best rhetorical devices for speeches

My Favorite Speeches for Rhetorical Analysis: 10 Speeches for Middle School ELA and High School English

Teaching rhetorical analysis is one of my absolute favorite units to complete with my students. I love teaching my students about rhetorical strategies and devices, analyzing what makes an effective and persuasive argument, and reading critical speeches with my students. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite speeches for rhetorical analysis.

I absolutely LOVE teaching rhetorical analysis. I think it might be one of my favorite units to teach to my high school students. There are just so many different text options to choose from. Here is a list of some of my favorite speeches to include in my rhetorical analysis teaching unit.

10 Speeches for Teaching Rhetorical Analysis

1. the gettysburg address (abraham lincoln).

Some notable things to mention in this speech include allusion and parallel structure. To make your analysis more meaningful, point out these devices to students and explain how these devices enhance the meaning of the text.

Teaching Resource : The Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis Activity Packet

2. Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech (Lou Gehrig)

This speech is one that many of my athletes love to analyze, and it is an excellent exemplar text to teach pathos. And like The Gettysburg Address, it is short. This is another speech that you can read, analyze, and even write about in one class period.

When I use this speech in my class, I have students look for examples of pathos. Mainly, I have them look at word choice, tone, and mood. How does Lou Gehrig’s choice of words affect his tone and the overall mood of the speech?

3. I Have a Dream (Martin Luther King,  Jr.)

In the classroom, it is important to point out the sermonic feel to the speech and also to have your students look for calls to action and pathos. Have your students look for tone, allusions, and word choice to help them notice these rhetoric expressions throughout it.

Teaching Resource : I Have a Dream Close Read and Rhetorical Analysis

4. Speech at the March on Washington (Josephine Baker)

This is another important speech that held a lot of importance for the changes that needed to be made in America. The speech is a shorter one, so in the classroom, it will not take as long to analyze it, and students can understand the significance of the use of rhetoric in a shorter amount of time than some other speeches.

When teaching this speech, I like to remind my students to search for devices that portray an excellent example of the pathos that is so present in this speech. Some of these devices could be mood, repetition, and diction.

5. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech (Steve Jobs)

In class, it is good to have your students annotate and analyze the speech just as they have done for the others. The organization of the speech will help them to notice the similarities and differences between each point Jobs makes.

6. Space Shuttle Challenger (Ronald Reagan)

This speech represents a strong sense of pathos as a movement to help the American people cope with loss after the deaths of the astronauts aboard the Challenger. It is another speech that is not too long, so it should not take a long time to both analyze and annotate the entire speech.

When teaching this speech in class, be sure to mention how pathos is the driving force behind the speech, through the tone and the diction. How does Reagan use emotion to focus on the astronauts as humans, rather than solely focusing on the tragedy?

7. The Perils of Indifference (Elie Wiesel)

This speech is a good one to teach because it both makes students question their own lives, but also how the world works. The speech relies on pathos, and a little ethos too, to get the audience to feel the full effect of the tragedy of the Holocaust and what the speaker went through. It is a long speech so it may take longer for the students to fully grasp all the details that make it such a persuasive speech.

When I teach this speech, I like to have students annotate every place they notice an example of pathos, and then have them explain why in their annotations this makes them feel an emotion. The same with the ethos, and then we can further analyze the rest together.

8. 9/11 Address to the Nation (George W. Bush)

This speech shows another example of the use of pathos in the midst of a tragedy. The President wanted to show the American people how much he was feeling for those lost in the tragedy of 9/11. It is not a long speech, but the amount of emotion within the words is significant for students to notice.

When teaching this speech, it is essential that students look very closely at each part of it, noticing each piece that reveals tone, mood, and other literary devices. How do the different devices add to the pathos of the speech?

FREE TEACHING ACTIVITY : September 11 Address to the Nation Sampler

Teaching Resource : September 11 Address to the Nation Rhetorical Analysis Unit

9. We are Virginia Tech (Nikki Giovanni)

This speech is probably the shortest speech on this list but provides one of the most emotional and pathos-filled rhetoric. This describes another tragedy that is spoken about with pathos to give the audience a safe feeling after such an emotional thing. Students can spend time analyzing the different devices that make the piece so strong in its emotion.

In the classroom, make sure your students make a note of the repetition, and what that does for the speech. Does it make the emotion more impactful? How does it make the audience feel like they are a part of something bigger?

10. Woman’s Right to the Suffrage (Susan B. Anthony)

This is another short speech that holds a lot of power within it. A lot of students will enjoy reading this to see how much the country has changed, and how this speech may have some part in influencing this change. It is a great speech to help teach logos in the classroom, and it will not take a long time to analyze.

Make sure your students notice, and they also understand, the use of allusions within the speech. These allusions help to establish the use of logos, as Anthony wants the use of American historical documents to show how logical her argument is.

Ready-For-You Rhetorical Analysis Teaching Unit

You might also be interested in my blog post about 15 rhetorical analysis questions to ask your students.

Teaching rhetorical analysis and speeches in the classroom is a great way to teach informational text reading standards.

Rhetorical Analysis Teaching Resources:

These resources follow reading standards for informational text and are ideal for secondary ELA teachers.

• Rhetorical Analysis Unit with Sticky Notes
• Ethos, Pathos, Logos: Understanding Rhetorical Appeals\
• Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book

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15 Examples of Powerful Rhetorical Devices to Level Up Your Communication Skills

• The Speaker Lab
• July 9, 2024

Table of Contents

When it comes to mastering the art of public speaking , there are plenty of skills you might focus on improving. One such skill is the use of rhetorical devices in your speech. From Abraham Lincoln to modern-day authors, these tools have shaped unforgettable narratives and compelling arguments. In this article, we’ll explore some key examples of rhetorical devices that you can incorporate into your own writing to captivate and persuade. By the end, you’ll see how these techniques quietly work behind the scenes to make words come alive.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

Before we study some examples of rhetorical devices, let’s first define what they actually are. Rhetorical devices are techniques or language used to convey a point or convince an audience. And they’re not just for English teachers or literature buffs—politicians, businesspeople, and even your favorite novelists all use rhetorical devices to persuade and impact their audiences.

While there’s some overlap with literary devices like metaphors, rhetorical devices are specifically designed to appeal to the reader’s sensibilities. In other words, they make an argument more compelling, memorable, and persuasive by tapping into emotions, logic, credibility, and style.

Common Types of Rhetorical Devices

So what exactly are these mysterious rhetorical devices? There are actually dozens of different techniques, each with its own unique effect. Some of the most common types include:

• Ethos: Appeal to the credibility and character of the speaker
• Pathos: Appeal to the emotions of the audience
• Logos: Appeal to logic and reason
• Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis
• Analogies: Comparing two things to show similarities
• Rhetorical questions: Asking a question for effect, not an answer

These are just a few examples, but they give you a sense of the variety and power of rhetorical devices. Each one serves a specific purpose in crafting a persuasive message.

Purpose of Using Rhetorical Devices in Writing

Of course, you may be wondering why you should bother with all these rhetorical devices in the first place. Can’t you just say what you mean and call it a day? You certainly could, but if you want your writing to have a real impact, rhetorical devices are key.

The purpose of using rhetorical devices in writing is to:

• Engage the reader’s emotions and imagination
• Make your arguments more memorable and persuasive
• Establish your credibility and authority on the topic
• Add style and flair to your prose

Essentially, rhetorical devices are like secret weapons that help your writing pack a punch. They take your arguments from bland to brilliant by tapping into the power of language.

Of course, like any tool, rhetorical devices must be used skillfully and strategically. You can’t just sprinkle them in willy-nilly and expect your writing to improve. It takes practice and finesse to wield them effectively.

But don’t worry—in the next section, we’ll cover some concrete rhetorical devices examples to help you get started. For now, just remember: rhetorical devices are help give your speech a polished feel. Learn to use them wisely, and your writing will reap the benefits.

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15 Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Literature and Everyday Language

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what rhetorical devices are and why they matter, let’s dive into some specific examples. Once you start looking for them, you can find these devices everywhere, whether it’s in famous speeches, classic literature, pop songs, and even everyday conversations. Let’s dive in.

Rhetorical Questions

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, not expecting an answer. These questions are designed to make the reader or listener think, emphasizing a point or provoking an emotional response.

• “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” ( The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare)
• “Are you kidding me?” (Everyday speech)

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. It creates a rhythmic, musical quality that makes phrases more memorable.

• “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” (Tongue twister)
• “‘Cause, baby, now we got bad blood.” (“Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift)

Another example of a rhetorical device is an allusion. This technique makes an indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work. It relies on the reader’s existing knowledge to make a connection and thus enrich the meaning of the text.

• “I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.” (Reference to Greek myth of Atlas)
• “If you’re Juliet, then I’m your Romeo.” (Allusion to Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet )

Amplification

Amplification involves repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to clarify meaning. It’s used to emphasize certain points and expand on important ideas.

• “Love, true love, will follow you forever.” ( The Princess Bride )
• “A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” (The Twits by Roald Dahl)

An analogy is a comparison between two things to show their similarities. It helps explain complex ideas by relating them to more familiar concepts.

• “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” ( Forrest Gump )
• “Finding a good man is like finding a needle in a haystack.” (Common expression)

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Not only does it create a powerful rhythmic effect, but it also emphasizes key themes or ideas.

• “I have a dream that one day…” (Repeated throughout MLK’s famous speech)
• “It rained on his lousy tombstone, and it rained on the grass on his stomach. It rained all over the place.” (Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger)

Antanagoge involves placing a criticism and compliment together to lessen the impact. It’s a way of simultaneously acknowledging a fault and offering a positive perspective.

• “The car is not pretty, but it runs great.” (Everyday speech)
• “April showers bring May flowers.” (Common expression)

Antimetabole

As you’ve seen in some examples already, rhetorical devices often utilize repetition to create a certain effect. Antimetabole is no different. In order to use this technique, a writer must repeat words or phrases in reverse order for emphasis. The inverted parallelism creates a memorable, catchy effect.

• “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” (JFK’s inaugural address)
• “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” (Common expression)

Antiphrasis

Antiphrasis uses a word with an opposite meaning for ironic or humorous effect. It’s a form of sarcasm or understatement that draws attention to the contrast between what is said and reality.

• “Oh, I love being stuck in traffic.” (Sarcastic everyday speech)
• “I was awakened by the dulcet tones of Frank, the morning doorman, alternately yelling my name, ringing my doorbell, and pounding on my apartment door…” ( Filthy Rich by Dorothy Samuels)

Antithesis juxtaposes two contrasting ideas in parallel structure. The stark contrast not only emphasizes the conflict between the ideas but also adds vibrancy to the language.

• “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong)
• “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” (Alexander Pope)

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. It adds both extra details and context about the original noun.

• “My brother, a talented musician, taught himself guitar.” (Everyday speech)
• “Mr. Knightley, a sensible man about seven or eight-and-thirty, was not only a very old and intimate friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder brother of Isabella’s husband.” ( Emma by Jane Austen)

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. Much like alliteration, it creates a musical or rhythmic effect that can make language more memorable.

• “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.” (Song lyric from My Fair Lady )
• “Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” (Common expression)

Asyndeton refers to a practice in literature whereby the author purposely leaves out conjunctions in the sentence, while maintaining the grammatical accuracy of the phrase. It helps speed up the rhythm of the prose being constructed.

• “I came, I saw, I conquered.” (Julius Caesar)
• “Live, laugh, love.” (Everyday expression)

Cacophony is the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing, and unmelodious sounds—primarily those of consonants—in order to achieve desired results. For instance, the author might be trying to create a spooky atmosphere or engage the reader’s auditory senses.

• “My stick fingers click with a snicker/And, chuckling, they knuckle the keys.” (“Player Piano” by John Updike)
• “Beware the Jabberwock, my son./The jaws that bite, the claws that catch.” (“Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll)

Chiasmus is a “two-part sentence or phrase, where the second part is a reversal of the first.” As you may notice from the examples below, this rhetorical device is strikingly similar to antimetabole. However, whereas antimetabole uses the same or similar wording in reverse, chiasmus merely “mirrors related concepts by repeating elements of a sentence.” As a result, chiasmus allows for a bit more freedom of expression while still creating a parallel sentence structure.

• “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” (Billy Joel)
• “Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.” (Proverbs 11:19)

As you can see, rhetorical devices can be found anywhere, from political speeches to pop songs to everyday expressions. By understanding how these techniques work, you can harness their power in your own writing and speech.

How to Effectively Use Rhetorical Devices in Your Writing

Mastering the art of using rhetorical devices can take your writing to the next level. In order to truly harness the power of rhetorical devices, however, you need to approach them strategically and with purpose. Let’s break it down.

Identify Your Purpose

Before you start adding rhetorical devices to your writing, take a step back and consider your purpose. What do you want to achieve with your piece? Are you trying to persuade your audience, evoke emotion, or simply inform them? When you understand your goal, you can choose the most appropriate devices to support your message.

Choose Appropriate Devices

Once you’ve identified your purpose, it’s time to select the rhetorical devices that will best serve your writing. This is where really understanding the different types of devices comes in handy. For example, if you want to create a sense of urgency, you might opt for rhetorical devices such as repetition or hyperbole . If you’re aiming to establish credibility, then you might lean towards allusion or ethos .

Use Them Sparingly

While using rhetorical devices is a great way to make your speeches shine, it’s important not to go overboard. In fact, overusing these techniques can actually weaken your writing and make it feel gimmicky or insincere. Instead, use them sparingly and strategically, like a chef adding just the right amount of seasoning to enhance a dish.

Ensure Clarity

While rhetorical devices can add depth and impact to your writing, they should never come at the expense of clarity. Your audience should still be able to easily understand your message, even with the added flourishes. If a device is making your writing confusing or convoluted, then it’s time to rethink its use.

Practice and Revise

Like any skill, effectively using rhetorical devices takes practice. When you write, experiment with different techniques and see how they impact your work. Don’t be afraid to revise and refine your use of devices as you go. Over time, you’ll develop a keen sense of when and how to deploy these powerful tools for maximum impact.

By following these guidelines and continually honing your craft, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of using rhetorical devices in your writing. Remember, the goal is not to show off your literary prowess, but rather to enhance your message and engage your audience on a deeper level.

The Impact of Rhetorical Devices on Audience Engagement

If you’re looking for ways to engage your audience, then rhetorical devices are great examples of how to do so effectively. But that’s not all that they can do. Rhetorical devices can also create emphasis, evoke emotions, enhance memorability, and establish credibility. If you’re a writer, then understanding the impact these techniques can have on your audience is crucial.

Creating Emphasis

One of the most powerful ways rhetorical devices engage audiences is by creating emphasis. Rhetorical devices like repetition, amplification, and antithesis, for example, can highlight key ideas or arguments, making them stand out in the reader’s mind. By strategically emphasizing certain points, you can guide your audience’s attention and ensure your most important messages hit home.

Evoking Emotions

Rhetorical devices are also incredibly effective at evoking emotions in your audience. Whether you want to inspire, motivate, or persuade, techniques like metaphor , hyperbole, and rhetorical questions can tap into your reader’s feelings and create a powerful emotional connection. And when your audience feels something, they’re more likely to stay engaged and invested in your message.

Enhancing Memorability

If you want someone to remember your speech, then rhetorical devices are crucial. Techniques such as alliteration, assonance, and chiasmus create a sense of rhythm and balance in your writing. By crafting passages with these rhetorical devices, you can ensure that your ideas don’t just sound good, but also linger long after your audience has finished reading.

Establishing Credibility

Finally, rhetorical devices can play a crucial role in establishing your credibility as a writer. By skillfully employing techniques such as allusion, ethos, and logos, you demonstrate your expertise and authority on a subject. When your audience perceives you as knowledgeable and trustworthy, they’re more likely to engage with your ideas and take your message to heart.

By understanding the impact of rhetorical devices on audience engagement and using them effectively in your writing, you can take your work to new heights. Whether you’re crafting a persuasive essay, a compelling blog post, or a powerful speech, these techniques are your secret weapon for captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression. So go forth and wield them wisely.

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Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Famous Speeches

Throughout history, great orators and writers have used rhetorical devices in order to captivate their audiences and drive home their points. Below are several famous speeches and essays that showcase the power of these techniques. So if you are looking for examples of how to use rhetorical devices effectively, then you’ve come to the right place.

“The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” is a short speech, but it packs a rhetorical punch. In just a few minutes, Lincoln manages to honor the fallen soldiers, reaffirm the principles of the Declaration of Independence, and call on his audience to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of the war.

One of the key devices Lincoln uses is antithesis, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas. “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here,” he says, contrasting the fleeting nature of words with the permanence of actions.

Lincoln also employs epistrophe  (the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses) when he says, “of the people, by the people, for the people.” This technique drives home the central theme of the speech: that the war was fought in order to preserve a government based on popular sovereignty.

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the most iconic speeches in American history, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” is a masterclass in the use of rhetorical devices. Throughout the speech, King employs techniques like anaphora, allusion, and metaphor to paint a vivid picture of his vision for a more just and equal society.

The well-known line from King’s speech “I have a dream” illustrates the power of anaphora, as it is repeated throughout his speech in order to emphasize his wish for equality. King also makes use of allusion, referencing the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and the Bible to tie his message to the larger American and Christian traditions. In addition, his metaphors, like “the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity,” make abstract concepts concrete and emotionally resonant.

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill

Delivered at a time when Britain stood alone against the might of Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech is a stirring call to arms. Churchill uses a variety of rhetorical devices to inspire his audience and project confidence in the face of overwhelming odds.

One of the most prominent devices in the speech is anaphora. Churchill repeats the phrase “we shall fight” multiple times, each time in a different context: “we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air.” This repetition hammers home the message of defiance and determination.

Churchill also makes use of metaphor, comparing the British Empire and its allies to “the old lion” and Nazi Germany to “the new and terrible enemy.” These vivid images help to paint the conflict in stark, almost mythic terms.

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen” by William Shakespeare

Though not a real-life speech, Mark Antony’s funeral oration in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a fictional example of rhetorical mastery. Antony’s speech is a brilliant manipulation of the crowd’s emotions, turning them against Brutus and the other conspirators and inciting them to riot.

One of Antony’s key techniques is irony. Throughout the speech, he repeatedly refers to Brutus as an “honorable man,” while providing evidence that contradicts this characterization. This irony helps to undermine Brutus’s credibility and cast doubt on his motives.

Antony also makes effective use of pathos, the appeal to emotion . He shows the crowd Caesar’s wounded body and reads his will, which leaves money to the citizens of Rome. These actions stir up feelings of grief and gratitude in the crowd, making them more receptive to Antony’s message.

These famous speeches demonstrate the power of rhetorical devices to shape opinion, stir emotion, and even change the course of history. When we study how great orators and writers have used these techniques, we can learn to communicate our own ideas more effectively and persuasively.

FAQs on Rhetorical Devices

What is an example of a rhetorical device.

Anaphora, the repetition of words at the start of successive phrases, helps create emotional impact. Think MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

What are the three most common rhetorical devices?

Alliteration, metaphor, and hyperbole top the list.

What is an example of a rhetorical technique?

Antithesis pairs opposites to highlight contrast. For instance, the statement “to err is human; to forgive, divine” employs antithesis.

The magic of effective communication often lies in mastering various rhetorical devices. Whether you’re crafting an inspiring speech or penning a thought-provoking essay, understanding these tools is crucial.

You’ve now seen how simple yet impactful techniques such as metaphors, analogies, and antitheses enrich our language. These aren’t just academic exercises; they’re practical strategies you can apply today. So as you write your next piece, remember to create emphasis with repetition, evoke emotions with vivid imagery, and add rhythm with alliteration. Happy writing!

• Last Updated: July 3, 2024

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The 20 Most Useful Rhetorical Devices

General Education

Rhetoric is the art of effective communication; if you communicate with others at all, rhetorical devices are your friends!

Rhetorical devices help you make points more effectively, and help people understand you better. In this article, I'll be covering some important rhetorical devices so you can improve your own writing! 

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

A lot of things that you would think of as just regular everyday modes of communicating are actually rhetorical devices That’s because ‘rhetorical devices’ is more or less a fancy way of saying ‘communication tools.’

Most people don’t plan out their use of rhetorical devices in communication, both because nobody thinks, “now would be a good time to use synecdoche in this conversation with my grocery clerk,” and because we use them so frequently that they don’t really register as “rhetorical devices.”

How often have you said something like, “when pigs fly!” Of those times, how often have you thought, “I’m using a rhetorical device!” That’s how ubiquitous they are!

However, being aware of what they are and how to use them can strengthen your communication , whether you do a lot of big speeches, write persuasive papers, or just argue with your friends about a TV show you all like.

Rhetorical devices can function at all levels: words, sentences, paragraphs, and beyond. Some rhetorical devices are just a single word, such as onomatopoeia. Others are phrases, such as metaphor, while still others can be sentence-length (such as a thesis), paragraph-length (hypophora), or go throughout the entire piece, such as a standard five-paragraph essay.

Many of these (such as the thesis or five-paragraph essay) are so standard and familiar to us that we may not think of them as devices. But because they help us shape and deliver our arguments effectively, they're important to know and understand.

The Most Useful Rhetorical Devices List

It would be impossible to list every single rhetorical device in one blog post. Instead, I've collected a mixture of extremely common devices you may have heard before and some more obscure ones that might be valuable to learn.

Amplification

Amplification is a little similar to parallelism: by using repetition, a writer expands on an original statement and increases its intensity .

Take this example from Roald Dahl’s The Twits :

“If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

In theory, we could have gotten the point with the first sentence. We don’t need to know that the more you think ugly thoughts, the uglier you become, nor that if you think good thoughts you won’t be ugly—all that can be contained within the first sentence. But Dahl’s expansion makes the point clearer, driving home the idea that ugly thoughts have consequences.

Amplification takes a single idea and blows it up bigger, giving the reader additional context and information to better understand your point. You don’t just have to restate the point— use amplification to expand and dive deeper into your argument to show readers and listeners how important it is!

Anacoluthon

Anacoluthon is a fancy word for a disruption in the expected grammar or syntax of a sentence. That doesn’t mean that you misspoke—using anacoluthon means that you’ve deliberately subverted your reader’s expectations to make a point.

For example, take this passage from King Lear :

“I will have such revenges on you both, That all the world shall—I will do such things, What they are, yet I know not…”

In this passage, King Lear interrupts himself in his description of his revenge. This has multiple effects on the reader: they wonder what all the world shall do once he has his revenge (cry? scream? fear him?), and they understand that King Lear has interrupted himself to regain his composure. This tells us something about him—that he’s seized by passion in this moment, but also that he regains control. We might have gathered one of those things without anacoluthon, but the use of this rhetorical device shows us both very efficiently.

Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis refers to purposeful repetition at the end of one sentence or clause and at the beginning of the next sentence or clause. In practice, that looks something like a familiar phrase from Yoda:

“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Note the way that the ending word of each sentence is repeated in the following sentence. That’s anadiplosis!

This rhetorical device draws a clear line of thinking for your reader or listener—repetition makes them pay closer attention and follow the way the idea evolves. In this case, we trace the way that fear leads to suffering through Yoda’s purposeful repetition.

Antanagoge is the balancing of a negative with a positive. For example, the common phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is antanagoge—it suggests a negative (lots of lemons) and follows that up with a positive (make lemonade).

When writing persuasively, this can be a great way to respond to potential detractors of your argument. Suppose you want to convince your neighborhood to add a community garden, but you think that people might focus on the amount of work required. When framing your argument, you could say something like, “Yes, it will be a lot of work to maintain, but working together will encourage us all to get to know one another as well as providing us with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.”

This is a little like procatalepsis, in that you anticipate a problem and respond to it. However, antanagoge is specifically balancing a negative with a positive, just as I did in the example of a garden needing a lot of work, but that work is what ultimately makes the project worth it.

Apophasis is a form of irony relating to denying something while still saying it. You’ll often see this paired with phrases like, “I’m not saying…” or “It goes without saying…”, both of which are followed up with saying exactly what the speaker said they weren’t going to say.

Take this speech from Iron Man 2 :

"I'm not saying I'm responsible for this country's longest run of uninterrupted peace in 35 years! I'm not saying that from the ashes of captivity, never has a phoenix metaphor been more personified! I'm not saying Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven't come across anyone man enough to go toe to toe with me on my best day! It's not about me."

Tony Stark isn’t saying that he’s responsible for all those things… except that’s exactly what he is saying in all of his examples. Though he says it’s not about him, it clearly is—all of his examples relate to how great he is, even as he proclaims that they aren’t.

A scene like this can easily be played for humor, but apophasis can also be a useful (albeit deceptive) rhetorical tool. For example, this argument:

Our neighborhood needs a community garden to foster our relationships with one another. Not only is it great for getting to know each other, but a community garden will also provide us with all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables. It would be wrong to say that people who disagree aren’t invested in others’ health and wellness, but those who have the neighborhood’s best interests in mind will support a community garden.

That last sentence is all apophasis. Not only did I imply that people who don’t support the community garden are anti-social and uncaring (by outright stating that I wouldn’t say that, but I also implied that they’re also not invested in the neighborhood at all. Stating things like this, by pretending you’re not saying them or saying the opposite, can be very effective.

Assonance and Alliteration

Assonance adds an abundance of attractive accents to all your assertions. That’s assonance—the practice repeating the same vowel sound in multiple words in a phrase or sentence, often at the beginning of a word, to add emphasis or musicality to your work. Alliteration is similar, but uses consonant sounds instead of vowel sounds.

Let’s use Romeo and Juliet as an example again:

“From forth the fatal loins of these two foes; A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.”

Here, we have repetition of the sounds ‘f’ and ‘l’ in ‘from forth...fatal...foes,’ and ‘loins...lovers...life.’

Even if you don’t notice the repetition as you’re reading, you can hear the effects in how musical the language sounds. Shakespeare could easily have just written something like, “Two kids from families who hate one another fell in love and died by suicide,” but that’s hardly as evocative as the phrasing he chose.

Both assonance and alliteration give your writing a lyrical sound, but they can do more than that, too. These tools can mimic associated sounds, like using many ‘p’ sounds to sound like rain or something sizzling, or ‘s’ sounds to mimic the sounds of a snake. When you’re writing, think about what alternative meanings you can add by emphasizing certain sounds.

