Rhetorical devices

Diction

A writer or speaker’s strategic use of specific words or phrases created to communicate a particular meaning or purpose

Tone

The attitude a writer wants to convey to their audience through their use of words and other rhetorical techniques

Repetition

When a writer or speaker repeats any words, clauses, or phrases in order to emphasize or highlight their message or purpose

Anaphora

A type of repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences

Epiphora

A type of repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences

Polysyndeton

The repetition of conjunctions such as “and,” “or,” “for,” and “but” in close succession, especially when most of them can be replaced with a comma

Asyndeton

When a writer omits conjunctions such as “and” or “or” in order to emphasize or highlight a specific point or develop an effect for the audience

Rhetorical questions

A question that is imposed by the speaker without intention to receive an answer. The question is asked to create a dramatic effect or allow the audience to think and reflect

Imagery

A writer’s use of vivid descriptions in order to explain and create a picture of a situation to their audience. 

Types of Imagery: based on 5 senses

• Visual Imagery (Sight)

• Auditory Imagery (Sound)

• Tactile Imagery (Touch)

• Olfactory Imagery (Smell)

• Gustatory Imagery (Taste)

Metaphor

When a writer draws an imaginative comparison between two unlike things to emphasize a point or develop an idea or concept

Analogy

When a writer draws a comparison between two things that are similar in order to illustrate a larger point due to their commonalities. Analogies are not meant to only make a comparison but also provide additional explanation and context

Anecdote

When a writer includes a miniature narrative or intriguing short story from their life in order to support or highlight a greater point

Juxtaposition

When a writer highlights the contrast or difference between two (ideas) things by putting them in close proximity to help develop an idea or concept

Antithesis

Opposing/ contrasting ideas are expressed parallel to one another in a sentence to highlight their relationship. (close proximity)

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. (extremely close proximity)

Paradox

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true

Allusion

Figurative language that indirectly and casually refers to a person, event, or idea that is famous and classified as “common knowledge.” When making an allusion a speaker is not directly mentioning the person, event, or idea

Symbolism

When a writer uses symbols,  through words, people, locations, objects, events, or abstract ideas to represent something beyond the literal meaning

Rhetorical Appeals

Ethos - appeals to the audience through credibility and trust

Pathos - appeals to the audience through emotions 

Logos - appeals to the audience through logic and reasoning

Exigence

A writer’s call to action based on extrinsic factors such as: time, place, occasion, societal circumstances, etc. It is the motivating factor or spark that inspires a writer to open the discussion on a topic or issue