Scare/fear appeals are an interesting component of persuasion.In the public speaking course that I teach, we discuss the use of fear appeals in the final persuasive presentation.I explain that a little fear works.However, what happens when a speaker uses too much fear?Or provides scenes that are too graphic?According to this article on the Internet, there is something they call "the squirm factor".If something is TOO graphic or gory, we won't watch.http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/16/could-graphic-new-anti-smoking-ads-do-more-harm.html

NBC's Today Show covered the persuasive appeal of a texting and driving public service announcement (PSA) that became an Internet sensation.Personally, my teens just got their licenses when this PSA came out and it was required for them to watch it for driver's training.But is it too graphic?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOTbAbKoL28

Do you tune out overly gory or graphic messages?

Bassham, G., Irwin, W,. Nardone, H. & Wallace, J.M. (2013)Critical Thinking: A Student's Introduction.(5th Ed). New York, NY. McGraw Hill

Sepkowitz, K.(2012).Could Graphic New Anti Smoking Ads Do More Harm?.Retrieved fromhttp://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/16/could-graphic-new-anti-smoking-ads-do-more-harm.html