Listen, asterismos is great. Don’t believe me? How did you feel after I began the first sentence with the word ‘listen?’ Even if you didn’t feel more inspired to actually listen, you probably paid a bit more attention because I broke the expected form. That’s what asterismos is—using a word or phrase to draw attention to the thought that comes afterward.

‘Listen’ isn’t the only example of asterismos, either. You can use words like, ‘hey,’ ‘look,’ ‘behold,’ ‘so,’ and so on. They all have the same effect: they tell the reader or listener, “Hey, pay attention—what I’m about to say is important.”

Dysphemism and Euphemism

Euphemism is the substitution of a more pleasant phrase in place of a familiar phrase, and dysphemism is the opposite —an un pleasant phrase substituted in place of something more familiar. These tools are two sides of the same coin. Euphemism takes an unpleasant thing and makes it sound nicer—such as using 'passed away' instead of 'died'—while dysphemism does the opposite, taking something that isn't necessarily bad and making it sound like it is.

We won’t get into the less savory uses of dysphemism, but there are plenty that can leave an impression without being outright offensive. Take ‘snail mail.’ A lot of us call postal mail that without any real malice behind it, but ‘snail’ implies slowness, drawing a comparison between postal mail and faster email. If you’re making a point about how going electronic is faster, better for the environment, and overall more efficient, comparing email to postal mail with the phrase ‘snail mail’ gets the point across quickly and efficiently.

Likewise, if you're writing an obituary, you probably don't want to isolate the audience by being too stark in your details. Using gentler language, like 'passed away' or 'dearly departed' allows you to talk about things that might be painful without being too direct. People will know what you mean, but you won't have to risk hurting anyone by being too direct and final with your language.

You’ve no doubt run into epilogues before, because they’re a common and particularly useful rhetorical device! Epilogues are a conclusion to a story or work that reveals what happens to the characters in the story. This is different from an afterword, which is more likely to describe the process of a book’s creation than to continue and provide closure to a story.

Many books use epilogues to wrap up loose ends, usually taking place in the future to show how characters have changed as a result of their adventures. Both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games series use their epilogues to show the characters as adults and provide some closure to their stories—in Harry Potter , the main characters have gotten married and had children, and are now sending those children to the school where they all met. This tells the reader that the story of the characters we know is over—they’re adults and are settled into their lives—but also demonstrates that the world goes on existing, though it’s been changed forever by the actions of the familiar characters.

Eutrepismus

Eutrepismus is another rhetorical device you’ve probably used before without realizing it. This device separates speech into numbered parts, giving your reader or listener a clear line of thinking to follow.

Eutrepismus is a great rhetorical device—let me tell you why. First, it’s efficient and clear. Second, it gives your writing a great sense of rhythm. Third, it’s easy to follow and each section can be expanded throughout your work.

See how simple it is? You got all my points in an easy, digestible format. Eutrepismus helps you structure your arguments and make them more effective, just as any good rhetorical device should do.

You’ve probably used hypophora before without ever thinking about it. Hypophora refers to a writer or speaker proposing a question and following it up with a clear answer. This is different from a rhetorical question—another rhetorical device—because there is an expected answer, one that the writer or speaker will immediately give to you.

Hypophora serves to ask a question the audience may have (even if they’re not entirely aware of it yet) and provide them with an answer. This answer can be obvious, but it can also be a means of leading the audience toward a particular point.

Take this sample from John F. Kennedy’s speech on going to the moon:

But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas? We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

In this speech, Kennedy outright states that he’s asking questions others have asked, and then goes on to answer them. This is Kennedy’s speech, so naturally it’s going to reflect his point of view, but he’s answering the questions and concerns others might have about going to the moon. In doing so, he’s reclaiming an ongoing conversation to make his own point. This is how hypophora can be incredibly effective: you control the answer, leaving less room for argument!

Litotes is a deliberate understatement, often using double negatives, that serves to actually draw attention to the thing being remarked upon. For example, saying something like, “It’s not pretty,” is a less harsh way to say “It’s ugly,” or “It’s bad,” that nonetheless draws attention to it being ugly or bad.

In Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: an American Slave , he writes:

“Indeed, it is not uncommon for slaves even to fall out and quarrel among themselves about the relative goodness of their masters, each contending for the superior goodness of his own over that of the others.”

Notice the use of “not uncommon.” Douglass, by using a double negative to make readers pay closer attention, points out that some slaves still sought superiority over others by speaking out in favor of their owners.

Litotes draws attention to something by understating it. It’s sort of like telling somebody not to think about elephants—soon, elephants becomes all they can think about. The double negative draws our attention and makes us focus on the topic because it’s an unusual method of phrasing.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to a sound represented within text as a mimicry of what that sound actually sounds like. Think “bang” or “whizz” or “oomph,” all of which can mean that something made that kind of a sound—”the door banged shut”—but also mimic the sound itself—”the door went bang .”

This rhetorical device can add emphasis or a little bit of spice to your writing. Compare, “The gunshot made a loud sound,” to “The gun went bang .” Which is more evocative?

Parallelism

Parallelism is the practice of using similar grammar structure, sounds, meter, and so on to emphasize a point and add rhythm or balance to a sentence or paragraph.

One of the most famous examples of parallelism in literature is the opening of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities :

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way— in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

In the beginning, every phrase begins with “It was,” which is itself a parallelism. But there are also pairs of parallelism within the sentence, too; “It was the ___ of times, it was the ___ of times,” and “it was the age of ___, it was the age of ___.”

Parallelism draws your reader deeper into what you’re saying and provides a nice sense of flow, even if you’re talking about complicated ideas. The ‘epoch of incredulity’ is a pretty meaty phrase, but Dickens’ parallelism sets up a series of dichotomies for us; even if we don’t know quite what it means, we can figure it out by comparing it to ‘belief.’

Personification

Personification is a rhetorical device you probably run into a lot without realizing it. It’s a form of metaphor, which means two things are being compared without the words like or as—in this case, a thing that is not human is given human characteristics.

Personification is common in poetry and literature, as it’s a great way to generate fresh and exciting language, even when talking about familiar subjects. Take this passage from Romeo and Juliet , for example:

“When well-appareled April on the heel Of limping winter treads.”

April can’t wear clothes or step on winter, and winter can’t limp. However, the language Shakespeare uses here is quite evocative. He’s able to quickly state that April is beautiful (“well-appareled”) and that winter is coming to an end (“limping winter”). Through personification, we get a strong image for things that could otherwise be extremely boring, such as if Shakespeare had written, “When beautiful April comes right after winter.”

Procatalepsis

Procatalepsis is a rhetorical device that anticipates and notes a potential objection, heading it off with a follow-up argument to strengthen the point. I know what you’re thinking—that sounds really complicated! But bear with me, because it’s actually quite simple.

See how that works? I imagined that a reader might be confused by the terminology in the first sentence, so I noted that potential confusion, anticipating their argument. Then, I addressed that argument to strengthen my point—procatalepsis is easy, which you can see because I just demonstrated it!

Anticipating a rebuttal is a great way to strengthen your own argument. Not only does it show that you’ve really put thought into what you’re saying, but it also leaves less room for disagreement!

Synecdoche is a rhetorical device that uses a part of something to stand in for the whole. That can mean that we use a small piece of something to represent a whole thing (saying ‘let’s grab a slice’ when we in fact mean getting a whole pizza), or using something large to refer to something small. We often do this with sports teams–for example, saying that New England won the Super Bowl when we in fact mean the New England Patriots, not the entirety of New England.

This style of rhetorical device adds an additional dimension to your language, making it more memorable to your reader. Which sounds more interesting? “Let’s get pizza,” or “let’s grab a slice?”

Likewise, consider this quote from Percy Bysshe Shelly’s “Ozymandias”:

“Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them.”

Here, Shelly uses ‘the hand’ to refer to the sculptor. The hand did not sculpt the lifeless things on its own; it was a tool of the sculptor. But by using just the hand, Shelly avoids repeating ‘the sculptor,’ preserves the poem’s rhythm, and narrows our focus. If he had referred to the sculptor again, he’d still be a big important figure; by narrowing to the hand, Shelly is diminishing the idea of the creator, mirroring the poem’s assertion that the creation will outlast it.

Tautology refers to using words or similar phrases to effectively repeat the same idea with different wording. It’s a form of repetition that can make a point stronger, but it can also be the basis of a flawed argument—be careful that your uses of tautology is the former, not the latter!

For example, take this section of “The Bells” by Edgar Allen Poe:

“Keeping time, time, time, In a sort of Runic rhyme… From the bells, bells, bells, bells.”

Poe’s poetry has a great deal of rhythm already, but the use of ‘time, time, time’ sets us up for the way that ‘bells, bells, bells, bells’ also holds that same rhythm. Keeping time refers to maintaining rhythm, and this poem emphasizes that with repetition, much like the repetitive sound of ringing bells.

An example of an unsuccessful tautology would be something like, “Either we should buy a house, or we shouldn’t.” It’s not a successful argument because it doesn’t say anything at all—there’s no attempt to suggest anything, just an acknowledgment that two things, which cannot both happen, could happen.

If you want to use tautology in your writing, be sure that it’s strengthening your point. Why are you using it? What purpose does it serve? Don’t let a desire for rhythm end up robbing you of your point!

That thing your English teachers are always telling you to have in your essays is an important literary device. A thesis, from the Greek word for ‘a proposition,’ is a clear statement of the theory or argument you’re making in an essay. All your evidence should feed back into your thesis; think of your thesis as a signpost for your reader. With that signpost, they can’t miss your point!

Especially in longer academic writing, there can be so many pieces to an argument that it can be hard for readers to keep track of your overarching point. A thesis hammers the point home so that no matter how long or complicated your argument is, the reader will always know what you’re saying.

Tmesis is a rhetorical device that breaks up a word, phrase, or sentence with a second word, usually for emphasis and rhythm . We often do this with expletives, but tmesis doesn’t have to be vulgar to be effective!

Take this example from Romeo and Juliet :

“This is not Romeo, he’s some other where.”

The normal way we’d hear this phrase is “This is not Romeo, he’s somewhere else.” But by inserting the word ‘other’ between ‘some’ and ‘where,’ it not only forces us to pay attention, but also changes the sentence’s rhythm. It gets the meaning across perfectly, and does so in a way that’s far more memorable than if Shakespeare had just said that Romeo was somewhere else.

For a more common usage, we can turn to George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion , which often has Eliza Doolittle using phrases like “fan-bloody-tastic” and “abso-blooming-lutely.” The expletives—though mild by modern standards—emphasize Eliza’s social standing and make each word stand out more than if she had simply said them normally.

What’s Next?

Rhetorical devices and literary devices can both be used to enhance your writing and communication. Check out this list of literary devices to learn more !

Ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are all modes of persuasion—types of rhetorical devices— that can help you be a more convincing writer !

No matter what type of writing you're doing, rhetorical devices can enhance it! To learn more about different writing styles, check out this list !

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

What is a rhetorical device and why are they used.

As with all fields of serious and complicated human endeavor (that can be considered variously as an art, a science, a profession, or a hobby), there is a technical vocabulary associated with writing. Rhetoric is the name for the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion, and though a writer doesn’t need to know the specific labels for certain writing techniques in order to use them effectively, it is sometimes helpful to have a handy taxonomy for the ways in which words and ideas are arranged. This can help to discuss and isolate ideas that might otherwise become abstract and confusing. As with the word rhetoric itself, many of these rhetorical devices come from Greek.

Ready, set, rhetoric.

The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables

wild and woolly, threatening throngs

Syntactical inconsistency or incoherence within a sentence especially : a shift in an unfinished sentence from one syntactic construction to another

you really should have—well, what do you expect?

Repetition of a prominent and usually the last word in one phrase or clause at the beginning of the next

rely on his honor—honor such as his?

A literary technique that involves interruption of the chronological sequence of events by interjection of events or scenes of earlier occurrence : flashback

Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect

we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground

The repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first

we must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately

The usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings

this giant of 3 feet 4 inches

The use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (such as a Solomon for a wise ruler) OR the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (such as the Bard for Shakespeare)

The raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it

we won't discuss his past crimes

An expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect

to be, or not to be: that is the question

Harshness in the sound of words or phrases

An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases

working hard, or hardly working?

A disjunctive conclusion inferred from a single premise

gravitation may act without contact; therefore, either some force may act without contact or gravitation is not a force

The substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one

greasy spoon is a dysphemism for the word diner

Repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect

of the people, by the people, for the people

Emphatic repetition [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]

An interchange of two elements in a phrase or sentence from a more logical to a less logical relationship

you are lost to joy for joy is lost to you

A transposition or inversion of idiomatic word order

judge me by my size, do you?

Extravagant exaggeration

mile-high ice-cream cones

The putting or answering of an objection or argument against the speaker's contention [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]

Understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary

not a bad singer

The presentation of a thing with underemphasis especially in order to achieve a greater effect : UNDERSTATEMENT

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them ( Metaphor vs. Simile )

drowning in money

A figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated

crown as used in lands belonging to the crown

The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it

A combination of contradictory or incongruous words

cruel kindness

The use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense : REDUNDANCY

I saw it with my own eyes

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by "like" or "as"

cheeks like roses

The use of a word in the same grammatical relation to two adjacent words in the context with one literal and the other metaphorical in sense

she blew my nose and then she blew my mind

A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (such as fifty sail for fifty ships ), the whole for a part (such as society for high society ), the species for the genus (such as cutthroat for assassin ), the genus for the species (such as a creature for a man ), or the name of the material for the thing made (such as boards for stage )

The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one

opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy

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The Top 41 Rhetorical Devices That Will Make Your Words Memorable

• What Are Rhetorical Devices?
• Top Rhetorical Devices
• Take The Quiz

For many, public speaking is one of the most terrifying things imaginable. Thankfully, we can rely on the many, many rhetorical devices to give us a helping hand.

What are rhetorical devices ?

A rhetorical device is typically defined as a technique or word construction that a speaker or writer uses to win an audience to their side, either while trying to persuade them to do something or trying to win an argument.

As you are about to see, the majority of rhetorical devices have names that come from Greek or Latin. While the concept of public speaking developed early around the world, much of what we know about the art of public speaking comes to English speakers from the ancient Greeks. The Greeks cultivated the art of rhetoric and many great philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, thoroughly studied it. The ancient Romans greatly valued rhetoric as well and they continued to build on the Greek rhetorical traditions that came before them.

What worked for the ancient Greeks and Romans still works wonders today. Rhetorical devices are effective tools that any writer or speaker can use to make their words more impactful to an audience. Rhetorical devices make speeches more persuasive, writing more memorable, and are just what you need if you are trying to really take advantage of ethos, pathos, and logos .

Rhetorical devices vs. literary devices

Literary and rhetorical devices are sometimes discussed separately, but it’s important to note the relationship and occasional overlap between the two. A l iterary device is an element, like a metaphor, imagery, and others, that draws us into a story . Have you ever been so wrapped up in a story, book, song, or poem, that you just couldn’t walk away from it? If so, there’s a good chance the writer has mastered the art of using literary devices.

To compare, rhetorical devices are often described as those elements that are incorporated intentionally to invoke responses in the reader, as well as influence the tone of a work.

Our comprehensive guide to literary devices is chock full of examples from masterful writers.

Often, rhetorical devices emphasize a specific language pattern, word, sentence structure, or rhyming pattern. They include formative techniques, like repetition or hyperbole , that accentuate certain elements of a work for the purpose of getting the reader’s attention, persuading them, or drawing out an emotional response. It is often said rhetorical devices are used to elicit a certain emotion via persuasion, whereas literary devices may be primarily used to enhance storytelling.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular, effective, and interesting rhetorical devices that turn our words into award-winning speeches and writing.

✒️ Want to try a quiz first?

We have a quick quiz for you if you want to see how far your knowledge of rhetorical devices goes. Or review the terms below first so you can test what you’ve learned.

List of 41 top rhetorical devices

1. metaphor.

A metaphor is a comparison in which something is said to figuratively be something else.

Example: He was a wolf among sheep.

2. hyperbole

A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration.

Example: The plate exploded into a million pieces.

3. alliteration

Alliteration is repeating the same or similar sounds at the beginning of words.

Example: She sells seashells by the sea shore.

An analogy is a comparison between two similar things, typically using figurative language. Metaphors and similes—more on them later—are usually considered to be types of analogies. Sometimes, analogies are considered to be a unique device that is a comparison that explains itself; basically, a complex metaphor or long simile.

Example: Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to get.

5. onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it refers to.

Example: The thunder boomed and the lightning crashed.

6. allusion

Allusion is the act of casually referencing something, usually a work of popular culture.

Example: Finishing his memoir was his white whale.

7. oxymoron

Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposite words together.

Example: The treaty led to a violent peace.

Satire is using humor to criticize public figures.

Example: When Senator Jackson said “numbers don’t lie,” he forgot that his first name wasn’t “Numbers.”

In rhetoric, the word paradox refers to making a statement that seems self-contradictory or impossible but actually makes sense.

Example: Youth is wasted on the young.

A simile is a comparison in which something is said to figuratively be like something else.

Example: It was as hot as a desert this morning.

Learn about different types of poems (and see what rhetorical devices they may use).

In rhetoric, the notoriously confusing word irony means to use words to mean the opposite of their literal meaning.

Example: Ashley said it was a beautiful day while drying off from the drenching rain. (Ashley ironically referred to poor weather as “beautiful.”)

12. personification

Personification is the act of giving human elements to non-human things.

Example: The beautiful valley spread its arms out and embraced us.

13. anecdote

An anecdote is a brief story about something that happened to the speaker, usually something funny or interesting.

Example: Five years ago, I went to the store and met some clowns. Those clowns gave me the advice I am sharing with you now.

14. euphemism

Euphemism is using alternative language to refer to explicit or unpleasant things.

Example: The baseball struck him in a sensitive area.

15. connotation

Connotation is using words to suggest a social or emotional meaning rather than a literal one.

Example: This is a house, but I want a home.

16. meiosis

As a rhetorical device, meiosis means using euphemism to minimize the importance or significance of something.

Example: We must put an end to this peculiar institution. (“Peculiar institution” is a euphemism for slavery.)

17. apostrophe

In rhetoric, apostrophe occurs when a writer or speaker directly addresses an absent person, a concept, or an inanimate object.

Example: You have made a fool out of me for the last time, washing machine!

18. antithesis

Antithesis is using parallel sentences or clauses to make a contrast.

Example: No pain, no gain.

19. sarcasm

Sarcasm is using irony to mock something or to show contempt.

Example: Oh, yeah, John is a great guy. A great guy who took the last slice of pizza.

20. consonance

Consonance is a repetition of consonants or consonant sounds.

Example: Mike likes Ike’s bike.

21. rhetorical question

A rhetorical question is a question that isn’t intended to be answered. The point of asking the question is to make an audience think or to cause an emotional reaction.

Example: Can we really know what our place in the universe is? We have asked ourselves this question for millennia.

22. epithet

An epithet is a nickname or descriptive term used to refer to someone.

Example: You need to listen to me and not Clueless Kevin over there.

23. anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or words at the start of phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Example: I came, I saw, I conquered.

Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech is a classic example of anaphora. Read about it here.

In rhetoric, climax is ordering words so that they build up in intensity.

Example: Look at the sky! It’s a bird! A plane! Superman!

25. cacophony

Cacophony is the act of purposefully using harsh sounds.

Example: The gnashing of teeth and screeching of bats kept me awake.

26. assonance

Assonance is the repetition of the same vowel sound with different consonants.

Example: She and Lee see the bees in the tree.

A person is making a pun when they humorously use words with multiple meanings or words with similar sounds to create wordplay.

Example: The farmer tried to get his cows to get along, but they insisted on having a beef with each other.

28. parallelism

Parallelism is using grammatically similar phrases or sentences together.

Example: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

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29. aphorism

An aphorism is a short sentence that presents truth or opinion, usually in a witty or clever manner.

Example: A penny saved is a penny earned.

30. synecdoche

Synecdoche is when a part of something is used to refer to a whole.

Example: The commander had an army of 10,000 swords. (The people holding the swords were there, too.)

Parody is an imitation of something with the intent to poke fun at it.

Example: If Edgar Allen Poe had written this speech, it might have opened with “Here we are, weak and weary, gathered on a Monday dreary.”

32. colloquialism

A colloquialism is an instance of informal language or a local expression. The act of using such language is also called colloquialism .

Example: Here in Philly, we love to eat hoagies and all kinds of tasty jawns.

33. understatement

Understatement is using language to intentionally lessen a major thing or event.

Example: The erupting volcano was a little problem for the neighboring city.

34. syllogism

Syllogism is an argument based on deductive reasoning that uses generalizations to reach specific conclusions. Usually, a syllogism follows the format of “A is B. B is C. So, A is C.”

Example: Dogs are mammals. Biscuit is a dog. Therefore, Biscuit is a mammal.

Learn more about deductive and inductive reasoning.

An eponym can refer to “a word based on or derived from a person’s name,” such as the Gallup poll , named after statistician G.H. Gallup, or Reagonomics (a combination of the last name Reagan and economics ). As a rhetorical device, an eponym can be an allusion to a famous person.

Example: Nick is the LeBron James of birding.

36. metonymy

Metonymy is when the name of something is replaced with something related to it.

Example: He loved music from the cradle (birth) to the grave (death).

37. parenthesis

In rhetoric, parenthesis is an interruption used for clarity.

Example: The audience, or at least the paying members of the audience, enjoyed the show.

38. expletive

In rhetoric, an expletive is an interrupting word or phrase used for emphasis.

Example: The eggs were not, in any sense of the word, delicious.

39. metanoia

In rhetoric, metanoia refers to any instance of self-correction. Metanoia can involve things like retracting a previous statement to replace it with a new one or amplifying a previous statement by using stronger language.

Example: We’ll work on it on Sunday. No, let’s make that Monday—it’s the weekend after, all!

40. chiasmus

Chiasmus is reversing the grammatical order in two otherwise parallel phrases or sentences.

Example: Dog owners own dogs and cats own cat owners.

41. asyndeton

Asyndeton is the removal of conjunctions from a sentence.

Example: Get in, cause a distraction, get out.

Take the quiz

Are you ready to write with these rhetorical devices? You can review them using our Rhetorical Devices Word List , where you can practice with flashcards and practice quizzes. And when it’s time, fit in this quiz to quickly distinguish which terms you now know before you apply them to your next project.

Learn more about the modes of persuasion known as ethos, pathos, and logos.

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10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speeches

Why do you need rhetorical devices in speeches? Using rhetorical devices brings life to your speeches. It engages your audience and adds special effects to your talk. 

People are less likely to remember a bland, straightforward speech in years to come. Powerful speeches like Martin Luther King Jr’s famous “I have a dream” are timeless. Apart from having a remarkable delivery, this speech also contains many rhetorical devices. 

So here are a few rhetorical devices in speeches you should know about. Practicing and applying them will take your oratory skills to new heights.

10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speech

An analogy is a rhetorical device that helps describe the relationship between one thing and another.

Speakers often use analogies to help their audience understand something better. For example, “The sky resembles a huge bowl of clear water” can help people visualize a clear sky. 

When you use an analogy to compare two things, your goal should not just be to show similarity. Rather, it should illustrate a point about reality. You can use analogies to explain your thoughts and express your ideas more clearly .

Examples of Analogy

• “It has been well said that an author who expects results from a first novel is in a position similar to that of a man who drops a rose petal down the Grand Canyon of Arizona and listens for the echo.” (P.G. Wodehouse)
• “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” (Elisabeth Kubler-Ross)

2. Anaphora

Anaphora is one of the rhetorical devices in speeches that have proven effective for excellent speakers. To use anaphora, you must repeat a particular word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences or phrases. 

Anaphora lets a speaker emphasize a given word that drives the ideas they wish to communicate. Additionally, anaphora is not only a great device in speeches but also in poetry and prose.

Examples of Anaphora

• “Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
• “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness….” (Charles Dickens)
• “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” (Mark Twain)

3. Epiphora

Epiphora, unlike anaphora, is a word or phrase repetition at the end of consecutive sentences, clauses, or phrases. Epiphora offers an equal amount of power to your words as anaphora does.

Additionally, you can use this device to emphasize a certain area in your speech and apply it in persuasive writing.

Examples of Epiphora

• “Take whatever idiot they have at the top of whatever agency and give me a better idiot. Give me a caring idiot. Give me a sensitive idiot. Just don’t give me the same idiot.” (Aaron Broussard)
• “She’s safe, just like I promised. She’s all set to marry Norrington, just like she promised. And you get to die for her, just like you promised.” (Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean)
• “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” (Bill Clinton)

Puns let you play on word meanings, homographs, and homophones to achieve humorous effects . It involves using witty expressions that can lighten up your audience and bring some fun into your speech. 

Puns, also known as paronomasia, can help you bring your speech to life. However, you should also pick your puns carefully. A bad pun can elicit undesired effects.

Additionally, your audience should be able to decipher the hidden joke for the pun to be effective.

Examples of Pun

• “Give me a torch: I am not for this ambling; Being but heavy I will bear the light.” (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet)
• “You can tune a guitar, but you can’t tuna fish. Unless, of course, you play bass.” (Douglas Adams)
• “Hanging is too good for a man who makes puns; he should be drawn and quoted.” (Fred Allen)

5. Aphorism

If you want to sound philosophical in your speech, an aphorism is a suitable rhetorical device. You use short, pithy statements that express a general truth or observation to present a moral or philosophical idea.

Aphorism uses metaphor to help the audience relate to the situation you are presenting. While these statements may be general knowledge, aphorisms inspire more profound thoughts in your audience and can take a few seconds to sink in for some of your audience. 

Aphorisms are easy to remember because they are short. They also apply to many situations, so you can use them for different speeches.

Examples of Aphorism

• “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, it will spend its whole life thinking it is stupid.” (Albert Einstein)
• “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” (Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings)
• “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you get what you need.” (The Rolling Stones)

6. Metanoia

Metanoia is a method of self-correction when you deliberately return to an earlier part of your speech and correct something you said. This is particularly useful for softening parts of a sentence where one might otherwise appear arrogant or condescending. 

On the other hand, you can sound harsher than you were and still get away with the harshness.

Metanoia, also known as an afterthought figure, helps you clarify a point with additional definitions. You can also use it to emphasize an idea through paraphrasing.

