[English] How to analyze a speech

anaphora

anaphora

Definition: repetition of identical words/phrases at the beginning

Effect: alerts the reader/audience to an important idea, helps to remember

simile

Definition: comparison linked by “as” or “like”

Effect: creates image, easier to understand

metaphor

Definition: Comparison of things that are not normally linked without the use of “like”

Effect: creates image, easier to understand, powerful description

direct adress

Definition: directly talking to or addressing the reader/audience

Effect: gains attention, more likely to listen closely/respond, implies bond

parallelism

Definition: repetition of the same or similar syntactical form

Effect: alerts the reader/audience to an important idea, helps to remember, creates familiarity with text

rhetorical question

Definition: a question to which the answer is obvious and therefore not expected

Effect: active listening, engagement, emphasizes point

hyperbole

Definition: extravagant exaggeration

Effect: amusing, helps visualize, emphasizes opinion

antithesis

Definition: Contrast between two ideas, structure is similar

Effect: emphasizes idea, easier to understand, draws attention to contrast

onomatopoeia

Definition: using words that imitate the sound they denote

Effect: feel closer to the author, author's POV, experience situation

informal language (= personal/colloquial)

Effect: builds casual and relaxed relationship with reader/audience

formal language

Effect: authoritative, powerful = more influence

inclusive pronouns

Definition: Usage of "we"

Effect: everyone is one (group) and has one opinion, gains attention, direct engagement

claim

Definition: statement essentially arguable, but used as a primary point to support or prove an argument

Effect: presupposes that everyone agrees with him, knows the feelings of the audience

enumeration

Definition: listing out items, events, ideas, or other parts of a story/setting

Effect: breaks down a problem, easier to understand and remeber

rule of three

Definition: collection of three related elements

Effect: memorable

personification

Definition: giving things, animals and abstract ideas human traits

Effect: vivid image

irony

Definition: meaning the opposite of what is said

Effect: draws attention to point, shows attitude

emotive language

Definition: language that relates or appeals to your emotions

Effect: emphasized message and attitude, more convincing, imagine it better

climax

Definition: words ordered by increasing importance

Effect: build excitement or anticipation, grabs attention

facts and figures

Definition: use of valid data, statistics etc.

Effect: convincing, adds weight, reliability, back up claim

personal experience

Definition: describe personal experience

Effect: personal relationship, better understanding