Using Ironic Techniques Used In Turbotax's Humpty

By using a childhood nursery rhyme character in a real-world situation, TurboTax’s commercial uses techniques of pathos and logos to capture and connect with the viewers’ emotions and convince its viewers of the company’s services. TurboTax’s “Humpty Hospital” commercial successfully convinces the audience that its services are dependable and can provide some sense of relief during a time of need. TurboTax’s commerical, through its use of of the nursery rhyme characters, uses humor to make the initial emotional connection with the viewers. When the commerical begins, seeing the horse waiting outside the hallway, immediately captures the viewers attention and interest. The nurses, themselves, even question who they (the kingsmen) are? As a viewer, one wonders, what a horse could possibly be doing waiting outside a hospital room. The humor continues as the commerical shows egg yolk running out and down through one of Humpty Dumpty’s injuries. The viewer also cannot help but chuckle when the kingsman blames Humpty Dumpty for his own fall and Humpty Dumpty quickly snaps back at him.

By using the nursery rhyme characters of Humpty Dumtpy and the kingsmen, the majority of the viewers will almost certainly make a connection with the commerical, as the characters bring back childhood memories. The emotional appeal continues as Humpty Dumpty is seen in a hospital struggling with his injuries. It is not difficult for a viewer to imagine himself or herself lying in hospital bed during an emergency situation. The worry and stress of hospital bills and finances are another thing many viewers can relate to, and the commerical sends the message to the viewers that they can count on TurboTax to