Examples of Metanoia

• “To help or, at least, to not harm.” ( The Hippocratic Oath )
• “It was Gatsby’s mansion. Or rather, as I did not yet know Mr. Gatsby, it was a mansion inhabited by a gentleman of that name.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby)
• “Shortly after I came to Washington, I was told in a way that showed me it was no loosely thought out—let me correct that statement. I was told in a serious way that Mr. Finletter—or rather, I was told by Mr. Finletter that he had a serious question as to the loyalty of Dr. Oppenheimer.” (David Tressel Griggs)

7. Asyndeton

To use asyndeton, all you need to do is remove the coordinating conjunctions from a sentence.

These include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Asyndeton helps you maintain concision and keep the focus on essential words in a sentence or phrase.

For example, the famous quote by Julius Caesar is a quick way to understand asyndeton. The saying “I came, I saw, I conquered” could have been “I came, I saw, and I conquered.” The omission of the conjunction ‘ and ’ makes the saying more concise, straightforward, and powerful.

Examples of Asyndeton

• “We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be...” (Winston Churchill)
• “An empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest. The air was thick, warm, heavy, sluggish.” (Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness)
• “We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” (President John F. Kennedy)

8. Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is an opposite rhetorical device to asyndeton. Instead of omitting the conjunctions, this device lets you include as many of them as possible. 

With polysyndeton, you get to use conjunctions where they are unnecessary. However, your use of conjunctions must still be grammatical.

Polysyndeton generally lets your speech flow with a sense of excitement or urgency. It helps the listener focus on each item in your list. It further enriches your language use without over-flowery embellishment. Additionally, it is common in everyday speech.

Examples of Polysyndeton

• “In years gone by, there were in every community men and women who spoke the language of duty and morality and loyalty and obligation.” (William F. Buckley)
• “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers.” (The U.S. Postal Service Creed)
• “We will always remember them, these skilled professionals, scientists and adventurers, these artists and teachers and family men and women, and we will cherish each of their stories—stories of triumph and bravery, stories of true American heroes.” (President Ronald Reagan)

9. Symploce

Symploce is another rhetorical device that involves repetition. It combines anaphora with epistrophe to create an effect.

In symploce, you repeat certain words or phrases at the beginning and end of successive sentences.

You can use symploce to tell the difference between two or more ideas by changing only a few words in the middle of a given sentence. This small change gives a whole new meaning to your words.

Examples of Symploce

• “The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason.” (G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy)
• “Much of what I say might sound bitter, but it’s the truth. Much of what I say might sound like it’s stirring up trouble, but it’s the truth. Much of what I say might sound like it is hate, but it’s the truth.” (Malcolm X)
• “Let us let our own children know that we will stand against the forces of fear. When there is talk of hatred, let us stand up and talk against it. When there is talk of violence, let us stand up and talk against it.” (William Jefferson Clinton)

10. Anastrophe

Anastrophe, also known as hyperbaton, is an inversion of a sentence’s regular order of words.

Where a sentence traditionally follows the subject-verb-object order, an anastrophe makes it an object-subject-verb structure.

Anastrophe is useful when you intend to emphasize a particular word. Therefore, you bring the word to the beginning of the structure and let other words follow. This rhetorical device is used in George Lucas’s Star Wars series as a peculiar language style for Master Yoda.

Examples of Anastrophe

• “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.” (Yoda)
• “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” (J.R. Tolkien, Hobbit)
• Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever. (Chief Joseph, 1877 Surrender)

Conclusion: Rhetorical Devices in Speeches

Speeches can be much better with deliberate efforts. You can make a lasting impression on your audience using proper rhetorical devices.

So, it would be best if you spent some more time and effort to fine-tune your speeches with these rhetorical devices. The results will be worthwhile, and the response from your audience will be rewarding.

You might also like: How to Prepare for a Speech

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The 20 most common rhetorical devices (with examples).

The phrase rhetorical devices might ring a bell to some. Maybe you vaguely remember hearing about them in an English class that you took years ago. But you probably haven’t thought about them since. That’s totally understandable, but whether we know it or not, rhetorical devices play a surprisingly large role in our daily speech. Sometimes we use them without even realizing it. Whether they’re used to illustrate sound, order or meaning (we’ll explain all these in a bit), rhetorical devices are widely used across the board, especially in advertising and marketing. Without further ado, we’d like to share our list of the 20 most common rhetorical devices that you can use to impress your friends and family or win a free round of drinks at the next trivia night at your local bar.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

Before we dive into the different types of rhetorical devices, we should probably review what exactly they are. “Rhetorical devices” refer to figures of speech that are used to achieve a certain effect. Essentially, they’re a way to deviate from everyday language by taking advantage of the power of words.

Words have connotative value: on one hand, they have their denotation, which is their true and correct meaning. On the other hand, words have a set of meanings that are generally attributed to them. For example, the word “heart” literally refers to the organ at the center of your circulatory system. But it can also have a wide variety of connotations or alternative meanings: a person “with a good heart” is someone who’s kind and helpful to others. The “heart” of a system is its center, and someone who is “lionhearted” is extremely brave. Rhetorical devices don’t use just one meaning or connotation; they also take advantage of different word orders and structures.

Rhetorical devices are most commonly used in literature, but they can also appear in the most unexpected places. They’re an intrinsic part of language, and they’ve probably been around since the beginning of language itself. Even in Ancient Rome, rhetoric students studied the art of classifying words. Early examples of rhetorical devices can even be found in the Bible.

Rhetorical devices can be roughly classified into three different groups:

• Sound-related rhetorical devices: these figures of speech take advantage of a word or phrase’s rhythmic or phonetic sound. The most famous examples are alliteration, assonance and puns.
• Order-related rhetorical devices: these devices modify the normal order of words within a phrase or sentence. The most well-known examples are anaphoras, anastrophes, asyndeton, chiasmus, omissions, hyperbaton and polysyndeton.
• Meaning-related rhetorical devices: these types of devices use the word’s semantic aspect, or their meaning. Some examples are hyperbole, litotes, metaphors, metonymy, oxymorons, similes, synecdoche and synesthesia.

What Is Figurative Language?

To understand the many rhetorical devices that exist in the English language, it’s important that we first discuss figurative language. Figurative language is the form of communication that rhetorical devices fall under. More specifically, it is when words and phrases stray from their strict, dictionary definition to create new meanings. Most commonly, figurative language is used in poetry and other creative prose. However, it also is used in everyday language in the form of expressions or to refer to something without directly saying it.

Take the expression “the news hit me like a ton of bricks”. Figuratively speaking, it’s used to quantify the impact of a piece of news on someone. However, when taken literally, this expression doesn’t make much sense. To note the obvious, the news itself doesn’t carry physical weight and it’s also not actually hitting anyone, as it’s a concept. Additionally, there is of course no ton of bricks hitting the person in question,which is where the importance of the preposition “like” comes in. The use of “like” in this sentence ultimately changes the meaning and makes this sentence identifiable as a “simile”. A simile is one of the many forms that figurative language takes. These forms are better known as rhetorical devices, so let’s get into it.

Sound-Related Rhetorical Devices

Alliteration.

Alliteration refers to repeating a sound or a series of similar consonant sounds at the beginning of two or more words.

Examples of alliteration:

• How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
• Trick or treat!
• “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes . . .” — William Shakespeare

Assonance resembles rhyming. It positions two similar sounding words together that have the same vowels (but not the same consonants).

Examples of assonance:

• “And so all the night-tide, I lie down by the side of my darling-my darling-my life and my bride” — Edgar Allen Poe
• “The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.” — My Fair Lady

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is one of the most famous rhetorical devices. It refers to reproducing the sound of an object (like a machine) or an animal.

Examples of onomatopoeia:

• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (a book written by Ian Fleming, the title of which refers to the sound a car makes)
• “Meow meow.” — a cat

Puns are a common play on words that use words with similar sounds but radically different meanings.

Examples of puns:

• “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.” — Mark Twain
• “We had breakfast in the town of Soda, pop. 1001.” — Vladimir Nabokov

Order-Related Rhetorical Devices

An anaphora is the repetition of one or more words within one or more consecutive verses or sentences.

Examples of anaphora:

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” — Mark Twain
• “So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania…” — Martin Luther King
• “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy

Derived from Greek, the term anastrophe means “inversion” and is achieved by inverting the usual order of two words.

Examples of anastrophe:

• “The greatest teacher, failure is.” — Yoda
• “Certain seeds it will not nurture, certain fruit it will not bear…” — Toni Morrison
• “To thine own self be true.” — William Shakespeare

Many rhetorical devices have fancy names that can be difficult to remember. There’s a reason why technical jargon is usually used only by literature students and aficionados. Some terms are used so often that they’ve become commonplace in everyday speech, however. Antithesis is one of these words. Simply put, antithesis refers to juxtaposing two words with opposite meanings. In layman’s terms, it refers to some sort of contrast (like contrasting ideas.)

Examples of antithesis:

• “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, as long as it is black.” — Henry Ford
• “To err is human; to forgive divine.” -Alexander Pope

Asyndeton is a list of words that are connected by using punctuation instead of conjunctions like “and” or “or.”

Examples of asyndeton:

• “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” — Abraham Lincoln
• “I came, I saw, I conquered.” — Julius Caesar

Chiasmus is the crossed arrangement of two words or groups of words according to the AB-BA format.

Examples of chiasmus:

• “The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.” — Alfred North Whitehead
• “And these tend inward to me, and I tend outward to them.” — Walt Whitman
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Omission is the elimination of one or more words that remain understood despite being removed.

Examples of omission:

• “Hope is a thing with feathers/That perches in the soul.” — Emily Dickinson
• “And he to England shall along with you.” — William Shakespeare

Not to be confused with anastrophe, hyperbaton consists of distancing a word from the word that it should be placed closer to.

Examples of hyperbaton:

• “Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man.” -Edgar Allen Poe
• “One swallow does not a summer make, nor one fine day.” — Aristotle

Polysyndenton

Polysyndeton is the exact opposite of asyndeton. It’s a series of words linked by conjunction words.

Examples of polysyndeton:

• “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” — The Wizard of Oz
•  “I said, ‘Who killed him?’ and he said, ‘I don’t know who killed him but he’s dead all right,’ and it was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown and I got a skiff and went out and found my boat where I had her inside Mango Key and she was all right only she was full of water.” — Ernest Hemingway

Meaning-Related Rhetorical Devices

Hyperbole is achieved by exaggerating a reality through expressions that amplify it to an extreme.

Examples of hyperbole:

• “A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County.” — To Kill a Mockingbird
• “It’s a slow burg. I spent a couple of weeks there one day.” — Carl Sandburg
• “At that time Bogota was a remote, lugubrious city where an insomniac rain had been falling since the beginning of the 16th century.” — Gabriel García Márquez

Litotes is the affirmation of something by negating the opposite. It’s used, for example, to mitigate the harshness of an expression or a situation.

Examples of litotes:

• It’s not rocket science.
• He isn’t the brightest bulb in the bunch.

Metaphors are one of the most famous rhetorical devices. Metaphors use words or phrases to indicate something that isn’t often denoted by that word or phrase. Metaphors can sometimes be confused with similes, metonymy or synecdoche, but each of these devices have their own unique characteristics.

Examples of metaphors:

• Daniel is a sheep. (Meaning, Daniel follows other people easily.)
• “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” — William Shakespeare

Metonymy is the exchange of two words that have close reasoning or are closely related in terms of their subject.

Examples of metonymy:

• “I’m reading Sartre.” (I’m not reading the word Sartre; I’m reading a piece written by philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre)
• “England beat Italy 2-0.” (the soccer team representing England beat the team representing Italy)
• “Let’s go get a pint.” (a pint in this case refers to some sort of alcoholic drink)

An oxymoron juxtaposes two words with opposite meanings.

Examples of oxymorons:

• Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
• Big Little Lies (the title of a book by Liane Moriarty)
• “I am a deeply superficial person.” — Andy Warhol

Similes are very similar to metaphors. In this case, the comparison is made through adverbs or adverbial phrases, most notably “like” or “as.”

Examples of similes:

• You’re working like a dog.
• He’s dead as a doornail.
• The news hit me like a ton of bricks.

Synecdoche is always mentioned in conjunction with metonymy. These two rhetorical devices are very similar. However, while metonymy substitutes one word or phrase with another that has a close logical or material proximity, synecdoche substitutes a word or phrase with another term representing a part of it (or vice versa: it uses a broader term to refer to something that it’s a part of). Metonymy expresses a qualitative relationship between the two terms, while synecdoche represents a quantitative relationship.

Examples of synecdoche:

• The feline attacked the antelope. (in this case, the broader term feline, the family that the animal belongs to, is used to denote a tiger)
• “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” — William Shakespeare
• Brain drain (when people educated in their native country seek opportunities in other countries. In this case, it’s not the brains physically leaving the country but the academic talent)

Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a type of metaphor that’s created by connecting two unrelated senses.

Examples of synesthesia:

• “The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen, man’s hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart to report what my dream was.” — William Shakespeare
• “Thy voice was a censer that scattered strange perfumes, and when I looked on thee I heard a strange music.” — Oscar Wilde
• “Back to the region where the sun is silent.” — Dante

A version of this article originally appeared on the Italian edition of Babbel Magazine.

44 Rhetorical Devices: Complete Guide to Effective Rhetoric

In the world of writing, the difference between a forgettable sentence and a memorable one often lies in the subtle art of rhetoric.

Rhetorical devices are the tools that give language its power, transforming ordinary prose into something that resonates with readers.

For freelance writers, aspiring authors, and seasoned wordsmiths alike, mastering these devices can elevate your work, making it not just read but remembered.

What are rhetorical devices?

Rhetorical devices are techniques that writers use to craft their language in ways that enhance the impact of their message.

These tools play with the structure, sound, and meaning of words to create effects that engage, persuade, or evoke emotions in the reader.

Whether used in speeches, nonfiction books , articles, or advertisements, rhetorical devices help writers connect with their readers on a deeper level, making their words more compelling and memorable.

Why are rhetorical devices used?

Writers use rhetorical devices to add depth and persuasion to their work.

These techniques can make arguments more convincing, descriptions more vivid, and narratives more engaging.

By skillfully applying rhetorical devices, writers can influence how their audience perceives their message, guiding their thoughts and emotions.

Whether the goal is to inform, entertain, or persuade, rhetorical devices are key to effective communication.

1 – Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of closely connected words.

Writers use alliteration to create rhythm, enhance mood, and make phrases more memorable, often adding a lyrical quality to their writing.

Example : “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

2 – Allusion

Allusion is a reference to a well-known person, event, or work of art, often used to make a comparison.

This device evokes a particular image or idea in the reader’s mind by drawing on something familiar, adding depth and layers of meaning to the writing.

Example : “He met his Waterloo.”

3 – Anacoluthon

Anacoluthon is a break in the grammatical sequence within a sentence for rhetorical effect.

Writers use anacoluthon to convey emotion, create suspense, or reflect a character’s stream of consciousness.

Example : “I was going to tell him—well, it doesn’t matter now.”

4 – Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis is the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next clause.

It emphasizes a point and creates a sense of continuity, leading the reader smoothly from one idea to the next.

Example : “Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering.”

5 – Analogy

Analogy is a comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea.

This technique helps make complex or unfamiliar ideas more relatable and understandable by drawing parallels with something the reader already knows.

Example : “Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.”

6 – Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

By repeating a phrase, anaphora creates emphasis and rhythm, drawing attention to a central theme or idea.

Example : “I have a dream… I have a dream… I have a dream…”

7 – Anastrophe

Anastrophe is the inversion of the usual order of words for emphasis or rhetorical effect.

This reversal draws attention to specific parts of a sentence, often creating a dramatic or poetic impact.

Example : “Strong in the force, you are.”

8 – Antanaclasis

Antanaclasis is a rhetorical device in which a word is repeated and used in different senses.

This device adds layers of meaning and wit to writing by playing with the multiple meanings of a word.

Example : “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

9 – Antanagoge

Antanagoge involves placing a good point or benefit next to a fault or criticism in order to reduce the impact of the negative point.

By balancing criticism with something positive, antanagoge softens the impact and helps maintain a more favorable tone.

Example : “The car is not pretty, but it runs well.”

10 – Antimetabole

Antimetabole is the repetition of words in successive clauses, but in transposed order.

This structure creates memorable, impactful statements that highlight contrasts or contradictions in a way that sticks with the reader.

Example : “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

11 – Antithesis

Antithesis is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses.

Using antithesis emphasizes the difference between two ideas, adding depth and contrast to the writing.

Example : “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

12 – Aporia

Aporia is the expression of doubt, often feigned, by which a speaker appears uncertain about what they should say or think.

This technique engages the reader by inviting them to ponder the question, adding a layer of introspection.

Example : “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

13 – Aposiopesis

Aposiopesis is a sudden breaking off in the middle of a sentence, leaving it unfinished.

Writers use this to convey intense emotion or suspense, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps.

Example : “I’m so angry, I could—!”

14 – Apostrophe

Apostrophe is the act of addressing an absent person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object as if it were present and capable of responding.

This device allows writers to convey deep emotions or create a sense of immediacy by bringing abstract concepts or distant entities to life.

Example : “O Death, where is thy sting?”

15 – Asyndeton

Asyndeton is the omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence to create a concise, impactful statement.

This technique speeds up the rhythm of a passage, creating a sense of urgency or emphasizing each element equally.

Example : “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

16 – Chiasmus

Chiasmus is a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

Writers use chiasmus to create balance and symmetry in a sentence, often highlighting a significant contrast.

Example : “Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you.”

17 – Climax

Climax involves arranging words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance.

This structure builds intensity, leading the reader towards a powerful conclusion or the peak of a narrative.

Example : “He risked truth, he risked honor, he risked life itself.”

18 – Conduplicatio

Conduplicatio is the repetition of a key word from a preceding clause or sentence at the beginning of the next.

This device reinforces a particular idea and strengthens the connection between consecutive thoughts.

Example : “She loved him; loved him with all her heart.”

19 – Diacope

Diacope is the repetition of a word or phrase with one or two intervening words.

Writers use diacope to create emphasis and rhythm, adding a dramatic or poetic touch to their sentences.

Example : “The horror! The horror!”

20 – Epanalepsis

Epanalepsis is the repetition of the initial part of a clause or sentence at the end of the same clause or sentence.

This technique emphasizes a key idea and can create a sense of completeness or closure.

Example : “The king is dead, long live the king.”

21 – Enthymeme

Enthymeme is a rhetorical syllogism in which one premise is left unstated.

This method engages the reader by encouraging them to fill in the logical gaps, making the argument more interactive.

Example : “He must be a good man, he is a priest.”

22 – Epistrophe

Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

This repetition creates emphasis and rhythm, reinforcing the central idea in a memorable way.

Example : “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

23 – Epizeuxis

Epizeuxis is the repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession for emphasis.

This device intensifies the impact of a statement, making the repeated word stand out sharply.

Example : “The horror, the horror!”

24 – Euphemism

Euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.

Writers use euphemisms to soften the impact of difficult or uncomfortable topics, making them more palatable for the reader.

Example : “He passed away” instead of “He died.”

25 – Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.

This technique is used to create a dramatic effect or to emphasize the extent of a situation.

Example : “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

26 – Hypophora

Hypophora is a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then immediately answers it.

This approach is used to engage the reader and guide them toward a particular line of thought or argument.

Example : “What’s the secret to success? Hard work and perseverance.”

27 – Irony

Irony is the expression of something which is contrary to the intended meaning; the words say one thing but mean another.

This device is often used to convey sarcasm, humor, or to highlight a contrast between expectations and reality.

Example : “Oh, great! Another rainy day. Just what I needed.”

28 – Litotes

Litotes is a form of understatement in which a positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite.

Writers use litotes to express modesty, soften the impact of a statement, or add a subtle, understated tone.

Example : “It’s not exactly a walk in the park.”

29 – Metaphor

Metaphor is a figure of speech that refers to one thing by mentioning another, implying a comparison without using “like” or “as.”

This device creates vivid imagery and deepens the reader’s understanding by equating one idea with another.

Example : “Time is a thief.”

30 – Metonymy

Metonymy is the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant.

Writers use metonymy to create a more poetic or concise expression by referring to something closely related to the concept they mean to convey.

Example : “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

31 – Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the natural sound of a thing.

This technique enhances descriptions by appealing to the sense of sound, making the writing more vivid and engaging.

Example : “The bees buzzed.”

32 – Oxymoron

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

This device reveals a deeper truth or creates a dramatic effect by juxtaposing opposites.

Example : “Deafening silence.”

33 – Paradox

Paradox is a statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a hidden truth.

Writers use paradox to provoke thought and highlight the complexities or contradictions in a situation.

Example : “This is the beginning of the end.”

34 – Paralipsis

Paralipsis involves giving emphasis by professing to say little or nothing about a subject.

This device draws attention to something by deliberately pretending to pass over it, often for ironic or persuasive effect.

Example : “I won’t even mention the fact that he was late.”

35 – Parallelism

Parallelism is the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in construction, sound, meaning, or meter.

This technique creates balance, rhythm, and clarity, making the writing more persuasive and memorable.

Example : “Easy come, easy go.”

36 – Pleonasm

Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning, either as a fault of style or for emphasis.

Writers might use pleonasm to reinforce an idea or to add a particular tone or rhythm to their writing.

Example : “I saw it with my own eyes.”

37 – Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is the use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted.

This technique slows down the pace of the sentence, adding weight and emphasis to each element listed.

Example : “We lived and laughed and loved and left.”

38 – Prolepsis

Prolepsis is the anticipation and answering of possible objections within a speech or text.

By addressing counterarguments before they arise, writers can strengthen their position and make their argument more convincing.

Example : “You might say that this is a bad idea, but I believe it will work because…”

39 – Simile

Simile is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by “like” or “as.”

Writers use similes to create vivid imagery and make descriptions more relatable by drawing direct comparisons.

Example : “As brave as a lion.”

40 – Syllepsis

Syllepsis is a figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses.

This device adds wit and complexity to writing by using a single word to link different ideas or meanings.

Example : “He stole my heart and my wallet.”

41 – Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa.

Writers use synecdoche to add depth or symbolism, often making statements more impactful by focusing on a specific element.

Example : “All hands on deck.”

42 – Tautology

Tautology is the repetition of an idea in different words, phrases, or sentences, often without adding additional meaning.

This device can be used intentionally for emphasis or to reinforce a point, though it is often seen as redundant.

Example : “It’s deja vu all over again.”

43 – Understatement

Understatement is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.

This technique is often used to create irony or humor by downplaying the significance of something.

Example : “It’s just a scratch” (referring to a large dent).

44 – Zeugma

Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one.

This device creates a unique, often humorous effect by linking different ideas with a single word.

Example : “She broke his car and his heart.”

Are you ready to use these rhetorical devices in your writing?

Mastering rhetorical devices is your key to crafting unforgettable prose.

Whether you’re working on a gripping novel, an inspiring memoir , or even a powerful blog post, these tools can elevate your writing to new heights.

Start weaving alliteration into your dialogue, using metaphor to create vivid imagery, or building suspense with aposiopesis.

Whatever your next project, these devices will help you captivate your readers and leave a lasting impact.

Now, it’s time to put them into practice and transform your writing from the mundane to the memorable.

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Tap into the power to persuade by using these 6 techniques of clear and compelling speech

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Politicians and other public figures deploy particular rhetorical devices to communicate their ideas and to convince people, and it’s time that we all learned how to use them, says speechwriter Simon Lancaster.

This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community; browse through all the posts here.

There is a secret language of leadership — and it’s one that anyone can learn, says UK speechwriter Simon Lancaster in a TEDxVerona talk . He has made a career out of crafting addresses, remarks and talks for top politicians and CEOs of international corporations such as Nestle and Unilever, and continues to do so . Refreshingly, rather than clinging Gollum-like to what he’s learned and knows, he believes everyone should have access to the same tools that he and his colleagues use.

By tools, he’s not talking about special software or databases — he’s referring to rhetoric. Rhetoric has its roots in ancient Greece ( think: Aristotle ) as clear, convincing speech was seen as an essential component of communication and participation in a democracy. Instruction in rhetoric remained part of the curriculum in many secondary schools in Europe and the US until the 19th century.

“The reason we all used to learn rhetoric at school was because it was seen as a basic entry point to society,” explains Lancaster, who is based in London. “How could society be fair, unless everyone had equal ability to articulate and express themselves? Without it, your legal systems, your political systems, your financial systems are not fair.”

Yes, the power to persuade is just that — power.

Lancaster states there is only one school in England that still teaches rhetoric: Eton, the alma mater of 20 Prime Ministers (including current officeholder, Boris Johnson). He adds, “It should be of intense concern to all of us that education in this has been narrowed to a very small … elite.”

While Lancaster can’t send the world to Eton, he can share the 6 rhetorical building blocks needed to speak persuasively. Here they are:

Building block #1: Breathless sentences or phrases

Barack Obama gave an acceptance speech for the ages in 2008 after he was first elected president of the US. He spoke vividly of the challenges that lay ahead for the country: “Even as we celebrate tonight, we know that the challenges tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime: Two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.”

Lancaster wants us to pay special attention to the last part of that sentence, the “two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century” part. Yes, it’s a stressful mouthful — not just because of the content but because of how it’s delivered. Short, staccato phrases like these mimic how we speak when we’re anxious and in a hurry. This technique helps communicate urgency to an audience.

Building block #2: Speaking in 3s

What’s the other rhetorical trick underlying “two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century”? The rule of 3.

Humans are accustomed to things coming in 3s: whether it’s judges on American Idol , bowls of porridge in a fairy tale , or sides in a triangle. Our minds and ears have been trained by speeches (Abraham Lincoln’s “government of the people, for the people, by the people”); slogans (reduce, reuse, recycle); and book titles ( Elizabeth Gilbert ‘s memoir Eat, Pray, Love ). “You put your argument in 3s, it makes it sound more compelling, more convincing, more credible. Just like that,” says Lancaster.

Recall British PM Winston Churchill’s stirring triplet from the speech he delivered to Parliament on June 4, 1940 : “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the fields and in the streets.” Besides the rule of 3, he gave the line additional rhetorical firepower by repeating the opening clause.

Lancaster explains, “When we are emotional about things, our perspective distorts, and this then manifests in our speech. So this is the authentic sound of passion.” Doing this can catch an audience in the speaker’s enthusiasm.

