, as he explains why- as he’s fond of saying- “There are no rules in advertising. Only sins.”
Are there “rules” for creating great ads? This week, Terry O’Reilly dusts off the Great Rulebook of Creative Advertising and shares some of its immutable laws, and plays successful ads that… well… mute them. He’s show how ‘rules’ and conventions in ad creative change with time. And he’ll share a few ideas he’s scribbled in the book over the years, as he explains why- as he’s fond of saying- “There are no rules in advertising. Only sins.”
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Rethink the Shark
January 26, 2009 - Rethink the Shark -
There’s an old marketing axiom: “never try to change people’s minds”. Yet massive changes in public attitudes happen constantly: attitudes about the role of women, about racial equality, about smoking, using seatbelts, and attitudes about gay/lesbian/bi & transsexual lifestyles. This week Terry O’Reilly examines the role advertising plays when society’s attitudes change- how it can help sustains old thinking, or work as a force to sanctify new thinking.
There’s an old marketing axiom: “never try to change people’s minds”. Yet massive changes in public attitudes happen constantly: attitudes about the role of women, about racial equality, about smoking, using seatbelts, and attitudes about gay/lesbian/bi & transsexual lifestyles. This week Terry O’Reilly examines the role advertising plays when society’s attitudes change- how it can help sustains old thinking, or work as a force to sanctify new thinking.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Nasty is the New Nice
January 24, 2009 - Nasty is the New Nice - Is it just us, or has the tone of advertising gotten colder, nastier, more rude? This week Terry O’Reilly shows how the tone of advertising is taking on a new meanness. The humour of some campaigns is taking on a decidedly sharp edge. Broadcast ads are becoming more heavily laden with violence and bodily functions. Ad copy is developing a case of potty-mouth. We’ll trace some of the sources of this trend, and explain why the earnest, innocent ad copy of the 50’s just won’t cut it today.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Recession Marketing
January 12, 2009 - Recession Marketing -
Strange things happen in the Age of Persuasion during an economic downturn. As Terry O’Reilly observes, many advertisers abandon their sense of humour, and often- mistakenly- turn to aggressive, desperate hard sell. Meanwhile, some brands, such as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and SPAM, actually thrive. And a few, courageous marketers know that in tough times, great marketing is counter-intuitive. Terry explains why.
Strange things happen in the Age of Persuasion during an economic downturn. As Terry O’Reilly observes, many advertisers abandon their sense of humour, and often- mistakenly- turn to aggressive, desperate hard sell. Meanwhile, some brands, such as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and SPAM, actually thrive. And a few, courageous marketers know that in tough times, great marketing is counter-intuitive. Terry explains why.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Taste for Blood: Direct Marketing
January 8, 2008 - A Taste for Blood: Direct Marketing - There’s a lot more to Direct Marketing than “ShamWow”, and Ginsu knives, and Veg-O-Matics. On the season premiere of The Age of Persuasion, Terry O’Reilly looks at the changing craft of Direct Marketing- and explains why ad giant David Ogilvy called it his “first love and secret weapon”. Terry will track the history of Direct Marketing from Eaton’s catalogues to “amazing” TV offers to online banner ads.
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