Section 3 – Speech – Rhetorical Devices

A set of rhetorical devices you can use for enhancing your speech writing

Alliteration

the repetition of initial consonant letters (or sounds)in two or more different words across successive sentences, clauses, or phrase

Allusion

a reference to something literary, mythological, or historical that the author assumes the reader will recgonize

Analogy

a comparison of two different things that are similar in some way

Anaphora

repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses

Anecdote

a brief narrative that focuses on a particular incident or event

Antithesis

a statement in which two opposing ideas are balanced

Asyndeton

a construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions

Epistrophe

repetition of the same word or phrase at the ends of successive clauses

Ethos

the persuasive appeal of one's character, or credibility

Euphemism

an indirect, less offensive way of saying something that is considered unpleasant

Figurative Language

language employing one or more figures of speech

Hyperbole

intentional exaggeration to create an effect

Imagery

the use of figures of speech to create vivid images that appeal to one of the senses

Jargon

the specialized language or vocabulary of a particular group or profession

Juxtaposition

placing two elements side by side to present a comparison or contrast

Logos

appeal to reason or logic

Paradox

an apparently contradictory statement that actually contains some truth

Parallel Structure

using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance

Pathos

the quality in a work that prompts the reader to feel pity

Personification

endowing non-human objects or creatures with human qualities or characteristics

Polysyndeton

the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural

Rhetorical Question

a question asked merely for rhetorical effect and not requiring an answer

Syntax

the manner in which words are arranged into sentences

Antanaclasis

Repetition of a word in two different senses. "Your argument is sound, nothing but sound."

Anadiplosis

Repeating the last word of one clause at the start of the next—great for analyzing rhythm and emphasis.

Dysphemism

A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one.