Building block #3: Balanced statements

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” It’s a line from president John F Kennedy’s inspiring 1961 inaugural address , and one that’s stood the test of time. Why? Its balanced construction, says Lancaster. “If the sentence sounds as if it’s balanced, we imagine that the underlying thinking is balanced and our brain is tuned to like things that are balanced.”

Grouping balanced statements in 3s further amplifies the effect:

“We’re looking to the future, not the past.

We’re working together, not against one another.

We’re thinking about what we can do, not what we can’t.”

Building block #4: Metaphor

According to Lancaster, people use a metaphor once every 16 words on average ( side question: Where do statistics like this even come from? ). He declares, “Metaphor is probably the most powerful piece of political communication.”

Metaphors are rich in imagery and awake immediate feelings in people, so it follows that politicians love them and sprinkle them like birdseed (“like birdseed” is a simile, not a metaphor , and similes are other strong rhetorical tools to have in your kit). At times, they can employ them to point us to an ideal or aspiration. For example, in his farewell address , president Ronald Reagan movingly invoked America, h/t to John Winthrop, as a “shining city upon the hill.”

Too often, however, metaphors are used to manipulate, incite and denigrate. Politicians and talking heads could have called the 2015-16 refugee encampment in Calais, France, a “refugee camp” or “refugee settlement.” Instead, they deployed this loaded word: “jungle.” Lancaster says,“It’s planting in your mind the idea that migrants are like wild animals to be afraid of, that they are dangerous, that they represent a threat to you. This is a very dangerous metaphor because this is the language of genocide; it’s the language of hate.” Unfortunately, media outlets picked up “Calais jungle” and used it as their shorthand identifier of the camp, extending the metaphor’s reach.

Building block #5: Exaggeration

In the same way that we get breathless when they’re speaking with passion, our speech distorts in another significant way. We exaggerate. So when we’re sitting down to a meal after having eaten little that day, we tell our family and friends: “I love this pizza.” But when we say things like this to each other, we also realize it’s a bit of distortion: We do not love the pizza in the same way that we love our children or parents or the planet, and everyone present knows that.

Similarly, politicians and leaders might say things like “I’ve waited my whole life to say these words” or “I will work to achieve this with all my heart and soul.” These utterances are indeed over the top, but because they’re acceptable and even welcome since they echo how we speak.

Building block #6: Rhyming

Starting from childhood, many of us are taught concepts through rhymes — such as “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” or “i before e except after c.” With their musicality, they’re a pleasing informational snack that sticks in memories like a musical earworm .

Rhymes can seem corny, but sprinkled in at the right time, they can be incredibly potent. We all  remember the pithy “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” from defense attorney Johnnie Cochran during O.J. Simpson’s 1995 murder trial.

Rhyming’s appeal comes “down to what linguists talk about as the processing fluency of language — how easy is language to swallow?” says Lancaster. “If you speak using long words and long sentences, it’s like giving someone a steak and asking them to swallow it. Whereas if you give them something pithy, like a rhyme, it’s like asking them to just sip on some Prosecco.”

These six tricks can help us speak directly to people’s instinctive, emotional and logical brains, and they are extremely effective, says Lancaster. There’s no need for us to be in the public eye to use them in order to sway others or make our words stay in people’s minds. Even if we never employ them in our own lives, it’s equally important for us to recognize them. Politicians, con artists and advertisers utilize them to win votes, spread opinions, or sell products people don’t need. By being alert to these rhetorical devices, we can be better citizens and consumers.

To learn more about rhetoric, watch this:

Watch Simon Lancaster’s TEDxVerona talk here:

About the author

Daryl Chen is the Ideas Editor at TED.

• how to be a better human
• public speaking
• simon lancaster

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Last updated on Jan 19, 2024

45 Rhetorical Devices: Your Secret Writing Weapons [Download Cheatsheet]

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Chances are, you use rhetorical devices every day of your life. Some, like similes and metaphors, you may already know about but others, maybe not. (When was the last time you consciously deployed bdelygmia ?)

In this post, we’re going to show you 45 rhetorical devices that you can use to level-up your writing and speech. 

What are rhetorical devices?

Rhetorical devices (also known as stylistic devices, persuasive devices, or simply rhetoric) are techniques or language used to convey a point or convince an audience. And they're used by everyone: politicians, businesspeople, and even your favorite novelists.

While there’s some overlap with literary devices ( metaphors, parallelism, etc. ) — those are mainly used to express ideas artistically. Rhetoric, however, appeals to the reader or audience’s sensibilities in four specific ways:

• Logos , an appeal to logic;
• Pathos , an appeal to emotion ;
• Ethos , an appeal to ethics; or,
• Kairos , an appeal to time.

These categories haven’t changed since the Ancient Greeks first identified them thousands of years ago. But don't let their fancy Greek names fool you — they're pretty simple to use. 

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Your Ultimate List of Rhetorical Devices

1. accismus .

Accismus is the rhetorical refusal of something one actually wants, to try and convince themselves or others of a different opinion.

Example: I’m fine! I didn’t want to win that gold medal anyway!

2. Adnomination

Adnomination is the use of multiple words with the same root in the same sentence. Like many other rhetorical devices, this is a linguistic trick to make statements sound more persuasive.

Example: Somewhere, somewhen, somehow, we’ll find an answer to that question. 

3. Adynaton

Adynata are purposefully hyperbolic metaphors to suggest that something is impossible — such as the classic saying, “when pigs fly”. And hyperbole, of course, is a rhetorical device in and of itself: an excessively exaggerated statement for effect.

Example: I wouldn’t date him if he was the last man on Earth! 

4. Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of consonants across s uccessive, s tressed s yllables… get it? This most often means repeating consonants at the beginning of multiple words, as opposed to consonance , which is the repetition of consonants anywhere in consecutive words. (Learn more about the difference between alliteration and consonance — and other types of repetition — in this guide !)

Example: Edgar Allan Poe’s makes use of both alliteration and consonance in “The Raven”: 

“ And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.”

“Silken” and “sad” are alliterative, but the consonance continues into “uncertain” and “rustling.” And as a bonus, it contains assonance — the repetition of vowel sounds — across “purple curtain.”

5. Anacoluthon

An anacoluthon is a misdirection that challenges listeners and/or readers to think deeply and question their assumptions.

Example: The opening sentence of Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis is a famous anacoluthon because it ends somewhere entirely different than where it started: 

“When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.”

Note that anacoluthons are different from non-sequiturs , which are unintentional and incoherent — well, but can anything really be different from anything else?

6. Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis is the repetition of the word from the end of one sentence to the beginning of the next. It has been used by everyone from Shakespeare to Yeats to Yoda. 

Example: As Yoda laments in Stars Wars: The Phantom Menace : “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

7. Anaphora

Another type of repetition, anaphora, is the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of subsequent sentences.

Example: Though Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” is best known for its opening line, we'll skip to the next part of the poem, where he uses the word 'who' to keep a run-on sentence going. 

“ Who poverty and tatters and hollow-eyed and high sat up smoking in the supernatural darkness of cold-water flats floating across the tops of cities contemplating jazz, who bared their brains to Heaven under the El and saw Mohammedan angels staggering on tenement roofs illuminated, who passed through universities with radiant cool eyes hallucinating Arkansas and Blake-light tragedy among the scholars of war…”

Another similar rhetorical device is epistrophe : the repetition of words at the end of sentences. And, if you combine the two, you’ve got a symploce .

8. Antanagoge

Antanagoge involves responding to an allegation with a counter-allegation that reframes the situation. Antanagoge doesn't necessarily solve the initial problem, but it does provide an appealing alternative. 

Example: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” 🍋

People unconsciously use antanagoge all the time to justify things to themselves: “Well, it's raining today, but that's fine — I wanted to stay inside anyway.”

9. Anthimeria

Anthimeria is the intentional misuse of one word’s part of speech, such as using a noun for a verb. It’s been around for centuries, but is frequently used in the modern day, as “Instagramming” and “adulting” have seamlessly become part of the lexicon.

Example: “Have you tried Googling that?”

10. Antiphrasis

Antiphrasis is a sentence or phrase that means the opposite of what it appears to say. Like how the idiom, “Tell me about it” generally means, “Don’t tell me about it — I already know.” It’s a subset of a much more common rhetorical device : irony .

Example: “Take your time. We’ve got all day.” 

11. Antithesis

Antithesis is when contrasting ideas or concepts are placed next to each other in a parallel grammatical structure. It doesn’t merely point out that they’re different, but emphasizes the stark contrast between them. 

Example: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

12. Antonomasia

Antonomasia is, essentially, a rhetorical name. Like “Old Blue Eyes,” “The Boss,” or “The Fab Four” — affectionate epithets that take the place of proper names like Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, or the Beatles.

Example: For his contributions to the English language, Shakespeare is also known as “the Bard.” 

13. Apophasis

Apophasis — also known as paralipsis, occupatio, praeteritio, preterition, or parasiopesis —  is when you bring up a subject by denying that it should be brought up. As you might have noticed by now, this is one of many rhetorical devices to stem from irony. It’s a powerful type of rhetoric and when used right, creates a memorable effect.  

Example: This is a classic, if oft-maligned, political tactic and one frequently utilized by Donald Trump when he was the 45th President of the United States, particularly in his colorful tweets. For example: 

“Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me 'old,' when I would NEVER call him 'short and fat?'”

14. Apostrophe

Apostrophe is very simply when a speaker is addressing someone that is either dead, not present, or an inanimate object. If you’re very creative, it can even be all three at once! It comes from the classic Greek for “turning away” — and can be seen quite often in stage plays.

Example: In the gravedigger scene in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular Prince of Denmark discovers the bones of a long-dead court jester he used to play with as a child and — for a brief moment — he addresses the skull. “Alas, poor Yorick.”

Aporia is the rhetorical expression of doubt — almost always insincerely. This is a common tool that businesses use to connect with a consumer base, typically in ads or presentations.

Example: For instance, take Steve Jobs’ introduction of touchscreen technology. 

“Now, how are we gonna communicate this? We don’t wanna carry around a mouse, right? What are we gonna do?”

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16. Aposiopesis

Aposiopesis is essentially the rhetorical version of trailing off at the end of your sentence, leaving your listener (or reader) hanging.

Example: At the end of the “Queen Mab” speech in Romeo and Juliet , Mercutio has spun a tale about a fairy queen — demonstrating his own free-wheeling, romantic nature that builds into a breathless crescendo that can only end with…

“This is the hag, when maids lie on their backs,

That presses them and learns them first to bear,

Making them women of good carriage:

This is she…”

17. Asterismos

Asterismos is simply a phrase beginning with an exclamation. Like every other sentence in Moby-Dick : “Book! You lie there; the fact is, you books must know your places.” But if no sentence follows, it's an exclamation : an emphatic expression like “My word!” that warrants no follow-up.

Example: Good heavens! What’s happened here?

18. Asyndeton

Asyndeton is the removal of conjunctions like “or,” “and,” or “but” from your writing because the sentence flows better, or more poetically, without them.

Example: This is a favorite technique of Cormac McCarthy, as seen in this passage from Out Dark :

“A parson was laboring over the crest of the hill and coming toward them with one hand raised in blessing, greeting, fending flies.”

And like most of the enigmatic author’s preferred rhetoric, this asyndeton is almost intentionally confusing; whether the parson is blessing or greeting or swatting flies is never clarified.

At other times, McCarthy uses polysyndeton , essentially asyndeton's opposite — adding extra conjunctions (“and then we walked and then we stopped and then we sat on the ground”).

19. Bdelygmia

Befitting its harsh spelling, bdelygmia (or abominatio) is a rhetorical insult — the uglier and more elaborate, the better. Like most rhetorical devices, Shakespeare was a big fan. As was Doctor Seuss. 

Example: Doctor Seuss goes all out with bdelygmia in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Just take a look at this passage:

“You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch, You're a nasty wasty skunk, Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch. The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote, ‘Stink, stank, stunk!’”

20. Cacophony

Cacophony is simply the use of words that sound bad together. Though some might call it bad writing, this can be used for intentional effect.

Example: For his poem, “Jabberwocky,” Lewis Carroll invented more than a few words for the purpose of sounding harsh and unmelodious:

“’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.”

This is the antithesis (see above) of euphony — the use of words that sound good together, like this passage from an Emily Dickinson verse :

“Oars divide the Ocean, / Too silver for a seam.”

21. Chiasmus

Chiasmus is the repetition and/or reversal of words or grammatical structure across two phrases. 

Example: A great example of chiasmus can be found in this excerpt from Mary Leapor’s Essay on Woman: 

“Despised, if ugly; if she's fair, betrayed.”

More specific is antimetabole : the switching of words or phrases to suggest truth. (Ask not what rhetorical devices can do for you. Ask what you can do for rhetorical devices.)

Narrative arcs aren’t just for novels. Sentences can have a climax , too — the initial words and clauses build to a peak , saving the most important point for last. We’ve been using climaxes rhetorically since at least the days of the bible.

Example: “ There are three things that will endure: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — Corinthians 13:13

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23. Colloquialism 

Despite its grand name, colloquialism is when informal, everyday language and expressions are used in writing. This encompasses everything from slang to proverbs to writing out a regional dialect. It adds flavor and can reveal a lot about the characters and setting of a story.

Example: “Ya’ll better behave yourselves tonight!”

24. Connotation

Connotation is when a word has a literal meaning as well as an underlying feeling or idea attached to it. Essentially, this is when words themselves have an unspoken subtext to them. These underlying meanings can be positive or negative, but they can change how we view the subject. 

Example: “ The stench of her cooking filled the house” (negative connotation) vs. “The aroma of her cooking filled the house” (positive connotation).

25. Dysphemism

Dysphemism is a description that is explicitly offensive to its subject or audience. It stands in contrast to a euphemism , which strives to avoid outright offense, but nonetheless has unfortunate connotations. Most racial epithets started as the latter, but are recognized today as the former.

Example: Consider the differences in these two descriptions. “Harry is a thin-necked pencil-pusher with a rat’s nest of a quiff.” (dysphemism) vs. “Harry is a slim office worker with tousled hair.” (euphemism).  

26. Ellipsis

Ellipsis is when a word is deliberately omitted from a sentence to achieve a specific effect. This can be done with or without the use of ellipsis, which are three dots like this “...” (and incidentally, what this rhetorical device is named for). Sometimes, this is used for poetic effect and other times it’s used to present the most important information while acknowledging that some things are being left out. 

Example : “I only left my family because… I had my reasons.”

27. Epizeuxis

Epizeuxis is a type of repetition where a word or phrase is repeated in quick succession with no other words in between. It’s highly effective for placing emphasis on an idea and inspiring a reader. 

Example: One of the most famous examples of Epizeuxis can be found in the classic sitcom, The Brady Bunch , where Jan is fed-up of living in the shadow of her older sister.

“All I hear all day long at school is how great Marcia is at this, or how wonderful Marcia did that. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”

28. Eutrepismus

Like most rhetorical devices, you’ve likely seen eutrepismus in action before, but didn’t know it had a name. This is simply when the points you’re trying to make are stated in a numbered list. It provides a way to separate your thoughts and present ideas in a clear, concise way. 

Example: To make a cake, first you need to gather ingredients. Second, you need to mix them together properly. Third, you must put it in the oven to bake.

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29. Hyperbaton

Hyperbaton is when you rearrange the order of words in a sentence to provide a particular emphasis. It calls attention to itself, which is often why hyperbaton phrases are memorable: they force a reader to stop and think about the strangeness of a phrase as they try to figure out what it means. 

Example: “ Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire.” — The Tell-Tale Heart, Edgar Allan Poe

30. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is when two opposing thoughts or ideas are presented side by side to highlight their differences. Comparison can be a great way to build an argument or present themes, which is why you see this device used so often.

Example: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” — Anna Karenina , Leo Tolstoy

This device is often used in haiku poetry, where it's common to j uxtapose two images to evoke emotions . For example: 

“a blind musician

extending an old tin cup

collects a snowflake” 一 Nick Virgilio

31. Litotes

Litotes is an ironic figure of speech used to express an understatement by negating its contrary. If you see words like “not” or “wasn’t” or any other kind of negation and an undertone of sarcasm, you’re probably dealing with litotes. While this can often be used in a negative way, litotes can also be used to express positive understatements. 

Example: It’s not the worst book in the world. 

32. Meiosis

If you’ve ever understated something before, that’s meiosis — like the assertion that Britain is simply “across the pond” from the Americas. 

Example: You might recognize this rhetorical device from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. When the black knight has his leg cut off, he underplays its severity. “‘Tis but a flesh wound!” he says, hopping on his one remaining leg.  

The opposite of meiosis — rhetorical exaggeration — is called auxesis .

33. Metanoia

Metanoia is a self-correction in speech or writing that expresses the idea in a good — no, a “better” way than the original. It can function a bit like an afterthought, but can also put emphasis on a thought by amplifying or softening it. 

Example : This restaurant is the best spot in the city — actually, no, in the entire tri-state area!

34. Onomatopoeia

Wham! Pow! Crunch! These are all examples of onomatopoeia , a word for a sound that phonetically resembles the sound itself. This means the finale of the 1966 Batman is the most onomatopoeic film scene of all time.

Example: The gun went off with a bang. 

35. Oxymoron

An oxymoron is when words with opposing definitions are used together to create contradictory phrases that, while at first seem nonsensical, actually are sharply observant or incisive. You can even think of oxymorons as a micro form of juxtaposition.

Example: The room existed in a state of organized chaos. 

36. Parenthesis

Parenthesis is when a word or phrase is inserted or interjects a sentence to provide additional clarity or detail, or even go on a tangent. You don’t have to use parentheses to achieve this effect, despite its name. Commas, brackets, and dashes can all be used in parenthesis. 

Example: It’s true that she often cuts class (though it isn’t for the typical reasons one would imagine.) 

37. Parallelism

Parallelism is when a pattern of words repeats within a sentence, phrase, or paragraph. This creates a pleasing rhythm, and suggests to the listener that each of the parallel statements are of equal importance or validity. In many cases, parallelism can let statements build on each other and accumulate into a final powerful statement.

Example: “We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall never surrender.” — Winston Churchill

38. Personification

Personification describes things and concepts using human characteristics. It's easier for humans to understand a concept when it’s directly related to them, which is why this is such an effective rhetorical device!

Personification appears in almost all forms of literature — even simple sentences like "the alarm screamed" or "the wind howled" would qualify as personification. 

Example: The train roared down the tracks and into the station. 

39. Pleonasm

Pleonasms are redundant phrases that emphasize the nature of the subject. Certain words are so overused that they’ve lost meaning — darkness, nice, etc. However, “black darkness” or “pleasantly nice” reinvigorate that meaning, even if the phrases are technically redundant.

Example: The burning fire flickered merrily in the hearth. 

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40. Rhetorical comparisons

Some of the most prevalent rhetorical devices are figures of speech that compare one thing to another. Two of these, you surely know: the simile and the metaphor . But there is a third, hypocatastasis , that is just as common… and useful. The distinctions between the three are pretty simple as you’ll see in the example below. 

Example: A simile compares two things using like or as: “You are like a monster.” A metaphor compares them by asserting that they’re the same: “You're a monster.” And with hypocatastasis, the comparison itself is implied: “Monster!”

If you can't get enough rhetorical comparisons, check out these 90+ examples of metaphors in literature and pop culture!

41. Rhetorical question

You’ve probably heard of rhetorical questions : they are questions asked to make a point rather than to be answered. Technically, this figure of speech is called interrogatio, but plenty of other rhetorical devices take the form of questions.

Example: “Don’t you want to be a millionaire?”

If you pose a rhetorical question just to answer it yourself, that’s hypophora . And if your rhetorical question infers or asks for a large audience’s opinion, that’s anacoenosis — though it generally doesn’t warrant an answer, either.

42. Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a rhetorical device wherein a part of one thing represents its whole. This differs slightly from metonymy , in which a single thing represents a larger institution.

Example : If you referred to an old king as “greybeard,” that would be synecdoche. If you referred to him as “the crown,” it would be metonymy.

43. Synesthesia

Like the neurological condition of the same name, synesthesia is when a sense is described using the terms of another. So if you’re smelling colors or seeing sounds, you’re employing the techniques of synesthesia in your writing. 

Example: The music sounded like green and pink and purple. 

Have you ever, in a fit of outrage, referred to something un-effing-believable? If you have, congratulations on discovering tmesis : the separation of one word into two parts, with a third word placed in between for emphasis.

Example: Well, that’s just fan-freaking-tastic!

Zeugma , also called syllepsis, places two nouns with different meanings in a similar position in a sentence. This is a grammatical trick that can be used rhetorically as well.

Example: Mark Twain, the bard of the Mississippi himself, was a master at deploying zeugma:

“ They covered themselves with dust and glory.”

Though you'd “cover” yourself with these things in very different ways, the phrase still works because the same verb applies to both. Authors often use zeugma in clever wordplay, sometimes even entering everyday conversation. (My grandmother, for example, uses zeugma to describe staticky clothing: “This shirt attracts everything but a man.”)

Download Cheatsheet

Congrats on getting to the end of our rhetorical devices list! Of course, this might feel a bit like a list of fancy names for things you already do. If so, that’s great — you’re already well on your way to mastering the art of rhetoric. And if you need a little help remembering them, we’ve created this handy cheatsheet so you can have all your definitions in one place.

7 responses

nadaid says:

06/11/2019 – 01:45

↪️ Vic replied:

05/12/2019 – 03:37

An oxymoron creates a two-word paradox-such as "near miss" or "seriously funny." An oxymoron is sometimes called a contradiction in terms and is most often used for dramatic effect.

↪️ AtreidesOne replied:

18/08/2020 – 04:38

With "near miss", it's all about different senses of the word and the contexts they're used in.Yes, near can mean "almost", as in "a near perfect fit". So in that sense, a "near failure", or a "near disaster" means that the failure or disaster almost happened. They were "close", but only in a figurative sense. However, near can also mean "at or to a short distance away; nearby", as in "a bomb exploded near the house". This is a physical distance sense. When we're talking about a "miss", we're using the physical distance sense. So "near miss" doesn't mean "it nearly missed" or "it nearly was a miss", but instead "it missed by a small distance".So there is no oxymoron.

↪️ bruh replied:

08/12/2019 – 21:42

Denise Hidalgo says:

26/12/2019 – 14:19

Why aren't analepsis and prolepsis on this otherwise comprehensive list?!?

↪️ OK BOOMER replied:

27/01/2020 – 10:56

analepsis is for literary devices. prolepsis should have been here tho

↪️ Name replied:

12/02/2020 – 20:05

Because they're not JOHN

Comments are currently closed.

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Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices offer a way for speakers to arrange language in an artful way so as to make the conversation more engaging and subsequently, more memorable for audience members. Professional and amateur speech writers can employ any number of rhetorical devices to spice up the delivery of a presentation (see Table 7.1).

Greek and Roman scholars in the classical period developed and identified most rhetorical devices. Four of the most popular ones used in speeches include alliteration, antithesis, parallel structure, and repetition.

Alliteration

Alliteration occurs when the speaker uses the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Alliteration appears in everyday uses of language, such as television shows ( Mad Men ), sporting events (Final Four), company names (Dunkin Donuts), and in famous phrases (home sweet home; right as rain). When used sparingly, alliteration can spice up the language of delivery, such as “We owe it to our city to help the hungry, the homeless, and the helpless among us.” However, speakers can overuse alliteration, turning an otherwise innocuous statement into an exercise in pure silliness: “Nick’s nephew needed new notebooks now.”

The antithesis rhetorical technique juxtaposes two dissimilar or contrasting ideas. Consider President John F. Kennedy’s famous example: “ Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country .” Neil Armstrong used an antithesis as he took his first steps on the moon: “ That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind .” Consider this technique when trying to draw attention to an important point. Other examples include:

• Many are called, but few are chosen.
• We are taught to speak, but rarely how to listen.

Parallel Structure and Repetition

Parallel structure uses the technique of arranging phrases or clauses of a sentence in parallel form, such as in the following examples:

• Dogs make great pets; they show loyalty, they show obedience, and they show love.
• Our coach told us we should get a lot of sleep, we should eat well, and we should think positively about tonight’s game.

Martin Luther King, Jr. masterfully used parallel structure and combined it with repetition to add engagement to his oratory. Consider his famous I Have a Dream speech :

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!

Repetition occurs when the speaker repeats certain words or phrases to garner emotional effect. Those repeated phrases sound pleasant to the human ear, because they carry with them a certain rhythmic quality, adding emphasis and aiding in memory retention. Repetition as an element of public speaking works differently than it does in written communication. In public speaking, presenters should use repetition because it helps the audience remember key ideas. In written communication, repetition often gets avoided because a reader can review the original reference for memory and comprehension.

Messages that Matter: Public Speaking in the Information Age - Third Edition Copyright © 2023 by North Idaho College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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4 Ways to Use Rhetorical Devices to Make Powerful Speeches (with Examples)

Hrideep barot.

• Speech Writing

I am certain all of us have come across powerful speeches, novels, or presentations that left us speechless at some point. But have you wondered how the speaker or the author managed to do so?

How did they manage to make almost everyone in the audience riveted? You might have attributed this skill of captivating the audience to good public speaking, which is partially true but the other half of this lies in their use of magic tools which are referred to as rhetorical devices.

A rhetorical device is a technique that is used by a speaker or an author for conveying a particular message to the audience in such a way that it provokes an emotional response to a particular action. It is a linguistic tool, whose employment can be used to construct an argument or make an existing one more compelling .

To put it simply, rhetorical devices are devices used to spice up your conversations, work presentations, and speeches. They are often used to provoke an emotional response and make the matter of the speech more compelling, with the goal of persuading the audience.

Why are rhetorical techniques important?

Why should rhetorical devices be used? What impact do they have? Well, here’s why,

There is one common thing between the world’s famous speeches and presentations, which is their ability to create an emotional connection with the audience. The way in which a speaker makes the audience feel is very important as that feeling will stay with the audience long after the speech or the presentation is over. This emotional response is evoked with the help of rhetorical devices.

Apart from this, rhetorical devices help you become more persuasive. It also aids in composing successful presentations and writings. It helps you make your speech crisp and improves the understanding of the audience.

Moreover, with the correct rhetorical devices, it enables you to make stronger arguments and a way of handling controversial topics. It also has a powerful impact on the audience helping them remember the ideas better through repetition or grammatical manipulation.

Most used rhetorical devices

In order to know how to use these magic tools, it is crucial to know some of these most used rhetorical devices and also its application in a speech.

