Rhetoric is a technique for influencing and persuading readers via the use of words. Its goal is to investigate the methods used by authors or presenters to enlighten, convince, or motivate certain audiences in various contexts. For specific attention and impact, rhetoric may be found in literature, politics, and marketing, employing a range of figurative language strategies depending on the intended goal. 

The 2019 Pepsi SuperBowl ad, “More Than Okay,” appeals to individuals who prefer anything to Pepsi by invoking ethos and through the use of celebs and humor in the aim of attracting consumers to Pepsi goods. Pepsi employs ethos by endorsing the product with three well-known celebrities. These celebrities are highly-liked, and if they drink Pepsi, the viewers will as well. Pepsi’s advertisement is aimed towards Cardi B’s, Steve Carell’s, and Lil Jon’s fan bases, allowing a broader audience to be persuaded. The tone with which the phrase “okay” is stated changes from the beginning to the finish of the advertisement. The customer requests Coke at the start of the ad, and the waiter responds by asking whether Pepsi is ‘okay.’ He says it in a tone that implies it was okay, but not the best drink because Coke has always been the ultimate drink. Steve Carell then appears, shocked by this comment. He asks sarcastically “Are puppies okay?” “Is a shooting star acceptable?” …and so on, essentially questioning if the best things in life are okay. These inquiries help him come to the conclusion where, yes, Pepsi is more than okay. The tone and meaning of ‘okay’ now has a whole new concept of delightfulness and excellence rather than merely a reasonable and acceptable alternative for Coke. Imagery is another example of a rhetorical device, as shown in this ad. The Pepsi can is adorned and gleaming as Cardi B appears in the commercial. The lady at the table is so enthralled with Cardi B and the Pepsi can that her order switches from a Coke to a Pepsi.