Recall a time when you took an instant liking to another person in a non-romantic way. It might be a teacher you liked from the first day of class, a coach you trusted immediately, or a speaker at an event who clicked with you. Think about that individual's influence on you. Chances are that person had more potential to influence you than other teachers, coaches, or speakers. Why do some people have a greater ability to influence us than others? One way to understand how influence works is by recognizing the relationship between our attitudes, the context of a situation, and a person's characteristics. When there is a connection between people, those individuals can be persuaded. In many industries, the key to success is in understanding that connection. Media experts, for example, know the importance of connecting an audience to the characters on a show. Analyze a fictional show on television or the Internet for elements of influence demonstrated in characters' traits, actions, and attitudes. As with previous course activities, you will also consider the ethics of the strategies and techniques used by the fictional character(s) to influence others. If you have not done so already, choose a fictional show that is rated G or PG, such as a situational comedy or a drama. Watch one episode, paying attention to the situational factors, main characters' traits, and characteristics of their attitudes. Consider who is the chief influencer in the episode and who is the main target of that influence.

• Identify the show you chose and summarize the context of the episode. Who was the influencer, and who was being influenced? Include characters on the show and audience members, if relevant.
• Evaluate how the context of the show (norms and roles) influenced if the adult persuader was successful or not and why.
• Explain how the culture of the show and your own culture influenced you as a viewer and influenced your analysis of the show.
• Evaluate the influence of the persuader from an ethical perspective and discuss how you applied a particular ethical code from an organization you see in the Resource List. Be specific.