Rhetorical Devices 

^^Introduction:^^

  • A rhetorical device is a linguistic tool that employs a particular type of sentence structure, sound, or pattern of meaning in order to evoke a particular reaction from an audience. Each rhetorical device is a distinct tool that can be used to construct an argument or make an existing argument more compelling.

  • Any time you try to inform, persuade, or argue with someone, you’re engaging in rhetoric. If you’ve ever had an emotional reaction to a speech or changed your mind about an issue after hearing a skilled debater's rebuttal, you've experienced the power of rhetoric. By developing a basic knowledge of rhetorical devices, you can improve your ability to process and convey information while also strengthening your persuasive skills.

==Types of Rhetorical Devices==

Rhetorical devices are loosely organized into the following four categories:

  • ==Logos:== Devices in this category seek to convince and persuade via logic and reason, and will usually make use of statistics, cited facts, and statements by authorities to make their point and persuade the listener.
  • ==Pathos:== These rhetorical devices base their appeal in emotion. This could mean invoking sympathy or pity in the listener or making the audience angry in the service of inspiring action or changing their mind about something.
  • ==Ethos:== Ethical appeals try to convince the audience that the speaker is a credible source, that their words have weight and must be taken seriously because they are serious and have the experience and judgment necessary to decide what’s right.
  • ==Kairos:== This is one of the most difficult concepts in rhetoric; devices in this category are dependent on the idea that the time has come for a particular idea or action. The very timeliness of the idea is part of the argument.

^^1.      Alliteration^^, a sonic device, is the repetition of the initial sound of each word (e.g., Alan the antelope ate asparagus).

^^2.     Onomatopoeia^^, a sonic device, refers to a word that emulates the real-life sound it signifies (e.g., using the word "bang" to signify an explosion).

^^3.     Humor^^ creates connection and identification with audience members, thus increasing the likelihood that they will agree with the speaker. Humor can also be used to deflate counterarguments and make opposing points of view appear ridiculous.

^^4.     Anaphora^^ is the repetition of certain words or phrases at the beginning of sentences to increase the power of a sentiment. Perhaps the best-known example of anaphora is Martin Luther King Jr.'s repetition of the phrase "I have a dream."

^^5.     Hyperbole^^ is an exaggerated statement that conveys emotion and raises the bar for other speakers. Once you make a hyperbolic statement like “My idea is going to change the world," other speakers will have to respond in kind or their more measured words may seem dull and uninspiring in comparison.