1. Alliteration

This is the repetition of sounds of two or more neighboring words. This is usually used to put emphasis and to draw attention. For instance, safety and security Ate apples all afternoon

2. Anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word in a phrase at the beginning of the next phrase or sentence. For example, Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate and hate leads to suffering –Yoda, Star Wars

3. Antistrophe

This is repetition of words at the end of consecutive phrases/clauses. It can be termed as a specific type of repetition. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny compared to what lies within us.”

The above sentence is quoted by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent essayist. Here, the words ‘What lies’ is repeated leading to the creation of a poetic effect.

4. Antithesis

In this, two opposite and contrasting ideas are juxtaposed. For example, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Here, two contrasting ideas are proposed in the same sentence in such a way that it shows the strikingly different ideas showing a compare and contrast kind of situation.

A repeated word or phrase split up by another word, to display strong emotion. Understanding it with an example, Free at last! Free at last! Thank god we are free at last!

6. Ellipsis

In this, few words are depicting an event is omitted making the readers ponder about the narrative gaps. For instance, “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth…the proposition that all men are created equal.”

This is the start of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, where the three dots are ellipsis points suggesting a time lapse.

This is a simple method of double negatives that present a positive statement. It is often used to express irony. This is commonly used in conversations as well.

For example, ‘She is not thin’ OR ‘You are not unfamiliar with poetry’.

8. Hyperbole

This is an expression of mere exaggeration, often used to draw attention to the severity of the matter or to make a strong point. This is also frequently used in day to day language.

For instance,

‘I called her a thousand times’

‘It raining cats and dogs’.

9. Epistrophe

Repetition of words at the end of successive phrases for a poetic effect. An example of this could be the famous definition of democracy given by Abraham Lincoln, “… and that the government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

10. Personification

Attributing human qualities to inanimate objects. It aids in a better explanation of ideas and concepts.

For instance, ‘The thunder roared in the evening’

‘The brutal wind bullied the trees compelling them into giving up their leaves’

11. Epiphora

Repetition of a word/phrase at the end of every clause. An instance of this could be a speech given by Steve Jobs where this technique is effectively used,

“Well, these are their home screens . And again, as you recall, this is the iPhone’s homescreen. This is what their contacts look like . This is what iPhone’s contacts look like .”

12. Anaphora

This is slightly different from Epiphora in the sense that the repetition of the word/phrase is at the beginning of the two or more sentences or clauses.

For instance, “They’re the women whose names we’ll never know. They are domestic workers and farm workers. They are working in factories and they work in restaurants and in academia, and engineering, medicine and science. They are part of the world of tech and politics and in business. They are athletes in the Olympics and they are soldiers in the military.”

This is a small chunk of a speech made by Oprah Winfrey at the Golden Globes awards. Here, she tries to draw attention of the audience by emphasising on the word ‘They are’ highlighting the role of women in different parts of life.

13. Germinatio

This is repetition of a word in the same sentence for more than once. For instance, “And so I’ve got voice mail how I wanna listen to it, when I wanna listen to it, in any order I wanna listen to it with visual voicemail.”

The technique of germinatio was used by Steve Jobs in his speech in order to create a compelling effect on the listeners.

These are just a few commonly used rhetorical devices from an ocean of such magic tools. (Take a guess at what device is used here!)

How to use rhetorical devices in speeches?

Before we dive in to how to use rhetorical devices, we made a fun video on how these tools are the one simple thing that helps take your speech to the next level. There are a bunch of examples and tips here that will help you incorporate rhetorical devices for your next presentation. Highly recommend you check it out:

To know how to implement these rhetorical devices in your speech is also of utmost importance, apart from knowing them. Here’s a way of incorporating them in your speech.

1. Know the rhetorical appeals

It is important to know the types of rhetorical appeals as rhetorical devices fall into these categories. Make a rough draft and then insert rhetorical devices accordingly depending on the tone of the speech. Figure out the mode of persuasion, that is, whether it is Logos, Pathos, Ethos or Kairos.

This refers to giving logical and intellectual arguments and reasoning, supporting it with credible evidence. An example of logos can be a speech by Donald Trump, where he states a few figures regarding the illegal immigration,

“So here are just a few statistics on the human toll of illegal immigration. According to a 2011 government report, the arrests attached to the criminal alien population included an estimated 25,000 people for homicide, 42,000 for robbery, nearly 70,000 for sex offenses, and nearly 15,000 for kidnapping. In Texas alone, within the last seven years, more than a quarter-million criminal aliens have been arrested and charged with over 600,000 criminal offenses. … Sixty-three thousand Americans since 9/11 have been killed by illegal aliens. This isn’t a problem that’s going away; it’s getting bigger.”

This refers to making an appeal to the audience’s emotions. This includes using language in such a way that creates an empathetic feeling towards the speaker. Given below is an example of Martin Luther King Jr. “I have a dream” speech.

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.”

This refers to persuading the audience about the speaker’s credibility and the fact that his arguments carry weight.

An example of this could be the speech made by Mitt Romney, senator of the United States. In this speech, accepting the presidential nominee Mitt Romney points out to the fact that his business success would prove useful if he were to take the office.

“I learned the real lessons about how America works from experience. When I was 37, I helped start a small company. My partners and I had been working for a company that was in the business of helping other businesses. So some of us had this idea that if we really believed our advice was helping companies, we should invest in companies. We should bet on ourselves and on our advice. So we started a new business called Bain Capital…That business we started with 10 people has now grown into a great American success story. Some of the companies we helped start are names you know. An office supply company called Staples – where I’m pleased to see the Obama campaign has been shopping; The Sports Authority, which became a favorite of my sons. We started an early childhood learning center called Bright Horizons that First Lady Michelle Obama rightly praised.”

This involves an appeal to the timing of the argument, meaning that the argument has to be made in a suitable context making the audience receptive to it. An instance of Kairos can be Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,

“This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to make to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.”

One can use these rhetorical appeals in such a way that a combination of all 4 appeals is made simultaneously.

Making the speech highly logos specific, that is giving only facts, will make the audience bored, whereas making it too pathos oriented will make the speech very emotional and lacking in rational thinking.

If you would like some more information on ETHOS, PATHOS and LOGOS, you can check out the same in this short video we made:

2. A rhetorical question

Rhetorical questions can be used to control the thoughts of the audience. These questions may have obvious answers or may not have a clear cut answer.

One technique of using such questions is inserting them in the start of the speech and then carrying on with the speech in such a way that the rhetorical question is answered in the content of your presentation.

Another way is by inserting a rhetorical question, which as an obvious answer to it at the end of the speech- making sure that the question is related to what the speech entails.

The election speech of Ronald Reagan for the 1980 presidential debate between Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter, where the governor ended with a bunch of rhetorical questions is a perfect example for this,

“Next Tuesday is Election Day. Next Tuesday all of you will go to the polls, will stand there in the polling place and make a decision. I think when you make that decision, it might be well if you would ask yourself, are you better off than you were four years ago? Is it easier for you to go and buy things in the stores than it was four years ago? Is there more or less unemployment in the country than there was four years ago? Is America as respected throughout the world as it was? Do you feel that our security is as safe, that we’re as strong as we were four years ago? And if you answer all of those questions yes, why then, I think your choice is very obvious as to whom you will vote for. If you don’t agree, if you don’t think that this course that we’ve been on for the last four years is what you would like to see us follow for the next four, then I could suggest another choice that you have.”

Check it out in action, here:

3. A powerful beginning

It is rightly said that the first impression is the last impression and hence a powerful beginning is very important. To capture the audience it is important to insert some rhetorical devices at the start of your speech which create some poetic effect that helps you engage the audience. It may also include the use of diacope or anadiplosis which focus on repetition of the words of phrases creating emphasis and a strong display of emotions.

An example of anadiplosis can be: “Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution.” This was used by the George W. Bush

4. A powerful end

Climax is the most important part, be it a speech or a movie! What you say in the end is what stays with the audience hence, ending the speech with impactful rhetorical devices is advisable.

These may include inserting a rhetorical question making the audience ponder a little as mentioned above. It may also include the use of Epistrophe.

For instance, while addressing the nation about terrorism George Bush ends his speech in a powerful way assuring people that he will take the necessary actions to prevent terrorism, with appropriate use of Epistrophe:

“I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.”  

Watch the full speech here:

Use of rhetorical devices by Frederick Douglass

The credit for developing the basics of rhetoric goes to Aristotle and since then there has been extensive use of these literary tools. A prominent figure who is well known for his use of rhetorical devices is also Frederick Douglass, who was a slave who had escaped and went on to become an activist, author and public speaker.

He is known not only for his idea of abolition of slavery but also his superior skill of rhetoric and the art of persuading the audience. In his memoir called the ‘Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave’, a number of rhetorical devices are used to argue against the heinous act of slavery.

Here is a look at how he used some of them to make his communication all the more poewrful:

It involves persuading the audience about the author’s qualifications and credibility pointing to the fact that the speaker’s arguments carry weight.

In the memoir, Frederick Douglass talks about his first-hand experience with slavery by talking about being oblivious about his birthday unlike other people in the first chapter itself, building his ethos.

In order to make an appeal to the audience’s emotions, Douglass talks about his experience of watching his aunt being whipped by the slaveholder until she is covered in blood.

Frederick writes, ‘He would at times seem to take great pleasure in whipping a slave. I have often been awakened at the dawn of day by the most heart-rending shrieks of an own aunt of mine, whom he used to tie up to a joist, and whip upon her naked back till she was literally covered with blood. No words, no tears, no prayers, from his gory victim, seemed to move his iron heart from its bloody purpose. The louder she screamed, the harder he whipped; and where the blood ran fastest, there he whipped longest. He would whip her to make her scream, and whip her to make her hush; and not until overcome by fatigue, would he cease to swing the blood-clotted cow skin.’

Frederick talks about how animals were treated better than humans by the slaveholder.  

He writes about the condition of the slaves by saying:

‘Everything depended upon the looks of the horses, and the state of Colonel Lloyd’s own mind when his horses were brought to him for use. If a horse did not move fast enough, or hold his head high enough, it was owing to some fault of his keepers. It was painful to stand near the stable-door, and hear the various complaints against the keepers when a horse was taken out for use. To all the complaints, no matter how unjust, the slave must answer never a word. Colonel Lloyd could not brook any contradiction from a slave. When he spoke, a slave must stand, listen, and tremble; and such was literally the case. I have seen Colonel Lloyd make old Barney, a man between fifty and sixty years of age, uncover his bald head, kneel down upon the cold, damp ground, and receive upon his naked and toil-worn shoulders more than thirty lashes at the time.’

In Fredrick Douglass’s speech- “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, he also makes a similar appeal through the use of ethos, pathos and logos . To begin with, he makes an appeal to ethos, by initiating his speech with modesty and meekness. For example, “He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves than I have.”

To steer emotions among the audience, he also uses metaphors such as “A horrible reptile is coiled up in your nation’s bosom; the venomous creature is nursing at the tender breast of your youthful republic . “

“From the round top of your ship of state, dark and threatening clouds may be seen.” This is an example of an extended metaphor where he is comparing the United States to a ship at sea and the dark and threatening clouds are compared to the ongoing threats and troubles.

There has also been use of simile , where the speaker makes a direct comparison of the slaves to animals sold in the market. For example, “I hear the doleful wail of fettered humanity, on the way to the slave-markets, where the victims are to be sold like horses, sheep, and swine.”

Other Rhetorical Devices used by Douglas

Moreover, through the phrase ‘ doleful wail of fettered humanity ’ the speaker is trying to give the human quality of being fettered to an abstract noun of humanity, pointing out to the use of personification .

Apart from these rhetorical devices, Frederick Douglass also uses rhetorical questions to make the audience ponder about the situation of slavery by asking them, “Is slavery among them? Is it at the gateway? Or is it in the temple?”

“What would be thought of an instrument, drawn up, legally drawn up, for the purpose of entitling the city of Rochester to a tract of land, in which no mention of land was made?”

Another important rhetorical device used by him was that of allusion . Allusion is when the author or the speaker refers to an event, object, person or to a work of art either directly or indirectly. In his speech, Frederick alludes to biblical material, knowing that the audience mostly comprises of Christians.

For instance, “ The arm of the Lord is not shortened, and the doom of slavery is certain.” Through this, the speaker makes an analogy between the Lord sending the Israelites back to their homeland and the hope that slavery will perish. Frederick Douglass has made such allusions in order to support his arguments, knowing that words from the bible would carry weight and have a strong impact.

Use of rhetorical devices in famous speeches

1. michelle obama – anaphora.

“I trust Hillary to lead this country because I’ve seen her lifelong devotion to our nation’s children – not just her own daughter, who she has raised to perfection but every child who needs a champion: Kids who take the long way to school to avoid the gangs. Kids who wonder how they’ll ever afford college. Kids whose parents don’t speak a word of English but dream of a better life. Kids who look to us to determine who and what they can be.”

This is a small part of a speech made by Michelle Obama. In this, it is seen the word “ Kids ” is used more than once to start sentences that follow each other, pointing out to the use of anaphora.

Here’s the video for the speech made by the former first lady:

2. Steve Jobs – Germination

“That’s 58 songs every second of every minute of every hour of every day.”

This is an instance from the speech of Steve Jobs, where he puts emphasis on the word “ every ” by repeating it frequently in the same sentence.

See the entire speech here:

3. Barack Obama – Antistrophe

“It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation: Yes, we can. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail towards freedom through the darkest of nights: Yes, we can. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness: Yes, we can.”

Here, the phrase “Yes, we can” is used repeatedly at the end of every sentence in order to put emphasis on the subject.

Watch the video of the speech here:

4. Martin Luther King, Jr – Antithesis

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Here, the speaker uses antithesis by inverting the statements to show that America will have a day when people are judged by their character and not their skin colour.

Given below is the historic speech made at the Lincoln Memorial by Martin Luther King Jr :

5. John Kennedy – Ellipsis

“This much we pledge — and more.”

Here the former President uses “and more” instead of listing more ideas. He also compels the audience to keep thinking about the ideas they should pledge to, instead of listing them.   

In order to use a wide variety of rhetorical devices, it is important to know the different types of these literary techniques. A powerful speech is not just about a good orator or good public speaking skills but much more than that! And these rhetorical devices constitute an integral part of the components which make your speech extraordinary.

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17 rhetorical devices that will make you sound like Steve Jobs

Nancy Duarte

Ask anyone who the best contemporary speakers are, and there’s a pretty good chance they’ll rank Steve Jobs in the top five.

The late, great mind behind Apple didn’t just dream up a company that changed the way humans interact. He was also a visionary and an unparalleled communicator. He knew exactly how to deliver his ideas in a way that moved audiences and left long-lasting impressions.

A number of Jobs’ speeches have garnered attention for being stirring, inspirational, and well-written. Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech, “ Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish ,” given in 2005, is often cited as one of the most powerful speeches of the last few decades, and one of the best graduation speeches ever given (the video has more than 44 million unique views on YouTube.)

There are several reasons that Jobs became such a legendary speaker . First, Jobs wasn’t afraid to be theatrical and dramatic. He used props , included shocking statistics and facts, and illustrated his words visually.

Second, Jobs also knew how to structure a presentation , which included:

• Building suspense
• Keeping listeners engaged
• And helping them envision what their future could look like if they embraced his ideas

We at Duarte call that structure a  Presentation Sparkline ™.

Finally, Jobs’ speeches were so powerful because of the way he used rhetorical devices to deliver his message.

What are rhetorical devices?

Rhetoric — which people sometimes call “ the art of language ” — uses figures of speech and persuasive strategies to elevate language and make it more engaging, memorable, and entertaining.

When used properly, rhetorical devices in speeches can be a powerful tool for crafting speeches that stick. By couching his messages using rhetorical techniques, Jobs was able to deliver ideas that would go on to shape the world.

17 rhetorical devices Steve Jobs used in the Macworld 2007 iPhone launch

One of Jobs’ best speeches was given at Macworld 2007 — during the original iPhone launch. In this speech for this product launch , he announced a new tech device that would change the world forever.

Throughout his talk, he used powerful communication tricks and tools:

• He repeated sound bites to make an impression
• He showed the audience the new product in order to shock them
• And he also painted a picture of the future that got people excited about what was coming

But what made this speech one of his best was his use of rhetorical techniques, which made the announcement beautiful to listen to and moving to grasp. Take a look at the 17 most brilliant rhetorical devices used by Jobs during the iPhone launch:

Rhetorical device no. 1: Anaphora (means carrying up or back)

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of every clause.

“ As you know, we’ve got the iPod, best music player in the world. We’ve got the iPod Nano’s, brand new models, colors are back. We’ve got the amazing new iPod Shuffle .”

Rhetorical device no. 2: Epiphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of every clause.

“ Well, these are their home screens . And again, as you recall, this is the iPhone’s home screen .” “ This is what their contacts look like . This is what iPhone’s contacts look like .”

Rhetorical device no. 3: Symploke

The combination of multiple rhetorical techniques, involving one or several anaphora(s) with one or several epiphora(s).

“ In 1984, we introduced the Macintosh, it didn’t just change Apple, it changed the whole computer industry. In 2001, we introduced the first iPods, and … it didn’t just change the way we all listen to music, it changed the entire music industry .”*

*With parallelism and germination.

Rhetorical device no. 4. Germination

The repetition of a word or word group within one sentence.

“ That’s 58 songs every second of every minute of every hour of every day .” “ And so I’ve got voice mail how I wanna listen to it , when I wanna listen to it , in any order I wanna listen to it with visual voice mail .”

Rhetorical device no. 5. Anadiplosis

This rhetorical technique involves the repetition of the last word of a sentence which is also the first word of the following sentence or sequence.

“ And they garnered two percent market share . Two percent market share . iPod had 62 percent market share, and the rest had 36 .”

Rhetorical device no. 6. Asyndeton

Sequence or words or similar expressions without the use of conjunctions.

“ We’ve got movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, photos .”

Rhetorical device no. 7. Polysyndeton

Repetition of conjunctions in a series of coordinated words, phrases, or clauses.

“ It’s got everything from Cocoa and the graphics, and it’s got core animation built in and it’s got the audio and video that OSX is famous for .”

Rhetorical device no. 8. Interrogation

A rhetorical question in which the answer is self-evident.

“ Isn’t that incredible ?” “ Want to see that again ?” “ Pretty cool, huh ?”

Rhetorical device no. 9. Exclamation

An exclamation that expresses the emotional affection of the speaker.

“ I just take my unit here, and I turn it into landscape mode, oh, look what happens! I’m in cover flow .” “ Wha, whoa, what is this ?”

Rhetorical device no. 10. Aporia

A feigned statement of doubt by the speaker and a question to the audience about how he should act.

“ Now, how are we gonna communicate this? We don’t wanna carry around a mouse, right? What are we gonna do ?”

Rhetorical device no. 11. Hyperbole

An exaggeration of the characteristics of an object or circumstance.

“ Best version of Google Maps on the planet, widgets, and all with Edge and Wi-Fi networking .”

Rhetorical device no. 12. Simile

An explicit comparison between two things, usually using “as” or “like.”

“ It works like magic .”

Rhetorical device no. 13. Antitheton

The opposition of two facts of contrasting content.

“ The kind of things you would find on a typical phone, but in a very untypical way now .”

Rhetorical device no. 14. Metaphor

A comparison made by referring to one thing as another, perhaps one of the most popular rhetorical techniques out there.

“ A huge heart transplant to Intel microprocessors .”

Rhetorical device no. 15. Climax

The increase from a weaker expression to a stronger one. Thus, a word sequence is arranged in ascending order.

“ First was the mouse. The second was the click wheel. And now, we’re gonna bring multi-touch to the market .”

Rhetorical device no. 16. Personification

The attribution of human properties toward things or animals, a great rhetorical technique.

“ It already knows how to power manage … and if there’s a new message it will tell me .”

Rhetorical device no. 17. Slogans

Short and striking or memorable phrases used in advertising.

Mr. Jobs also had specific phrases he wanted to repeat over and over. According to Carmine Gallo, this was all intentional since “reinvent the phone” was in the press release Apple sent out before the keynote.

“ Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone , and here it is .” “ So, we’re gonna reinvent the phone .” “ We wanna reinvent the phone .” “ … You’ll agree, we have reinvented the phone .” “ Today, Apple is reinventing the phone .”

Want help with rhetorical devices in your speeches?

If you have a big speech coming up, the communication coaches at Duarte can help. From working on your pauses and vocal variety to removing filler words or inserting rhetorical devices into your speeches, our team of executive speaker coaches can help!

They have worked on many C-suite speeches for some of the world’s top performing brands, and can help you nail your high-stakes moment, too.

Blog post inspired by the work of Bernhard Kast.

This article was originally published on February 15, 2018. It has been updated in August 2024 for relevancy. 

Header image source: Bob Stanfield

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Nine Rhetorical Devices For Your Next Speech

Many speakers are good at conveying information to their audiences. But how many of them are actually interesting ?

Rhetorical devices are too often cast aside as the province of the great Roman orators. They shouldn’t be. When executed well, they can spice up your speeches, presentations, even your one-on-one conversations.

Here are nine of my favorite rhetorical devices. Instead of just reading this article, try inserting a few of these devices in your next speech!

1. Alliteration: The repetition of a sound in the first syllable of each phrase. In the example below, you will see one string of three words beginning with “f,” and another with three words beginning with “d.”

“They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different, and difficult places.” – President Barack Obama

  2. Anadiplosis: The last word or phrase is repeated to begin the next.

“Suffering breeds character; character breeds faith.” – Rev. Jesse Jackson “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda

    3. Antimetabole: The repetition of words or phrases in successive clauses, but in reverse order.

“Not all schooling is education nor all education, schooling.” – Economist Milton Friedman “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” – Scientist Carl Sagan

    4. Antithesis:  A word, phrase, or sentence opposes the original proposition.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

5. Asyndeton: Omits conjunctions, which helps to increase the tempo and highlight a specific idea.

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln “He was a bag of bones, a floppy doll, a broken stick, a maniac.” – Jack Kerouac

6. Diacope: A repeated word or phrase split up by other words; typically used to express a strong emotion.

“Put out the light, and then put out the light.” – William Shakespeare, Othello “For the love of God, man, for the love of God.” – Me, all the time “You’re not fully clean unless you’re Zest fully clean .” – Zest Soap commercial  

  7. Litotes: You’ve probably heard this if a friend ever told you her first date was “not bad.” Litotes is essentially a double negative, expressed by denying an opposite idea; often used ironically.

“She’s no dummy” (she’s smart) “This is no small problem” (this is a big problem)

  8. Metaphor: An analogy that compares one thing or idea to another, using a term or phrase it literally isn’t to suggest similarity.

“Homeowners are the innocent bystanders in a drive-by shooting by Wall Street and Washington.” – Sen. John McCain “It’s raining men.” – The Weather Girls

  9. Simile: A comparison between two unalike things, usually using the words “as” or “like.”

“We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “You’re as cold as ice.” – Foreigner

Do you want to learn even more ways to spice up your speeches and presentations? Become the speaker you always wanted to be with our free public speaking tips guide . 

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Comments (9)

Useful list, but I’m rather surprised by your use of all these obscure Greek words to describe the techniques. I’ve been teaching people how to use rhetorical devices for more than 25 years and have found it perfectly possible to describe them in instantly accessible modern English that anyone can easily understand. For the same reason – instant accessibility so that people can benefit from using them – also did this in my book ‘Lend Me Your Ears: All You Need to Know About Making Speeches and Presentations’ http://amzn.to/g7NgAL

Hi Max, Thank you for your comment, and you raise a fair point. I certainly agree that jargon is lousy for all forms of communication. Would you mind sharing a few of the terms you use to replace the ancient Greek words? Thank you, Brad

I think it’s important to note that it’s not necessary to use ALL of these devices in a speech or presentation. Two similes, a bunch of alliteration and some antimetabole can be too much. It’s a presentation, not Shakespeare. Don’t let the message get muddied in order to show how clever you are. Simplicity, in many cases, is the best rhetorical device.

Hi Betsy, Thank you for making that point – you’re exactly right. Rhetorical devices should be used to help achieve a specific purpose, such as making a key point more memorable. Speakers should feel free to experiment with a device or two in every speech, but should be careful not to go over-the-top. If you’re unsure how many devices to use, I’d err on the side of too few (at least at first). As you suggested, a little goes a long way. Thanks for stopping by the blog! Brad

AWESOME AND EDUCATIONAL

I would like to point out, that I am fairly certain that your second example for alliteration, given by Martin Luther King Jr., is not alliteration at all. I believe it is actually an example of anaphora.

First commenter (Max) is clearly self promoting and not adding value here. Why say that and then not offer examples? Thank you author Brad for providing these examples and the names that are used for them.

Jack is correct! H.S. was 10 years ago for me (I took a public speaking class), but I DO recall falling in love with anaphora, particularly when I was crafting a rousing speech. It gets me FIRED UP! BTW, is there any way in which an apposition can be qualified as a rhetorical device? I feel in love with them from about age 9– I read a lot. I do love them in informative pieces, but it would be fun to see them used convincingly in a persuasive piece. I faintly recall trying to squeeze A FEW into just one sentence for a particularly militant English professor, just to piss her off. . . IT WORKED. She loved me by the end of the semester, however.

For those who did not appreciate the technical terms for the devices. I loved It, as it helped focus my attention. I got a real kick out of it, the specific terms, the love of language for the sake of language. Mmm. A rhetorical device?

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3 Rhetorical Devices In Speeches: Level Up Your Next Speech

Using rhetorical devices in speeches is a skill that engages your audience and takes your public speaking to new heights. You can use specific rhetorical strategies to form an atmosphere for your audience to lean into.

The more you use a choice of word or phrase to enrich your content, the easier it will be for your viewers to ingest your message. When you employ common rhetorical strategies in your speeches, you use language as a communication tool and an art form.

You likely studied different speeches as a student and learned how a few paragraphs or pages impact our world today. However, what you may not have considered is the why behind this impact.

In this article on rhetorical devices in speeches, we’ll dive into:

Why They Matter: Famous Speeches With Rhetorical Devices

Effects of rhetorical devices in speeches, 3 devices you can use today, the rhetorical triangle and impact of your audience.

Chances are, every one of these speeches used a rhetorical device to accentuate the meaning behind the words spoken. So why is it essential to focus on what you say and the devices used when speaking?

