Rhetorical Strategies

Facts/Logic

Simply stating the truth; using logic to arrive at conclusions.

Rhetorical questions

Questions asked where an answer is not expected; used to make the audience think.

Facts/Logic

Simply stating the truth; using logic to arrive at conclusions.

Rhetorical questions

Questions asked where an answer is not expected; used to make the audience think.

Polarizing questions

Questions that provide only two possible answers at opposite poles of thought.

Real questions

Questions where an answer is expected.

Saying the opposite of what you mean

Sometimes used with self-deprecation; used for dramatic effect.

Establishing something in common with audience

Attempt to elicit trust and credibility; can be insincere or tenuous.

Allusion

Reference to a historical, classical, or Biblical figure or symbol to give weight to content.

Irony

Saying something that seems to mean one thing, but in reality also means something entirely else.

Sarcasm

A biting tone employed with another strategy, often perceived as mean.

Self-deprecation

False modesty; putting oneself down to appear modest or charming.

Dramatic pauses

Pauses used for effect in speech.

Arousing curiosity or suspense

Can be accomplished by giving minimal information or asking a question.

Using props

Objects used during a presentation to support ideas or concepts.

Symbolism

A thing resonating with a larger meaning than itself.

Metaphor/simile

Implied comparison of two unlike things through figurative language.

Repetition

The act of repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

Anaphora

Deliberate repetition of the beginning of a sentence to build momentum.

Parallelism

Balancing sentences in structure or meaning.

Inverted syntax

Unexpected word order in sentences.

Anecdote

A brief story or account used to illustrate a point.

Metonymy

Using one word, often an object, to refer to a larger entity.

Antithesis

A balanced juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in parallel construction.