Persuasive devices

Speaker's Qualifications

A speaker should establish his/her qualifications to speak on a subject.

Audience

It is important for the speaker to be aware of the audience being addressed.

Occasion

The time and place at which a speech is presented will affect its content.

Rhetorical Question

These are questions that the speaker does not expect people to answer verbally.

Restatement

A speaker uses this method to state the same/similar idea(s) in a variety of ways.

Repetition

When using repetition, a writer/speaker restates an idea using the same EXACT words.

Parallelism

This refers to the repeated use of phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in grammatical structure or meaning.

Anticipation

Writers must consider other points of view, including the opposition.

Concession

This is an important device that allows a writer to 'gain the ear' of the audience.

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

Aphorism

A short, pointed statement expressing a wise or clever observation or a general truth.

Purpose

The reason for writing/delivering the speech.

Strength of Argument

Is there logical support for the argument?

Technique

Writers/speakers must decide which techniques will best serve his/her purpose.

Logos

Attempt to persuade using reasoning or a logical argument.

Pathos

Attempt to persuade using an appeal to the audience's emotions.

Ethos

Attempt to persuade using an ethical appeal, based on character.