Some of the best ways to learn are by studying the speeches of those who went before us. Countless famous speeches used devices and drove their points home. Here is a list of a few, and while the list is not exhaustive by any means, it is a starting point for your study:

• The Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln – a speech that used parallelism
• I Have A Dream, Martin Luther King, Jr. – a speech that used symbolism and allusion
• Speech at the March on Washington, Josephine Baker – a speech that used pathos to connect (more on this later)

Simple strategies, such as repetition of a word, connect with audiences when you start a speech and helps boost engagement. These ways of speaking matter because, used effectively, they changed history. If you are a public speaker or considering pursuing this form of communication, it’s essential to understand the effects of writing speeches in this way.

One form of effective communication is public speaking skills. You can pursue your dreams to unimaginable levels when you embody good communication skills.

Whether we realize it or not, our current occupation, job, partner, etc., is likely a product of some form of a good speech. For example, when you sat down for your dream job interview and the interviewer asked why you were the right fit for the job, maybe you said something similar to:

“I worked in marketing at a large company for over five years. I’ve seen the power of effective marketing. Good marketing changes lives. Trust me; good marketing changes lives.”

You just used a diacope to enforce your point—the echo effect allows the interviewer to hear your point twice without you coming across as redundant. This device is a powerful technique, and you can use it in various ways.

When you are aware of the impact of a repeated word, speaking in front of an audience takes on an entirely new meaning. There are many rhetorical devices to research and layer into your future speeches, but for now, let’s focus on three you can implement today.

Once you understand these three and feel confident to incorporate them into your speech, you will likely be surprised at how much your speeches improve. Take your time to digest the following information, then when you’re ready, try using one or two the next time you communicate with someone.

• Alliteration

Alliteration is simply repeating the same sound in the first syllable of a list of words. For example, The fierce fighters followed their leader. Another example of alliteration is: Sometimes, somedays, someone just needs you to listen.

This type of rhetorical device helps your audience easily pick up on the word or words you want them to hold onto after your speech. Knowing that alliteration will enable your audience to remember what you said quickly and can help with the fear of public speaking.

Diacope is another device used as a type of mirror for your words. You can define it as a device that focuses on the repetition of a few words, separated by a few words. The term originates from the Greek language word that means “cutting in two.”

The number of words between the repeated words of a diacope can vary, but it should be few enough to produce a rhetorical effect. For example, let’s say you’re a passionate Star Wars fan and talking about your love for the episodes.

To use a diacope to articulate your point, you might say, “Is Star Wars the greatest series, or is Star Wars the greatest series?” One more example of a fan might be: “Darth Vader…there’s no villain like Darth Vader.”

A metaphor should not be confused with a simile: While a simile uses “like” or “as” to describe something, a metaphor compares two things more directly. A few examples of a metaphor are:

• All the world’s a stage.
• The rain fell in curtains.
• Your life is a fantasy.

You can use metaphors to make your speech relatable. If you speak on complex topics, you can use metaphors to compare your topic to your audience. For example, let’s say someone asked you to speak on concierge medicine. You choose to make it relatable by using metaphor to compare it with something familiar to most of your audience.

A key aspect of rhetorical devices is called The Rhetorical Triangle . Ethos, pathos, and logos create this triangle and work together to impact your audience.

People often demonstrate the equality of each device by using an equilateral triangle as its representation. Every side of the triangle is equal, just as each of the three devices is equal in importance.

The Greek philosopher and rhetorician Aristotle taught that audience appeal in these three areas determines whether a speaker can effectively persuade. You can use these three distinctions in writing, public speaking, and various other forms of communication.

Used well, you can successfully communicate your message to your audience, but be careful not to use these rhetorical devices in speeches to manipulate your listeners. People know when they are being used, and rhetorical devices are intended to aid in effective communication, not enable unhealthy communication patterns.

With this in mind, let’s start with ethos, using credibility and character to appeal to your listeners, audience, or viewers.

Ethos is a powerful way to inform your audience about who you are and why you bring specific credibility to the stage. Ethos is also a meaningful way to gain trust with your listeners. If you communicate why you are credible, they are much more likely to trust you.

Because of this, an individual often introduces the speaker before the speaker comes onstage. This introduction establishes ethos before the speech starts. Make sure to include a certain amount of ethos, depending on the need for credibility with your audience.

Pathos is an appeal to emotion, so use it with caution. Your audience will feel manipulated if you layer on pathos too thickly. However, if you ignore pathos, your audience is unlikely to feel personally invested in your subject matter.

Use pathos in small doses, with intention, and channel it for a purpose. For example, let’s say you are working toward starting a nonprofit that helps create jobs for new mothers who need the opportunity to work from home since they can’t afford childcare. Share why you are invested in this. Intentional vulnerability is an excellent start to using pathos.

When using emotion (pathos), it’s also essential to incorporate logos—or the appeal to logic (logos). You never know which of these three rhetorical devices will resonate with your audience. Some may be particularly attuned to their emotions, while others need hard facts to take you seriously.

Appeal to logos when speaking, but just as we must be careful not to overuse pathos, use logos with discretion. Too many facts will bore your audience, but not enough logic, and you may come across as misinformed. Finding the right balance is the key when you use The Rhetorical Triangle.

Try to use two aspects of the rhetorical triangle the next time you give a speech.

There is a unique way to combine the mentioned concepts to level up your speech and increase your credibility. Decide which aspect of The Rhetorical Triangle will most resonate with your audience, and then pair it with one of the following:

When you combine two powerful attributes, your speech reaches new heights. Not only do you appeal to your credibility, logic, or emotion, but you do so in a way that uses the English language to reiterate it.

For example, try appealing to pathos and pairing it with diacope: “She was six years old when she started providing for the family, just six years old.”

Use logos and alliteration when explaining your credentials: “I studied to gain my undergraduate degree in Physics, Psychology, and Philosophy.” With three majors, your credentials should speak for themselves, but explaining them with alliteration will help your audience remember the specifics of your credibility.

Layering rhetorical devices into your next speech will take it up a level, impact your audience deeper, and make your core message stick with your listeners. So now that you’re familiar with different options, choose one device or pair two together, and test it out next time you take the stage!

Check out more great articles from the Thought-Leader Blog covering TEDx Talks, success mindsets, and everything else in between

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Rhetorical devices are techniques in writing and speech that try to persuade the audience. A rhetorical device uses language to shape ideas into arguments, convincing the reader through a plethora of literary strategies.

Why study rhetorical devices? Understanding how writers wield words to persuade you will help you read critically and carefully. And, if you’re a writer, a poet, a future lawyer, or even someone who writes a lot of emails, learning how to employ common rhetorical devices will help sharpen your writing style and skills. Familiarizing yourself with this article will help you learn how to identify rhetorical devices in literature.

But first, what are rhetorical devices? This article dives deep into the topic, with a full rhetorical devices list and ample examples from poetry, literature, and speech. This article is filled with inspiration, ideas, and strategies to fine tune your writing, so let’s dive in. What are rhetorical devices?

Common Rhetorical Devices List Contents:

• What are Rhetorical Devices?

Types of Rhetorical Devices

9 syntactic rhetorical devices list, 10 argumentative rhetorical devices list, 10 emphatic rhetorical devices list, 7 stylistic rhetorical devices list, what are rhetorical devices.

Rhetorical devices are literary strategies for persuading the audience. Through techniques involving syntax, style, emphasis, word choice , and appeals to the audience itself, the authors that employ rhetorical devices hope to convince you of a certain idea or argument.

What are rhetorical devices? They are literary strategies for persuading the audience.

It’s important to note that “rhetorical devices” is an open-ended term, because writers are always trying to convince you of something. The devices in this article pertain to strategies in the style and syntax of language itself. But, other literary devices , such as metaphors and onomatopoeias , can also be considered rhetorical, if employed rhetorically—that is, if they try to change your way of thinking. Even the elements of fiction , like setting and plot , want to persuade you to think in a certain way.

Nonetheless, this article focuses on common rhetorical devices employed in the art of argument. Before we look at these literary strategies, let’s examine the different types of rhetorical devices.

There aren’t any clear taxonomies for rhetorical devices, in part because the term itself is so open-ended. Rhetorical scholars certainly don’t try to taxonomize these devices, as language itself is so open-ended and can be employed in infinite ways. Nonetheless, to keep these devices organized, we use the following labels to categorize the different types of rhetorical devices:

• Rhetorical appeals —Devices that appeal directly to the reader’s feelings, thoughts, morals, and sense of time. You may have already heard of them: ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos.
• Syntactical devices —Devices that use sentence structures to communicate or simplify complex ideas.
• Argumentative rhetorical devices —Devices whose structures are conducive to the advancement of a certain argument.
• Emphatic rhetorical devices —Devices that underscore or emphasize certain ideas.
• Stylistic rhetorical devices —Devices that use word play and diction to advance an argument.

Let’s examine these 5 categories now, with a look at rhetorical devices examples in literature, poetry, and speech.

Rhetorical Appeals: Kairos, Ethos, Logos, Pathos Rhetorical Devices

The following common rhetorical devices appeal directly to the reader’s sensibilities. Do note: an appeal to ethos, for example, can also be an appeal to pathos. Many master rhetoricians will advance arguments that appeal to multiple sensibilities at the same time.

1. Kairos—Appeal to Time

Now is the time to use kairos!—a device that appeals directly to the audience’s sense of time.

Specifically, kairos is an appeal to immediacy, to a sense of “in this moment.” When employed ethically, kairos convinces the audience that we must act immediately for the better good. For example, Martin Luther King once said:

King’s call for radical optimism in the face of racism and oppression was a call to action: now is the time that we change our situation of segregation.

Of course, kairos can also be used unethically, in that it can encourage the audience to think about something uncritically. If I implored an audience that “now is the time to chop all the trees down,” and some audience members didn’t think about the effects of this statement, they might actually start deforesting the land around them.

Kairos creates a sense of urgency. Now is the time to act, to think, to hope, etc. The kairos rhetorical device also helps the speaker explain why they are speaking to the audience: Because it is the time for action , I am speaking to you now.

2. Ethos—Appeal to Ethics and Credibility

Ethos is a device which appeals to two different senses:

• The credibility of the speaker. Why should I trust this person’s arguments?
• The ethics of the argument. How can I trust the ethical good in this argument?

To see the ethos rhetorical device in action, let’s look at an excerpt of the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell , a novel filled with rhetorical devices examples. For reference, this novel is an allegorical representation of the rise of the U.S.S.R., and the below excerpt implores the animals on the farm to overthrow the farmers and establish an equitable, self-governing system. Appeals to ethos are bolded.

“Comrades, you have heard already about the strange dream that I had last night. But I will come to the dream later. I have something else to say first. I do not think, comrades, that I shall be with you for many months longer, and before I die, I feel it my duty to pass on to you such wisdom as I have acquired. I have had a long life, I have had much time for thought as I lay alone in my stall, and I think I may say that I understand the nature of life on this earth as well as any animal now living . It is about this that I wish to speak to you.

“Now, comrades, what is the nature of this life of ours? Let us face it: our lives are miserable, laborious, and short. We are born, we are given just so much food as will keep the breath in our bodies, and those of us who are capable of it are forced to work to the last atom of our strength; and the very instant that our usefulness has come to an end we are slaughtered with hideous cruelty. No animal in England knows the meaning of happiness or leisure after he is a year old. No animal in England is free. The life of an animal is misery and slavery: that is the plain truth.

“But is this simply part of the order of nature? Is it because this land of ours is so poor that it cannot afford a decent life to those who dwell upon it? No, comrades, a thousand times no! The soil of England is fertile, its climate is good, it is capable of affording food in abundance to an enormously greater number of animals than now inhabit it. This single farm of ours would support a dozen horses, twenty cows, hundreds of sheep—and all of them living in a comfort and a dignity that are now almost beyond our imagining. Why then do we continue in this miserable condition? Because nearly the whole of the produce of our labour is stolen from us by human beings. There, comrades, is the answer to all our problems. It is summed up in a single word—Man. Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever.”

The first paragraph demonstrates an appeal to character. The speaker, Old Major, tells the audience he is trustworthy because he has lived a long life, and he wishes to pass on his wisdom. (There is also an appeal to kairos here, because Old Major tells the animals he has not long to live, and needs to tell them this information now .)

The second and third paragraphs appeal to the ethics of the audience. Paragraph two demonstrates the awful conditions of the farm. The animals are, quite literally, worked to death, and they receive no share in the profits of the farm. But the animals do not deserve this: they can imagine a farm that supports a large population, each animal living “in a comfort and a dignity that are now almost beyond our imagining.” Why not strive for this level of prosperity?

Words like “comfort” and “dignity” reinforce the ethics of Old Major’s argument. These ideas are benchmarks for the pig’s ideas, since the audience will now be considering how to construct a world that preserves each individual’s comfort and dignity. It also lends credibility to Old Major himself, who seeks, above all, to better the lives of the animals long after he has died himself.

3. Logos—Appeal to Logic

Logos employs reason or logic to convince the audience of a certain argument. Logos will often be the backbone of an argument, particularly among rhetoricians who have actually thought through the logic of the ideas they’re advancing. (If an argument relies too heavily on pathos or kairos, that argument will often be poorly thought through, or else be trying to achieve nefarious ends.)

There are two primary forms of logos: inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning.

• Inductive Reasoning: Drawing predictions from specific claims. For example, a specific claim might be “I have to wear a scarf every winter.” To make this a predictions, you might say “This winter, I will also wear a scarf.”
• Deductive Reasoning: Drawing specific conclusions from general claims. For example, a general claim might be “All birds have feathers.” To take this to a specific conclusion, you might note that “an emu has feathers. Therefore, an emu is a bird.” (This is also an example of syllogism, which we define later in the article.)

Another way to think about this: inductive reasoning makes predictions based on existing data, whereas deductive reasoning makes conclusions based on existing data. Both forms of argument are valid in different ways, and both are equally prone to being false or manipulated.

The use of facts and figures is also the use of logos, although logos itself is logical argument. In other words, simply writing “studies show” is not an appeal to logos, as the writer must explain how their argument is supported by the data.

Here’s an example of the logos rhetorical device, from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee . For reference, Atticus is a lawyer trying to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting Mayella Ewell.

[Atticus] You’re a strong girl, what were you doing all the time, just standing there?”

[Mayella] “I told’ja I hollered’n‘kicked’n’fought—”

Atticus reached up and took off his glasses, turned his good right eye to the witness, and rained questions on her. Judge Taylor said, “One question at a time, Atticus. Give the witness a chance to answer.”

“All right, why didn’t you run?”

“Tried to? What kept you from it?”

“I—he slung me down. That’s what he did, he slung me down’n got on top of me.”

“You were screaming all this time?”

“I certainly was.”

“Then why didn’t the other children hear you? Where were they? At the dump? Where were they?”

“Why didn’t your screams make them come running? The dump’s closer than the woods, isn’t it?”

“Or didn’t you scream until you saw your father in the window? You didn’t think to scream until then, did you?”

“Did you scream first at your father instead of at Tom Robinson? Was that it?”

“Who beat you up? Tom Robinson or your father?”

“What did your father see in the window, the crime of rape or the best defense to it? Why don’t you tell the truth, child, didn’t Bob Ewell beat you up?”

Atticus uses deductive reasoning here to demonstrate that Mayella’s bruises came from her father, not from Tom Robinson. Logically speaking, if Tom was the one assaulting her, she would have screamed, and wouldn’t someone have heard? Tried to get Tom off of her?

By canceling out all other possible scenarios, Atticus deduces that, because no one came to Mayella’s rescue, her story about being assaulted by Tom is fake, because the source of her bruises is actually her father.

Note: When appeals to logic are false or poorly argued, they are often logical fallacies .

4. Pathos—Appeal to Feeling

Pathos is an appeal to the feelings of the audience. The author employs pathos when the writing tries to evoke a particular emotion, especially for the purposes of advancing an argument.

Pathos is a common facet of all literature, since literature tries to connect the reader to our greater shared humanity. This can only happen on the levels of the symbolic : images, feelings, and the like.

In argument, politics, and the court of law, the pathos rhetorical device certainly helps win the audience over to a certain idea or position. That said, pathos is a very easy device to abuse. When the writing focuses on evoking strong emotions from the reader, particularly without the backing of research and credibility, then the author likely wants to persuade you without evidence. Pathos-heavy writing is the stuff of conspiracy theories, extremism, and propaganda. (See also: logical fallacies.)

We won’t dive into all nuances of pathos—that’s a different article for a different day. But let’s see pathos in action through the poem “It’s What Happens, Sometimes, in October” by Angel Gonzalez :

When nothing occurs, and summer is gone, and leaves start to fall off the trees, and the cold rusts the edges of rivers, and slows down the flow of waters;

when the sky seems a violent sea, and birds swap landscapes, and words sound more and more distant, like whispers strewn by the wind;

then, as you know, it’s what happens:

those leaves, birds, clouds, strewn words and rivers, fill us with sudden restlessness and despair.

Don’t seek the cause in your hearts. It is merely what I said: what happens.

Through both natural imagery and appeals to the reader’s emotions, this poem evokes the sense of “restlessness and despair” that one sometimes feels in the peak of autumn. Of course, don’t just let the poem tell you how to feel: immerse yourself in its images, its windswept chill and “strewn words and rivers.” This poem doesn’t ask us to feel any particular way about autumn, only to observe the feelings that arise in us, which are simply “what happens” in October.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to draw attention to a certain idea by playing with sentence structure. The English language can be toyed with in many different ways, and master rhetoricians know how to use syntax to their advantage through the following devices.

5. Anacoluthon—Interruptions in Grammatical Flow

An anacoluthon occurs when the writer employs different grammatical structures in the same sentence. This device is a grammatical discontinuity —the syntax of the sentence changes, often alongside an abrupt change in topic.

Both poets and rhetoricians use this device to highlight important ideas. Poets, and prose poets in particular, will use the device to replicate the disjointed nature of thoughts, as our brains naturally think and feel incoherently.

Here’s an example of anacoluthon, from our accomplished instructor Barbara Henning ( Retrieved from Posit ):

When I woke up, I was in the wrong place, holding a blooming dandelion in my hand.

I knew there was something wrong when I completely forgot the script so clearly encoded under my forehead.

The rush of spirit retreated through a pinhole and dropped me back in this square room with thunder and the sound of heavy metal.

On the other side of the window the microwave beeped. A door slammed. The tv was on automatic shut off.

The computer, some kind of advance on cuneiform writing was flashing the figure of a fish.

A drawing by Dr. Freud in 1878 of the neurons in a spinal ganglion. Through the pinhole of that glassy eye—

Dr. Agassiz made his student learn the truth about fish— and I put my ear to a conch shell.

The sound of a distant oceanic voice— “What is there is there. And that is that.”

Some poignant anacolutha occur at the ends of the final two stanzas. These interruptions in thought bring the reader to what is most important in the poem. Barbara’s poetry frequently finds insight through careful attention to the natural and the now; by bringing the reader back to the present through the image of the conch shell, the poem tries to remind us of the nature of things, of the complicated simplicity of the present.

6. Antithesis—Parallel Juxtaposition of Opposite Ideas

Antithesis refers to the placement of differing ideas side by side using parallel structure, with the intent of comparing and contrasting those ideas. It relies on two key concepts in writing: parallelism and juxtaposition .

A lot of common phrases in the English language rely on antithesis. You may have recently heard one of the following phrases:

• Go big or go home
• Get busy living or get busy dying
• No pain, no gain
• No guts, no glory
• If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail
• Out of sight, out of mind
• Hope for the best; prepare for the worst
• Easy come, easy go

Well written antitheses lodge themselves in the brain, laying out complex ideas in simple sentences. A lot of idioms and proverbs rely on this device. So do rhetoricians: see the below excerpt from Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” :

This excerpt shows a clean cause and effect, utilizing the power of antithesis to honor the Union soldiers that died for the nation’s survival.

7. Asyndeton—Absence of Conjunctions

A writer employs asyndeton when they don’t use conjunctions to separate clauses. This has the effect of making the sentence move quicker, while also making the sentence feel sharp and directed.

For example:

With conjunctions (polysyndeton): Swift and concise and pointed, the sentence makes you think and moves your heart and compels you to action.

Without conjunctions (asyndeton): Swift, concise, pointed, the sentence makes you think, moves your heart, compels you to action.

Notice how the flow and feel of the sentence changes with the inclusion of “and” in place of commas? The example of polysyndeton actually feels a little overwhelming. Later in this article, we’ll look at proper uses of polysyndeton.

Here’s an example of asyndeton from Othello (I.i) by William Shakespeare:

Asyndeton can also refer to a lack of conjunctions between sentences, as in the above excerpt.

8. Hypallage—Syntactic and Semantic Split in a Modifier

Hypallage occurs when the author uses a modifier (usually a single adjective) to describe something semantically, rather than syntactically.

Okay, that’s a tough sentence to parse. Let me give you an example right away, from “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen :

So, the word “clumsy” is modifying the word “helmets.” This is occurring on a syntactic level. However, “clumsy” isn’t describing the helmets, it’s actually describing the boys fumbling to put them on during World War I.

In other words, there’s a split between the modifier’s syntactic and semantic meanings. (You can also argue that “helmets” is being used as a synecdoche to describe the boys themselves.)

Some phrases in the English lexicon naturally use hypallage. If you have a “restless night,” it’s not the night that was restless, it was you restless during the night.

Hypallage helps make an idea more concise, and it also builds an interesting visual link between two ideas. What does a clumsy helmet look like? We can almost see the boys struggling to put their helmets on, without the author having to say “the boys donned their helmets clumsily.”

9. Hyperbaton—Inverted Word Order

One of the common rhetorical devices, hyperbaton is!

A hyperbaton occurs when the writer writes a sentence in an unusual order, in order to emphasize the most salient aspect of the sentence. It is also called anastrophe. Rhetoricians may use this device for emphasis, and poets will certainly use it to preserve the rhythm and flow of a poem’s line. In formal poetry , such as the works of Shakespeare, hyperbaton makes it easier for the poem to retain its meter, like iambic pentameter.

Here are a few rhetorical devices examples using hyperbaton:

“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe :

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare :

“anyone lived in a pretty how town” by E. E. Cummings :

anyone lived in a pretty how town (with up so floating many bells down) spring summer autumn winter he sang his didn’t he danced his did.

Women and men(both little and small) cared for anyone not at all they sowed their isn’t they reaped their same sun moon stars rain

children guessed(but only a few and down they forgot as up they grew autumn winter spring summer) that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf she laughed his joy she cried his grief bird by snow and stir by still anyone’s any was all to her

someones married their everyones laughed their cryings and did their dance (sleep wake hope and then)they said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon (and only the snow can begin to explain how children are apt to forget to remember with up so floating many bells down )

one day anyone died i guess (and noone stooped to kiss his face) busy folk buried them side by side little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep and more by more they dream their sleep noone and anyone earth by april wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men(both dong and ding) summer autumn winter spring reaped their sowing and went their came sun moon stars rain

For this last example, pay attention to how hyperbaton preserves the flow of the poem, and how it creates a sense of mystery. Cummings was a master of using language not to impart direct communication, but to create senses, mysteries, and feelings in the text.

10. Hypotaxis—Hierarchical Sentence Structure

Before we explain hypotaxis, a brief grammar refresher might prove helpful.

The components of a sentence are clauses and phrases. A clause is a part of a sentence that has a noun and a verb; sometimes, a clause is a complete sentence. A phrase is a group of words without a complete noun-verb pairing, such as the verb phrase “will be writing.” (There’s no noun.)

A subordinate clause is a clause that has a noun and a verb, but cannot stand on its own as a sentence. This is because the clause is modifying another part of the sentence. The bolded portion of the following sentence is subordinate: “I cannot use rhetorical devices, although I try very hard to. ”

Now, to hypotaxis. A hypotactic sentence is one that has dependent, or subordinate, clauses. This creates a hierarchical relationship in the sentence: the most important part of the sentence is the clause that can exist independently, while the subordinate clauses, which are less important, still modify and sharpen the message of the sentence.

Here’s an example—from Simone Weil’s Waiting for God . The sentences containing hypotaxis are bolded.

In the bolded sentences, take note of which is the main clause, and which clauses are subordinate. Notice how this makes the main clause the most important aspect of the sentence, creating a hierarchy of information, and a sense of relationships between different interconnected ideas.

Notice, also, how this passage has a mix of complex and simple sentences. Too much hypotaxis will prove much harder to read and comprehend.

The opposite of hypotaxis is parataxis.

11. Parataxis—Equally Weighted Sentence Components

In opposition to hypotaxis, parataxis is the use of equally weighted sentences or clauses in succession to one another. Parataxis requires short, simple sentences and clauses. You can identify this device by an absence of subordinating conjunctions—words that make a clause subordinate, like “although” or “because” or “if.”

Parataxis plays an important role in the following excerpt from Sula , by Toni Morrison:

The sequence of nouns (written using asyndeton) all blur together in one long list of things that don’t belong to Shadrack (the subject of this excerpt). Parataxis makes this sentence quick and even overwhelming, as the reader is immersed in Shadrack’s poverty upon leaving the military hospital he was confined to for so long.

Parataxis plays an equally interesting role in the below prose poem by Barbara Henning. Prose poets often employ parataxis as it resembles the disjointed nature of thought.

With a Bang

Many of the items in this prose poem are equally weighted, allowing the poem to represent the honest, fast-moving nature of human thought and experience. It is up to the reader to understand and interpret the many different items and ideas juxtaposed in this piece.

12. Polysyndeton—Succession of Coordinating Conjunctions

Polysyndeton is the opposite of asyndeton. A sentence with polysyndeton uses coordinating conjunctions (usually “and,” sometimes “or” or “nor”) to join a series of clauses, which serves to quicken the pace of the sentence itself.

Polysyndeton is prominent in these first two stanzas from the poem “It’s What Happens, Sometimes, in October” by Angel Gonzalez:

The repeating “ands” quicken the pace of the poem, reflecting the way the seasons change swiftly in October. They also help create rhythm and tension in the language of the poem itself.

13. Synesis—“Sense” Over Syntax

A synesis occurs when a sentence lacks grammatical agreement, for the purpose of highlighting an agreement in “sense.”

This is easier demonstrated than defined. See the below excerpt from Shakespeare’s King Lear :

“Revenges,” here, is grammatically incorrect. The word should be singular, because it should agree, grammatically and syntactically, with “I.” One does not typically carry out “revenges,” and it’s actually rare to see that word in the plural.

But, in this instance, it is correct logically. Lear is promising revenge on two people, and he might even be promising a different kind of revenge on each person. So, while the sentence is wrong in grammar, it is correct in sense. 

This break in grammar also highlights the word breaking grammatical rules. Our attention is drawn to “revenges”, and so, the idea of revenge is highlighted and heightened in the text.

Synesis is considered a form of anacoluthon. Like anacoluthon, synesis reflects the ways that we naturally communicate to one another. King Lear’s syneses and anacolutha sound true to his character, as these devices feel disjointed, much like a man blind with anger might speak.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to convince the audience of something. Some of these devices are earnest, sincere, and logical; others are more manipulative.

14. Accismus—Feigned Indifference

What? No! I don’t want that thing (which I actually secretly really desperately want).

Accismus is a form of irony in which the speaker pretends not to desire something that they actually desire. They might do this so as not to scare off the person offering it, or to conceal that their entire motivation rests on this one thing.

For example, in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (I.ii), Caesar pretends not to want the crown of Rome:

Caesar at first refuses the crown before accepting, so that the people of Rome don’t catch on to the fact that this crown is the only thing he wants . Were they to know this, the people might realize that Caesar is power hungry and tyrannical.

15. Anecdote—Story-Based Evidence

An anecdote is a short, pithy story, utilized to demonstrate a key point in an argument. Anecdotes are often funny, but can be serious, too.

The teller of the anecdote must not get too lost in the story that they lose track of their own argument; but they must also demonstrate their point clearly and emphatically.

We use anecdotes all the time, making this one of the more common rhetorical devices in this list. Here’s an example, from Timothy Donnelly’s poem “All Through the War” ( in New England Review ):

I said to my daughter on the phone: Be an honest person,

just be an honest person. Be honest, be honest, be honest. Some days I can’t believe what it means to be alive some days. Some days I think about tearing myself apart but not exactly

with pleasure. Some days I know the strongest feeling is grief but I believe it must be love: it has to be, has to be, has to. Some days I feel each cell in my body has its fingers crossed.

The first two lines in this excerpt are an example of the anecdote rhetorical device, with the following lines furthering the argument of the poem. The speaker demonstrates exactly what he means by being honest, sharing thoughts that are both radically intimate and deeply heartfelt.

When an anecdote is moral in nature, it is sometimes referred to as an “exemplum.”

16. Antanagoge—Deflection by Counter Allegation

An antanagoge refers to a deflection in which, instead of answering a question or defending a point, the speaker makes a counter allegation.

For example, if I charged you with “eating all the Oreos,” you might reply that I “ate all the pecan pie last week.” (It’s true; I did.)

Antanagoge can also be employed syntactically. If you raise a claim and then answer that claim with an opposing sentiment, you have used antanagoge. For example, the phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The first clause is negative, the responding clause is positive.

17. Aporia—Feigned Uncertainty

An aporia occurs when the writer expresses uncertainty or doubt, with the intention of raising a certain argument and exploring it. This uncertainty is usually feigned, as the writer pretends to be uncertain so that they can enumerate their argument and ideas.

A famous example of this is Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech:

By frequently calling into question her own womanhood, Sojourner Truth highlights the blinding effects of racism—how Black women don’t get to have the same rights, privileges, and freedoms of white women, perhaps because no one even views them as women. This speech was quite provocative, and quite effective, for its time—delivered at the 1851 Woman’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, in the midst of rising racial tension and conversations about abolishing slavery.

Aporia is also a concept in philosophy, referring to irresolvable knots or logical impasses in a text.

18. Bdelygmia—Litany of Insults

Despite its weird and satisfying spelling, bdelygmia describes something neither weird nor satisfying: insults.

Specifically, bdelygmia is a litany of insults directed towards an opponent or someone with opposing ideas. It is sometimes called abominatio, is always a form of ad hominem , and it uses strong language to appeal to pathos.

At its cutest, bdelygmia is levied against the perceived antagonist of a story, such as this excerpt from How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss:

The list of insults (using asyndeton, no less!) compels the reader to believe that the Grinch, for lack of a better word, sucks. This has a strong influence on the reader, as it tinges the way they view the Grinch’s place in the story, and it also moves the reader when the Grinch comes around to Christmas.

At its ugliest, bdelygmia is the stuff of internet discourse and political rhetoric. If someone is casting a litany of insults towards their opposition, recognize that this is an abuse of rhetoric, and that no substantial argument is being levied. Bdelygmia is what incites hate groups, political polarization, cyberbullying, and all sorts of intentionally hurtful discourse. Don’t fall for it!

19. Enthymeme—Deductive Reasoning With an Unstated Premise

In our section on the Logos rhetorical device, we explain that deductive reasoning follows a series of premises to reach a conclusion. For example:

• Rhetorical devices use language to persuade the audience.
• Amplification is a rhetorical device.
• Amplification uses language to persuade the audience.

In other words, A = B, and B = C, so A must equal C. (This is a syllogism, which we define later in this article.)

An enthymeme uses deductive reasoning without stating one of the premises. This is because the unstated premise is obvious to the reader. If we remove that first premise, then we get:

You don’t need to be told that rhetorical devices use language to persuade the audience; so, this enthymeme implies that premise. The reader trusts that you already know this basic concept. Using enthymeme conveys trust in the audience, which can help build ethos. It also lets the writer build more concise arguments.

20. Hypophora—Raising and Answering a Question

What can learning about common rhetorical devices do for your writing? Everything.

Also known as antipophora or anthypophora, hypophora is when the writer asks a question and immediately answers it. This rhetorical strategy allows the writer to raise a new topic, and it also invites the audience to participate in the work, since asking questions (even rhetorical questions) makes the audience feel engaged.

A hypophora occurs at the end of the poem “When she told me” by Jean Valentine:

When she told me over the phone you died I lay down and cried, “Don’t you stop loving me.”

In the West Side Market, I heard your voice from the ceiling say out loud to me, I love you.

In the park, to a chestnut tree, to the light through hundreds of leaves, I said, I love you.

It was you. And it was my life, run, to what,

—you closer than touch. 

21. Procatalepsis—Raising and Responding to Rebuttal

I know what you’re going to say. Rhetorical devices? Who needs those?

Procatalepsis is the act of raising a possible rebuttal to your argument, in order to address it right away. It strengthens the argument by addressing criticism and predicting what the opponent might say. As long as that rebuttal is properly addressed, this device can greatly enhance the ethos of an argument. Like hypophora, procatalepsis can also create surprising transitions in literary texts.

Frederick Douglass used procatalepsis in his 1846 “Appeal to the British People.” See below:

Douglass raises and rebuts the argument that he should confine his efforts to the United States. By connecting his plight to humanity’s plight, Douglass not only crafts an effective argument, but also boosts his appeal to ethos and pathos.

22. Reductio ad Absurdum—Taking an Argument to its Absurd Extreme

Reductio ad absurdum is a Latin phrase meaning “Reducing to the point of absurdity.” It is a means of arguing that a certain position is actually absurd. This is one of the operating mechanisms of satire, because it takes an argument to its logical extreme, demonstrating the futility and absurdity of that argument.

At its simplest, reductio ad absurdum simply explains why an argument is incorrect. For example:

The sun cannot orbit the Earth. Otherwise, the Earth would be 1,000,000 times the size of the sun!

At its more complex, reductio ad absurdum pokes fun at the absurdity of the ways we think and act. Satirist Jonathan Swift makes fun of the ways women prepare themselves in his poem “The Ladies’ Dressing Room”:

Five hours, (and who can do it less in?) By haughty Celia spent in dressing; The goddess from her chamber issues, Arrayed in lace, brocades and tissues…

Her ointments, daubs, and paints and creams, Her washes, slops, and every clout Such order from confusion sprung, Such gaudy tulips raised from dung.

The details and imagery here, as well as the mention that Celia spends five hours getting ready, makes Celia’s actions seem simply absurd.

Reductio ad absurdum can become a logical fallacy if it misinterprets the premise of an argument, or else doesn’t show a clear cause and effect between a premise and its logical extreme. Use this device wisely, logically, and convincingly.

23. Syllogism—If A=B, and B=C, Then A=C

If rhetorical devices help strengthen your writing, and syllogism is one of the common rhetorical devices, then a syllogism must strengthen your writing!

A syllogism is the base structure of deductive reasoning—the means by which specific claims are drawn from general knowledge. It follows the template “If A equals B, and B equals C, then A must equal C.”

Shakespeare, of course, master poet and rhetorician that he was, used syllogism in The Life of Timon of Athens .

FLAVIUS. “Have you forgot me, sir?”

TIMON. “Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men; Then, if thou grant’st thou’rt a man, I have forgot thee.”

Of course, employing a syllogism does not mean that the argument holds true. One of the claims A or B could prove incorrect, or else not encompass the full truth. This results in a faulty syllogism, or the syllogism fallacy. For example:

• All cats have four legs.
• A zebra has four legs.
• Therefore, a zebra is a cat.

While both claims A and B are generally true, they don’t encompass the full truth, because cats are not the only category of animals with four legs.

When a syllogism is employed with one claim instead of two (A = B, therefore A = C), that’s known as enthymeme, which is defined elsewhere in this article.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to emphasize a certain idea. Many of these devices take ideas to their logical extreme, or else use repetition to make an argument stick.

24. Adynaton—Extreme Hyperbole

A hyperbole is an exaggeration. Adynaton is an extreme exaggeration—a hyperbole so out there that it’s beyond impossible. An adynaton might be employed for comic effect, or it might be evidence of the speaker’s extreme feelings.

Here’s an example: the poem “The Cow Speaks to the Child” by Evan Gill Smith :

There’s no me without you, says the cow in the sunlight being looked at, being drawn by the child with crayons.

Is the hill an almond? the child wants to know. Is life irrefutable?

The start of ‘me’ is the start of the ending of ‘you.’ See that hole in your sock where the cold can get through?

The child’s toe sticks through the hole now.

Some philosophers grow ulcers from eating loneliness. There’s not much we know.

The cow’s tongue smacks its lips.

The child fills in its spots with blue crayon and silence. A dragonfly or not.

The line “some philosophers grow ulcers from eating loneliness” can be considered adynaton, as philosophers cannot actually eat loneliness. The idea of growing ulcers from eating loneliness is certainly out there . Of course, this line is metaphorical, and it’s doing excellent work by making the abstract physical. But it’s also a great example of how to use adynaton, because the line is so surprising to the reader, and stands out so clearly from the rest of the piece, that it sticks with the reader long after they’ve finished the poem.

25. Amplification—Drawing Attention to Ideas

The amplification rhetorical device uses superfluous words, embellishments, and unnecessary additions to draw attention towards a particular idea which might otherwise escape the reader’s attention. (That sentence is one example!)

Sometimes, a concise, abruptly worded sentence might not convey what it intends to. The language itself is functional, but the sentence is so short, or so dense, that the reader won’t get it. Amplification ensures that the reader grasps the entirety of what the author believes to be a highly important idea.

Here’s an example, from The Twits by Roald Dahl . The amplifications have been bolded, so you can see how they’re highlighting the core idea.

If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

Notice how the bolded additions aren’t adding anything “new” to the original ideas, but they help demonstrate, through imagery and example, a necessary concept for the reader to understand.

Be careful with this device. Err on the side of concision , unless you’re certain that the reader must slow down and sit with the idea(s) in the writing.

26. Antiphrasis—Using Words Opposite of Their Meanings

Antiphrasis is the use of words to mean the opposite of their dictionary definitions. For example, if you fell down on the asphalt, and I said “Nice going, ballerina!”, that would be antiphrasis—I do not think that was “nice going,” and I certainly don’t think you’re a ballerina.

Antiphrasis is the operating mechanism for things like irony, sarcasm, satire , and sometimes even euphemism and litotes. (We define euphemism in our article on dialogue ; litotes appears elsewhere in this article.)

Among rhetorical devices, antiphrasis helps writers emphasize what they mean by making the reader think. When the reader realizes that the words being used are opposite to what the writer means, the time spent thinking about those words makes them stick in the reader’s head.

Of course, antiphrasis can also be used as a weapon. It’s not a very kind device to use, so use it wisely and sparingly.

27. Asterismos—Calling Attention With Introductory Words

Behold , rhetorical devices! Asterismos is when you call attention to an idea with an introductory word or phrase. Behold! Alas! Hark! Listen. Hey…. Notice, I say to you!

We use asterismos all the time in daily conversation, and you might notice it used when writers try to capture colloquial speech in their work. Here’s one example, from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :

Asterismos won’t do much for the arguments in your writing. But, this device helps keep the audience’s attention, and it can clue them into something important that’s about to occur in the text.

28. Litotes—The Rhetorical Double Negative

These common rhetorical devices are not bad !

A litotes is a double negative for rhetorical emphasis. It is a form of pleonasm (defined elsewhere in this article) because it requires the addition of extra words to convey a certain point. By expressing something positive using a double negative, the writer makes the audience think a little harder, adding weight behind the feeling that the double negative expresses.

Here are some common expressions in the English vernacular that use Litotes:

• I don’t hate it.
• I can’t disagree.
• Not uncommon.
• Hardly difficult.
• It has not gone unnoticed.
• It’s not the worst!

And, here are a couple rhetorical devices in poetry involving litotes:

He hath not fail’d to pester us with message Importing the surrender of those lands Lost by his father, with all bands of law, To our most valiant brother. So much for him.— Hamlet (I.ii) by William Shakespeare

“To not harm each other is not enough. I want you

so much that you have no before .” —Our instructor Caitlin Scarano , out of their collection The Necessity of Wildfire .

Litotes is considered a form of meiosis, defined below.

29. Meiosis—Witty Understatement

A meiosis gives the impression that something is less important than it actually is. This understatement creates dramatic effect, because the reader knows that the thing described actually has profound importance. Understatement is considered a form of hyperbole.

In Romeo and Juliet , Mercutio offers several examples of meiosis during his death scene:

(after being stabbed) MERCUTIO. Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch. Marry, ’tis enough. Where is my page? Go villain, fetch a surgeon.

ROMEO. Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much.

MERCUTIO. No, ’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, but ’tis enough, ’twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man. I am peppered, I warrant, for this world. A plague o’ both your houses. Zounds, a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cat, to scratch a man to death. A braggart, a rogue, a villain, that fights by the book of arithmetic!—Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.

As with other rhetorical devices where what’s said differs from what’s meant, meiosis makes the reader slow down and think about what’s being spoken. The ironic dissonance between what’s said and what’s meant emphasizes the true meanings of the words themselves.

30. Metanoia—Immediate Self-Correction

Rhetorical devices are great—no, amazing!

When a writer backtracks or modifies something they just wrote, they use the device metanoia. This is not erasing and rewriting something—it is acknowledging the thing just written, and correcting it with a new, more accurate meaning. This immediate self-correction emphasizes the correction itself, making it stick in the reader’s brain.

Additionally, metanoia mimics the way that we talk in real life. Employing rhetorical devices like this tactically can help build trust and ethos with the audience.

Metanoia can be used to strengthen an argument, soften it, or make it more precise.

Here’s an example of the device, from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitgerald:

The narrator’s self-correction indicates that he knows things now that he did not know before. Thus, this metanoia is also an example of foreshadowing , because it suggests we are about to learn much more about the owner of this mansion.

31. Paralipsis—Performative Refusal to Speak on a Topic

I will not bring up the importance of rhetorical devices in literature, so don’t ask me to talk about it!

Paralipsis is a form of raising a topic by pretending not to want to speak on that topic. In everyday speech, you might say something like “I can’t stand my mother-in-law’s perfume. Not to mention her drinking problem…”

That “not to mention” reveals the thing that you actually want to mention the most. Paralipsis is a form of irony and antiphrasis, because it’s emphasizing the thing that the writer pretends not to want emphasized.

This example comes from “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift:

Swift’s satirical essay argues that the Irish should start eating their 1 year old children to stave off famine and boost their economy. It is, of course, not a serious argument, because Swift is actually mocking the inability of the British to care for the Irishman’s plight. The above quote adds to the satire, because Swift is pretending like the other solutions aren’t worth anyone’s time, when in fact they are the solutions for helping Ireland.

32. Overstatement—Intentional Exaggeration

Rhetorical devices are the only way to make your writing sharp.

Not really. While rhetorical devices are powerful strategies for your writing, they’re not the only way to sharpen it. That was an overstatement—a device in which the writer intentionally exaggerates something to illustrate a point. While overstatements often add a sense of humor to the writing, poets in particular might use this device for strong, evocative emotions and imagery.

Here’s an example, from the poem “100 Bells” by Tarfia Faizullah (which also has great examples of parataxis):

This is, of course, a metaphor. The speaker probably doesn’t believe they actually have horns nestled beneath their hair. But, this visceral overstatement still rings true to the reader—it feels painful, intimate, real, true.

An overstatement is often another literary device, too, such as a metaphor or simile or hyperbole.

33. Tmesis—A Word or Phrase Embedded in Another Word or Phrase

Will rhetorical devices revolutionize your writing? Abso- freaking -lutely!

A tmesis (yes, spelled that way) is a word or phrase embedded in another word or phrase, usually for emphatic effect. It typically reflects the ways we speak to one another.

Some examples of tmesis in everyday speech include:

• That’s a whole nother story
• Leave it any old where you like.
• This is fan- bloody -tastic. (Typical of British English.)
• Ned Flanders in The Simpsons : “Well- diddly -elcome!”
• Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother : “Legen- wait for it -dary”

And, in literature:

While tmesis seems easiest to construct in languages like English, you can find examples of this device in both contemporary and classic literature. In Latin, Ovid’s Metamorphoses utilizes the device. Contemporarily, many stream of conscious poets and modernists have used tmesis to reflect the fractured nature of language in the brain.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to make the writing memorable. Stylistic writing can prove both persuasive and compelling, sticking in the audience’s mind long after the final sentence.

34. Adnomination—Words with Repeating Roots

A single root word can produce many words in the contemporary English lexicon. For example, the latin “facere,” which means “to make” or “to bring forth,” has spawned a bunch of English words. Some examples:

Adnomination is the use of two or more words that share similar roots in a sentence. By doing this, the writer makes something about the sentence memorable. This is a rhetorical device useful for both rhetoricians and for marketers.

Here’s an example from the poem “The Choice” by Franz Wright (which repeats the prefix “some”):

35. Aposiopesis—The Unfinished Sentence

An aposiopesis occurs when the speaker leaves their sentence unfinished. Doing so forces the audience to use their imaginations and “fill in the blank,” which makes the speaker’s message more impactful—provided it’s clear what the speaker implies.

Use aposiopesis clearly, or else—!

Shakespeare employed this device often in his plays. One example comes from King Lear (I.iv):

Two examples of this rhetorical device appear in the bolded line. They both communicate something similar: the “such revenges” that King Lear will take on his daughters. What those revenges are, the reader doesn’t know—and that not knowing actually makes these words scarier, as the reader is left to fill in the blanks with their own imagination, and why wouldn’t we imagine the worst “terrors of the earth?”

36. Circumlocution—Unnecessary Wordiness

Circumlocution (also known as periphrasis) is the use of extraneous words to describe something that could be described concisely. That sentence is one example!

At its most useful, a circumlocution helps define words, so you’ll see this device employed in dictionary entries. It’s also common for language learners to use circumlocution when they don’t have a strong vocabulary—for example, saying “my mother’s sister” if you don’t know the word “aunt.”

Circumlocution is also the operating mechanism for euphemisms. Instead of saying a person is “dumb,” you might say they “didn’t have the best schooling growing up.” In literature, this is the operating mechanism for calling Voldemort “He-who-must-not-be-named.”

Among rhetorical devices, circumlocution is commonly used when politicians try to talk in circles, or else express empty ideas using bloated language. This use of circumlocution is also known as “equivocation.”

For example, if you ask a politician why they decided to close an important public school, they might say they’re trying to “allocate resources in the interest of all students” or “optimize the city’s learning experience through tailored resource allocation.” Well, those ideas sound fine and dandy, but they’re not actually answering the question, they’re just appealing to the audience by being ambiguous and seemingly-moral.

37. Dysphemism—Language That’s Derogatory Instead of Neutral

A dysphemism is the opposite of a euphemism. When you use words derogatorily, particularly when a neutral word or phrase already exists, you are employing dysphemism—a device sometimes used alongside bdelygmia.

• Euphemism: It’s time for Number Two.
• Neutral term: I need to use the restroom.
• Dysphemism: I’ve gotta shit.

So, most insults, swear words, and vulgarities are dysphemisms.

There is something to be said about connotation, context, and the audience: in some instances, a dysphemism could be a euphemism, and vice versa. If someone died, for example, and the nurse said that he “kicked the bucket,” this would normally be a euphemism. But, if the family prefers direct communication, or if the nurse laughed while she said it, then the nurse might have used a dysphemism instead.

38. Ellipsis—Omission of Words

Ellipsis is the omission of words from a sentence, encouraging the reader to “fill in the blank.” Aposiopesis is a form of ellipsis, but an ellipsis can happen anywhere in the text, and is much more open in terms of subject matter.

Take a look at the following example sentences. The words in brackets can be removed without changing the meanings of the sentences. If those bracketed words were removed, these sentences would then contain ellipses:

• I rode the train, and he [rode] the bus.
• I rode the train, [but I did] not [ride] the bus.
• Who rode the train to school today? I did [ride the train, myself.]
• I’ll ride the train, and you will [ride the train] too.

Ellipsis is a useful tool in the art of concise writing. It can also add ambiguity, particularly in literary works, if the writer wants to imply but not outright state something occurring in the story. Here’s a famous example from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which suggests sexual relations between Mr. McKee and Nick Carraway:

Then Mr. McKee turned and continued on out the door. Taking my hat from the chandelier, I followed.

“Come to lunch some day,” he suggested, as we groaned down in the elevator.“Where?”

“Anywhere.”

“Keep your hands off the lever,” snapped the elevator boy.

“I beg your pardon,” said Mr. McKee with dignity, “I didn’t know I was touching it.”

“All right,” I agreed, “I’ll be glad to.”

… I was standing beside his bed and he was sitting up between the sheets, clad in his underwear, with a great portfolio in his hands.

“Beauty and the Beast… Loneliness… Old Grocery Horse… Brook’n Bridge…”

Then I was lying half asleep in the cold lower level of the Pennsylvania Station, staring at the morning Tribune, and waiting for the four o’clock train.

The ellipses are marked by the three dots (…). It’s the ellipses after the main bit of dialogue that suggests the two men had some sort of relations: we know time has passed, but not what precisely occurred so that Nick was beside the bed and McKee was in his underwear.

39. Isocolon—Parallelism With an Equal Number of Words or Syllables

A writer uses isocolon when they write a parallel sentence in which each element has the same number of words or syllables. This device is naturally built into certain other rhetorical devices, such as antithesis (“go big or go home!”), and it’s also built into poetry forms like iambic pentameter.

Here are two rhetorical devices examples that use isocolon:

Same number of words: 

Same number of syllables:

Notice how each item replicates the same grammatical and syntactical structures. Isocolon presents ideas in a balanced manner, maintaining rhythm and flow in the sentence while advancing equally weighted ideas.

Isocolon can be further defined as bicolon (two parallel items), tricolon (three parallel items), tetracolon (four parallel items), and so on.

40. Pleonasm—Intentional Redundancy

If you use rhetorical devices, you are a smart, intelligent person!

A pleonasm is an intentional redundancy. It is typically used to emphasize a certain idea or draw attention to it, though it can also add a sense of urgency and intensity to language, so long as it’s employed properly.

Pleonasm is very similar to tautology, which is when you use different words that have the same meanings side by side. The only difference is that a pleonasm is any sort of rhetorical magniloquence.

Some phrases in the English language are inherently pleonastic/tautological. You might have said or heard recently:

• I saw it with my own two eyes. (You can just say “my.” The “two” is redundant, too.)
• Can I have a chai tea ? (“Chai” literally means “tea.”)
• I’ll have the tuna fish for supper. (Just “tuna” communicates the same idea.)
• It may be possible.
• I got a free gift !
• Under false pretenses.
• PIN Number (PIN stands for Personal Identification Number.)
• ATM Machine (ATM stands for Automatic Teller Machine.)

Pleonasm is also a prominent feature in Mary Oliver’s poem “Every Dog’s Story”:

I have a bed, my very own . It’s just my size. And sometimes I like to sleep alone with dreams inside my eyes .

But sometimes dreams are dark and wild and creepy and I wake and am afraid , though I don’t know why. But I’m no longer sleepy and too slowly the hours go by.

So I climb on the bed where the light of the moon is shining on your face and I know it will be morning soon.

Everybody needs a safe place.

Pleonasm, here, emphasizes the dog’s intense emotions, and also somehow emulates the way a dog might think. The writing here certainly feels feasible for a dog’s own thoughts, if a dog thought in the English language.

The key here is whether or not the writer is abusing their poetic license: some pleonasm may be useful, though of course it’s best to err on the side of concision.

Master These Common Rhetorical Devices in Literature at Writers.com

Poets, rhetoricians, storytellers, lawyers, politicians, journalists, and translators all use these common rhetorical devices in their work. These devices can be leveraged for style, for argument, or for effective, evocative writing.

Whatever your screed, master these common rhetorical devices at Writers.com. Take a look at our upcoming classes , where you’ll receive expert feedback on every piece of writing you submit.

Sean Glatch

Useful article. The implications or the complications of using certain words or phrases are well explained.

The implications or the complications of using certain words or phrases are well explained. This helps to improve my writing skills.

This has built me. Making me to increase my standard in styles and other things in literary work.

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6 Speeches to Teach Rhetorical Devices

People use rhetorical devices in speeches and in other forms of writing in order to create a particular effect on their audience. Understanding these devices and rhetorically analyzing a text allows you to see its true purpose; as such, rhetorical analysis is a necessary skill to develop in high school ELA courses. 

One of the best ways to teach and learn rhetorical devices is through looking at speeches! Because rhetoric is used to influence an audience, it is an invaluable tool for persuasive writing and speaking. Let’s dive into rhetorical devices and 6 of the best speeches that use rhetorical tools.

What are Rhetorical Devices?

Rhetorical devices are the stylistic tools that writers use in order to influence their audience. They can attribute emphasis to certain ideas or influence the tone of the writing (for that reason, rhetorical devices are exceptionally effective in poetry).

Together with rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos) and figurative language (similes, metaphors, hyperbole, etc.), stylistic rhetorical devices are instrumental in persuasive writing. Each device has its own effect, and writers of speeches use them tactfully to help persuade their audience. This article will focus on the following stylistic rhetorical devices:

1. Alliteration

Likely the most commonly known rhetorical device, alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning sound across several words. Alliteration is the backbone of many tongue twisters and catchy phrases:

Example : “ E ven e lephants e njoy e ating e ggs e very day.”

In persuasive writing, it’s a bold way to add emphasis to certain words. Consider the way that many companies opt for an alliterative name to add extra emphasis and catchiness:

Example : A merican A irlines, P ay P al, K it K at…

2. Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of the same words at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. 

Example : “ Give me liberty or give me death.” (Patrick Henry)

Another star of nursery rhymes and silly sayings, anaphora adds rhythm and style to a sentence. In literature and speechwriting, anaphora is used to add special emphasis to a phrase.

3. Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of the same vowel sounds throughout a sentence/line of text.

Example : “ O Rome o , Rome o , wheref o re art th o u Rome o ?” (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet )

Sometimes referred to as “vowel rhyme ”, assonance adds rhythm to a sentence and helps the writer/speaker develop a text’s particular mood. Notice how the “o” sound repetition above develops a woeful ambiance. 

(Plus, to pronounce “o” you must purse your lips—by creating this assonance with “o”, Shakespeare is having Juliet purse her lips as she calls out for Romeo, as if she’s blowing a kiss. See how rhetorical devices can convey hidden meanings ?)

4. Consonance

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds throughout words (particularly when the vowels are different). 

Example : “The un c ertainty of the s our c e s ha s cau s ed de s pair.”

Like assonance, consonance is used to add rhythm and develop the mood of a piece. Consonance is also an effective tool to add emphasis in a subtler way than alliteration.

5. Parallelism

Parallelism is the repetition of the same grammatical structure in the same sentence or throughout multiple sentences.

Example : “Where there is smoke, there is fire.”

Writers use parallelism to connect ideas, add emphasis, and develop rhythm. You can think of parallelism as the use of a “template” for a repeated phrase, with blanks that are filled in with certain words that the author wants to emphasize. 

6. Antithesis

Antithesis is the juxtaposition of two contrasting ideas, often in the same grammatical structure. 

Example : “Give a man a fish , and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish , and you feed him for a lifetime.” 

Antithesis is a type of parallelism that has a particular focus on contrasting ideas, indicating strong emotions and opposition. Writers often use antithesis to convey ideas that involve a distinct choice between two different ideas. 

Like the example above: “____ a man __ fish, and you feed him for a _____.” The creator of this proverb uses the stark contrast between “a day” and “a lifetime” to emphasize the value of teaching someone the skills needed to feed themself over feeding them yourself.

7. Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it’s named after.

Example : Tick tock, moo, thud, squeak…

Most often used in writing or speeches that have a lighter tone, onomatopoeia indicates the sound of an object or creature being described. For instance, many advertisements say “tick tock!” to indicate that a sale is limited time.

Note: If you ever have trouble finding rhetorical devices in speeches, read the text aloud! Speeches are meant to be read aloud, and rhetorical devices will stand out to your ears.

Rhetorical Analysis of “I Have a Dream”

Martin Luther King Jr., delivering the “I Have a Dream” speech.

One of the most influential speeches in history is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” , spoken on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the August 28, 1963 March on Washington. This speech is a literary monument of the Civil Rights era, addressing the unjustly unequal treatment of Black Americans and calling for all Americans to peacefully act against it. 

As such, “I Have A Dream” is one of the best speeches to teach rhetorical devices due to its historic significance and effective rhetoric. Here are some quotes from “I Have a Dream” in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses rhetorical devices to persuade his audience, illustrating the topics we dove into above.

“One hundred years later…”

“[The Emancipation Proclamation] came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of [slave’s] captivity. But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.”

King begins “I Have a Dream” by reflecting on the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed 100 years before (on January 1, 1863), followed by this quote. He uses both anaphora and parallelism by repeating “One hundred years later” at the beginning of each sentence, followed by descriptions of the present-day experiences of Black Americans. By placing special emphasis on “One hundred years later”, he illustrates that it had been a full century since slavery was abolished, but Black Americans still did not have the same freedoms as white Americans.

Consonance to Convey Urgency

 “It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.”

In this quote’s second sentence, King uses two different kinds of consonance to convey the urgency of the situation. He repeats the “s” sound in the first half: “Thi s s weltering s ummer of the Negro’ s legitimate di s content…” ; then, his consonance switches to the “d”/”t” sound: “invigora t ing au t umn of free d om and equali t y.” The part of the sentence with “s” consonance contextualizes the current moment, while the part with “d”/”t” consonance is the hopeful future. 

The civil rights movement had been cultivating for decades prior to the March on Washington, which is one of its defining moments. King’s use of consonance develops an urgent mood, conveying this strong movement that had been building and culminating in that moment (the sweltering summer). Then, he shifts the consonance to a different consonant sound, shifting the mood to illustrate the shift in progress he is hoping for (the invigorating autumn of freedom and equality), emphasizing that the movement will continue until there is progress.

Assonance with “We”

“But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.”

In this quote, Martin Luther King Jr. urges his audience not to give into hatred in response to the discrimination they face. He uses assonance to emphasize one key phrase within the quote: “ w e must not b e guilt y of wrongful d eed s”. When read aloud, the “ee” sound stands out boldly, drawing special attention to those particular words while developing a tone of togetherness. 

More “I Have a Dream” Rhetorical Analysis Prompts:

There is so much more to discover when it comes to the language of “I Have a Dream”. If you need a jumping-off point for your own rhetorical analysis, try these guiding questions:

• Shortly after the first quote we explored, Martin Luther King Jr. uses the metaphor of “cashing a check”. What does he illustrate through this metaphor and how? Why a check?
• King uses anaphora many times in “I Have a Dream”, such as with “Now is the time”, “With this faith”, and, of course, “I have a dream”. Pick one instance in which he uses anaphora and analyze it.
• What is the significance of the song near the end of the speech? Which rhetorical devices are used in the song?

Famous Speeches with Rhetorical Devices

All speeches use some kind of rhetorical devices (between the stylistic tools we explored above, figurative language, and rhetorical appeals) because they are effective tools to verbally convey ideas and persuade an audience. These are some of the most influential and famous speeches —by looking at the rhetorical devices in speeches like these, you can see how the speechwriters and/or speakers used these devices to shape history.

“Speech to the Troops at Tilbury”, Queen Elizabeth I (August 9, 1588)

The ruler of England from 1558 to 1603, Queen Elizabeth I led England through foreign policy conflicts such as the Nine Years’ War in Ireland and the threat of the Spanish Armada. Her “ Speech to the Troops at Tilbury ” was delivered to the English troops defending the country against a looming, expected invasion by the Spanish Armada.

“I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too…” (Elizabeth I’s speech includes repetition, strong appeals to her troops’ emotions, and this metaphor that strengthens her authority as a woman in power.)

“Gettysburg Address”, Abraham Lincoln (November 19, 1863)

Four months after the Battle of Gettysburg (the Civil War’s deadliest battle), Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. A very brief set of remarks, the Gettysburg Address wasn’t even scheduled to be the primary speech of the ceremony, and its precise wording is different in each of the manuscripts written by Lincoln. Despite this, it is one of the most prominent speeches in American history, securing itself as one of our short speeches to teach rhetorical devices.

“…We can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground.” (Lincoln begins the final paragraph of his speech with anaphora.)

“Ain’t I a Woman?”, Sojourner Truth (May 29, 1851)

“That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman?” (Truth uses various types of repetition to convey her ideas and strengthen her emotional appeals.)

“I Will Fight No More Forever”, Chief Joseph (October 5, 1877)

The Nez Perce were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands in eastern Oregon by the United States in the late 19th century. Under pressure to relocate, this indigenous tribe split into two groups—those who accepted the relocation to a reservation in Idaho, and those who would flee to fight for their land and freedom. 

On June 15, 1877, Chief Joseph and others led 750 Nez Perce in an attempt to find a new sanctuary, but they were pursued by U.S. troops for months. They finally surrendered on October 5, when Chief Joseph gave his speech, “ I Will Fight No More Forever ”. 

“Our chiefs are killed; Looking-glass is dead. Too-hul-hul-suit is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men, now, who say ’yes’ or ’no’. He who led on the young men is dead.” (Like the other extemporaneous speakers in this collection, Chief Joseph’s use of repetition and strong emotional appeals convey his anguish and urgency to save who is left of his people.

“Citizenship in a Republic”, Theodore Roosevelt (April 23, 1910)

This speech is lengthy and Roosevelt conducts a thorough analysis of the topic of active citizenship. He uses rhetorical devices tactfully to apply greater emphasis to certain ideas. 

“The children of their successors and supplanters, and then their children and their children and children’s children, change and develop with extraordinary rapidity. The conditions accentuate vices and virtues, energy and ruthlessness, all the good qualities and all the defects of an intense individualism, self-reliant, self-centered, far more conscious of its rights than of its duties, and blind to its own shortcomings.” (Roosevelt uses several instances of alliteration to add rhythm to his speech and emphasize the ideas he joins together—”successors and supplanters…vices and virtues…)

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Now that you have some examples, look for rhetorical devices in speeches on your own! Rich with literary tools and historical context, speeches help students learn how to recognize, analyze, and effectively use rhetorical devices to persuade an audience. Also, keep in mind: in addition to the stylistic tools we took a look at in this article, appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and figurative language are just as important to understand when it comes to rhetorical analysis.

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• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave , Frederick Douglass

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25 Examples of Rhetorical Strategies in Famous Speeches

I’m not trying to be cheesy! An emotional response is a meaningful response, and that reaction stays with you long after the presentation is over. Whenever you think of that speaker or of that topic, your brain will bring back those feelings for you- whether they be of motivation, inspiration, sadness, empathy, or otherwise.

Rhetorical strategies use language to convey special meaning and/or to persuade someone. Basically, these strategies can be used to intentionally invoke feelings in others.

If your first reaction to all this is “Huh?” that’s okay- so was mine. Here’s how I understand it now: rhetorical strategies = emotional connection = memorability.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a master presenter (no judgement if you have), you need these tools in your repertoire ASAP. They’re just so effective!

Don’t believe me? All the cool kids are using (or used) them – I’m talking about thought leader Simon Sinek , technology guru Steve Jobs, past American president Barack Obama, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and even good old William Shakespeare.

Unless you’re above any of these greatly respected people, I’m betting that you could benefit from a little rhetorical strategy in your next speech!

25 rhetorical strategies from the best minds

We’ve compiled 25 rhetorical strategies from the most memorable presentations on the planet so that your next presentation is undeniably memorable. Ready to begin?

1. Alliteration:

Two or more words in a row that start with the same sound.

“They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different, and difficult places.” – Barack Obama

2. Allusion:

A statement that hints at something instead of being direct about it.

“You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ‘Tis a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size” – Shakespeare

3. Anadiplosis:

Repeating the last word (or words) of a sentence at the beginning of the next sentence.

“Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution.” – George W. Bush

4. Analogy:

A literal comparison of two things.

“A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt: long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.” – Winston Churchill

5. Anaphora:

Using the same word (or words) to begin 2 or more sentences (or paragraphs) that follow each other.

“I trust Hillary to lead this country because I’ve seen her lifelong devotion to our nation’s children – not just her own daughter, who she has raised to perfection but every child who needs a champion: Kids who take the long way to school to avoid the gangs. Kids who wonder how they’ll ever afford college. Kids whose parents don’t speak a word of English but dream of a better life. Kids who look to us to determine who and what they can be.” – Michelle Obama

6. Anastrophe:

A reversal of the typical ordering of a sentence.

“This much we pledge, and more” – JF Kennedy

7. Antistrophe:

Repeating one (or more) words at the end of a sentence.

“It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation: Yes, we can. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail towards freedom through the darkest of nights: Yes, we can. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness: Yes, we can” – Barack Obama

8. Antithesis:

A contrast of thoughts.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

9. Asyndeton:

Leaving out conjunction words (as or and) from a sentence.

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln

10. Assonance:

Repeating a vowel sound in a sentence.

“I feel the need, the need for speed” – Tom Cruise (from the movie Top Gun)

11. Chiasmus:

The reversal of the latter of two parallel sentences.

“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” – John F. Kennedy

12. Diacope/Tmesis:

Inserting a word (or more) between the components of a compound word.

“Free at last, free at last; thank God almighty, free at last!” – Martin Luther King

13. Epistrophe:

Another name for antistrophe (see above).

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth” – Abraham Lincoln

14. Expletive:

Using a word or phrase only to fill out a sentence for grammar, rhythm or balance.

“… we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving …” – Winston Churchill

15. Germinatio:

The repetition of a word within the sentence.

“That’s 58 songs every second of every minute of every hour of every day.” – Steve Jobs

16. Hyperbole:

Exaggerating a description for emphasis.

“Best version of Google Maps on the planet, widgets, and all with Edge and Wi-Fi networking.” – Steve Jobs

17. Hypophora:

Posing a question that you will answer yourself.

“When the enemy struck on that June day of 1950, what did America do? It did what it always has done in all its times of peril. It appealed to the heroism of its youth” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

18. Litotes:

An understatement that expresses an affirmative by negating its opposite.

“I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

19. Meiosis:

A massive understatement.

“The situation has developed, not necessarily to our advantage” – Emperor Hirohito, announcing to the Japanese people that atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

20. Metaphor:

Comparing two unlike objects to provide a clearer description.

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare

21. Parallelism:

using a sequence of identical constructions in writing

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

22. Scesis Onomaton:

Repeating two (or more) different words with identical or similar meaning within the same sentence.

“That is heart-breaking, it is wrong, and no one should be treated that way in the United States of America” – Barack Obama

23. Simile:

Comparing two unlike things using the words “like” or “as” with an example.

“We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

24. Symploce:

Repeating one (or more) words at the beginning and end of successive sentences.

“In the struggle for peace and justice, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle for opportunity and equality, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle to heal this nation and repair this world, we cannot walk alone” – Barack Obama

25. Tricolon:

A sentence with three clearly defined parts of equal length

Rhetorical strategies improve audience engagement

If you got a little lost amidst the English jargon, here are the 2 main takeaways you need to know:

• Repetition emphasizes meaning Repetition is perhaps the most common rhetorical strategy. Whether it be the repetition of a word, a phrase, or a specific sound, it is incredibly effective. Use this strategy to build meaning behind the essential points you need to get across.
• Comparisons facilitate understanding Comparisons are also an extremely popular strategy, likely because they make the subject matter more relatable. If your audience can identify with what you’re saying, that creates an opportunity for you to cultivate a connection with them.

In sum, the best designed presentations , a slick new outfit, or a commanding voice may impress an audience initially, and can be important to gain their attention, but they lack true substance for any long-term retention. Rhetorical strategies are the single greatest tool for memorability. If you recognized even one of these examples, you just proved that rhetoric strategies are memorable. Why not start using them to your advantage?

Incorporating rhetorical strategies is kind of like learning how to ride a bike – you’re going to think you look unsure the first few times you try and you’re probably going to walk away with some scrapes and bruises. But, once you gain confidence, you’ll be able to ride circles around everyone else.

See what I did there? Here’s to being memorable!

Note: All definitions have been adapted from Your Dictionary .

Looking for more presentation insights?

Check out our Top 30 Most Popular Presentations of All Time , 16 Strategies Used by Pitch Deck Designers , 10 Things to Never Do When Presenting , or read our Top 10 Presentation Tips .

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Stylistic Devices (Rhetorical Devices, Figures of Speech)

On the following pages, we will explain some of the most important stylistic devices (also called rhetorical devices or figures of speech) – they are not only useful for analysing texts, but also for creating your own texts.

Stylistic devices make your speeches, essays etc. more interesting and lively and help you to get and keep your reader ’ s / listener ’ s attention.

8 Rhetorical Strategies to Persuade Your Audience

If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone who thinks the opposite of you, then you know how challenging it is to persuade them. Even when addressing a receptive audience, having people join your side takes skill and precision. Persuasion is far from an exact science, but influential leaders know how to weave different rhetorical strategies together to create a compelling argument. Their rhetorical choices form the backbone of their persuasion technique, which you can emulate to perfect your own skills. Whether preparing a new speech or writing an article, you can use these strategies to move people closer to your point of view.

What Are Rhetorical Strategies?

Common rhetorical choices, 1. similes and metaphors, examples of similes, examples of metaphors, 2. euphemisms, examples of euphemisms, 3. chiasmus, examples of chiasmus, 4. cause and effect.

You can also use ethos to convince people of your opinion. This rhetorical device involves appealing to others’ sense of  ethical values  by showing your credibility, reliability, and good character. This isn’t always a simple feat to pull off, especially when people have little familiarity with you. However, establishing that you’re trustworthy helps sway people to your side.

How to gain the audience’s trust:

8. narration.

Narration, which is essentially storytelling, is another strategy you can use to connect with your audience. People identify with stories more than they do statistics, even in academic writing. The best storytellers seamlessly incorporate their evidence and arguments into the stories they share. That doesn’t mean an entire speech or article should consist of one or multiple stories, but they can back up the central point of your argument. The right story at the right time can serve as the exclamation point of your persuasive piece, whether it’s real or a rhetorical situation. It’s a powerful strategy that helpfully places issues in perspective.

Avoid Logical Fallacies

The power of persuasion is yours.

The above rhetorical strategies can help you start writing or practicing a verbal argument that persuades people to come to your side of the fence. In business, the power to influence others through  assertive communication  is essential once you know what course you want to take. No matter the debate, also show respect and courtesy and don’t let arguments become personal. For example, you might want to ask the other person genuine questions about their position. Through a healthy and polite discourse, you’ll eventually reach an agreement that both sides can appreciate.

The Top 5 Communication Skills Every Leader Needs

© Copyright 2001-Present. American Rhetoric by Michael E. Eidenmuller All rights reserved. More From Forbes A nobel laureate’s speech provides five lessons for any speaker. Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin William Faulkner Receives The Nobel Prize From King Gustav Of Sweden, 1949. (Photo by: Universal ... [+] Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Today marks the birthdate of William Faulkner, the illustrious American novelist whose novels— The Sound and the Fury , Light in August , among them—and short stories earned him the 1949 Nobel Prize in Literature. His acceptance speech went on to become as celebrated as the body of writing that won him the award. The following analysis of that speech provides five essential lessons that any speaker or presenter can utilize today: First Lesson: Theme Every speech and every presentation must have a clearly stated overarching theme or objective. Faulkner’s was to encourage perseverance in challenging times. In his time, the challenge was a world living with the threat of the nuclear bomb during the Cold War; and so, his objective was: “It is [the writer’s] privilege to help man endure.” Today’s business world is challenged by the rapid technological change driven by AI. A headline in last week’s Wall Street Journal read, “Tech Jobs Have Dried Up—and Aren’t Coming Back Soon.” For any company to survive in this difficult environment, their overall objective must be the same as Faulkner’s all those years ago: perseverance. And all their presentations must contain a clearly outlined plan of how they will compete and grow and to define their path to profitability. Second Lesson: Structure As Aristotle instructed more than two millennia ago, every story must have a beginning, middle, and end. Faulkner’s beginning was: An introduction: “using this moment as a pinnacle from which I might be listened to by the young men and women.” And then moved onto a middle that defined a problem: “There is only the question: When will I be blown up? Because of this, the young man or woman writing today has forgotten the problems of the human heart.” Then he concluded with a solution to the problem: “The poet’s, the writer’s, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure.” Today’s presentations are defined by slide decks. But the decks are shuffled so much that only slide-to-slide logic remains without any apparent structure. Instead, after all the shuffling is done, add the step of taking a 35,000 view of the entire deck to ascertain that there is an overall structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Google Play Store Warning—Do Not Install These Apps On Your Phone Netflix’s best new movie has a near-perfect 97% critic score, ‘dancing with the stars’ week 2 scores—who went home in the double elimination, third lesson: antithesis. This is a rhetorical technique in which there are two contrasting ideas in one sentence to create emphasis. The classic examples of antithesis are: Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here but it can never forget what they did here.” President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you do for your country.” Faulkner had three instances of antithesis in his speech: “This award was not made to me as a man, but to my work.” “The poet’s voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help” “I believe that man will not merely endure he will prevail.” Many business presenters try to identify their business model, product, service, or company by stating it in only the negative: “We are not …” In doing so, they not only omit the contrast, but they also fail to identify their subject. So, either use the complete antithesis, “While we are not…, we are …” Better still, purge any negativity in your message by saying, “We are…” Fourth Lesson: Repetition Repetition is reinforcement. Nowhere is repetition better implemented than in advertising slogans. Capital One’s “What’s in your wallet?” has become a conversational idiom. Faulkner repeated the primary words of his theme: “prevail” twice and “endure” four times. Presenters all too often refer to their technology, product, or service as “it,” and to their company as “we.” Instead, use the actual name of your product or service and company and say them often. Brand your business as effectively as Capital One does. Fifth Lesson: Brevity In the words of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style , “Vigorous writing is concise.” Faulkner did all the above in 552 words. For generations, the anathema of public speaking is the speech that overstays its welcome, a factor that has only been exacerbated by the advent of social media and its accompanying shortened attention span. To avoid that curse, try this: rehearse your speech with a timer and whatever the outcome, shorten it by 10 to 20 percent. Five lessons that worked for William Faulkner that can work for you. Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades Join The Conversation One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.  Forbes Community Guidelines Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space. In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil. Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain: False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms. User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms. So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your insights Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view. Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service. 255 IMAGES 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion • 7ESL 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion • 7ESL 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion • 7ESL 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion • 7ESL 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion • 7ESL 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion • 7ESL VIDEO Quick Tip! Using Rhetorical Questions as Introductions What is Rhetoric and How to Use Rhetorical Devices #speech #debate #rhetoric Rhetorical modes Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis Master Rhetorical Devices in Speeches Fast! ENGL 101 Rhetorical Analysis Pt 2 COMMENTS My Favorite Speeches for Rhetorical Analysis: 10 Speeches for Middle Teaching rhetorical analysis is one of my absolute favorite units to complete with my students. I love teaching my students about rhetorical strategies and devices, analyzing what makes an effective and persuasive argument, and reading critical speeches with my students. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite speeches for rhetorical analysis. 15 Examples of Powerful Rhetorical Devices to Level Up Your Rhetorical devices like repetition, amplification, and antithesis, for example, can highlight key ideas or arguments, making them stand out in the reader's mind. By strategically emphasizing certain points, you can guide your audience's attention and ensure your most important messages hit home. The 20 Most Useful Rhetorical Devices Eutrepismus is another rhetorical device you've probably used before without realizing it. This device separates speech into numbered parts, giving your reader or listener a clear line of thinking to follow. Eutrepismus is a great rhetorical device—let me tell you why. First, it's efficient and clear. 31 Common Rhetorical Devices and Examples An expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect. to be, or not to be: that is the question. cacophony | see definition ». Harshness in the sound of words or phrases. chiasmus | see definition ». An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases. Top 41 Rhetorical Devices For Speaking & Writing Review this list of the essential rhetorical devices, including their meanings and examples, so you can add pizazz to your speaking and writing skills. 10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speeches Conclusion: Rhetorical Devices in Speeches. Speeches can be much better with deliberate efforts. You can make a lasting impression on your audience using proper rhetorical devices. So, it would be best if you spent some more time and effort to fine-tune your speeches with these rhetorical devices. The 20 Most Common Rhetorical Devices (With Examples) The most famous examples are alliteration, assonance and puns. Order-related rhetorical devices: these devices modify the normal order of words within a phrase or sentence. The most well-known examples are anaphoras, anastrophes, asyndeton, chiasmus, omissions, hyperbaton and polysyndeton. Meaning-related rhetorical devices: these types of ... 44 Rhetorical Devices: Complete Guide to Effective Rhetoric 8 - Antanaclasis. Antanaclasis is a rhetorical device in which a word is repeated and used in different senses. This device adds layers of meaning and wit to writing by playing with the multiple meanings of a word. Example: "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.". Tap into the power to persuade by using these 6 techniques of clear and By tools, he's not talking about special software or databases — he's referring to rhetoric. Rhetoric has its roots in ancient Greece (think: Aristotle) as clear, convincing speech was seen as an essential component of communication and participation in a democracy. Instruction in rhetoric remained part of the curriculum in many secondary ... 30+ Rhetorical Devices Everyone MUST Know 2. Adnomination. Adnomination is the use of multiple words with the same root in the same sentence. Like many other rhetorical devices, this is a linguistic trick to make statements sound more persuasive. Example: Somewhere, somewhen, somehow, we'll find an answer to that question. 3. Adynaton. Rhetorical Devices Rhetorical Devices. Rhetorical devices offer a way for speakers to arrange language in an artful way so as to make the conversation more engaging and subsequently, more memorable for audience members. Professional and amateur speech writers can employ any number of rhetorical devices to spice up the delivery of a presentation (see Table 7.1). 4 Ways to Use Rhetorical Devices to Make Powerful Speeches (with Examples) This is commonly used in conversations as well. For example, 'She is not thin' OR 'You are not unfamiliar with poetry'. 8. Hyperbole. This is an expression of mere exaggeration, often used to draw attention to the severity of the matter or to make a strong point. This is also frequently used in day to day language. What Is a Rhetorical Device? Meaning, Types, and Examples A rhetorical device is a linguistic tool that evokes a specific kind of understanding in a reader or listener. Generally, rhetorical devices are used to make arguments or bolster existing arguments. To understand rhetorical devices, you need to first understand rhetoric. Rhetoric is language that's used to connect with audiences and inform ... 17 rhetorical devices that will make you sound like Steve Jobs Rhetorical device no. 1: Anaphora (means carrying up or back) The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of every clause. " As you know, we've got the iPod, best music player in the world. We've got the iPod Nano's, brand new models, colors are back. We've got the amazing new iPod Shuffle.". Nine Rhetorical Devices For Your Next Speech Here are nine of my favorite rhetorical devices. Instead of just reading this article, try inserting a few of these devices in your next speech! 1. Alliteration: The repetition of a sound in the first syllable of each phrase. In the example below, you will see one string of three words beginning with "f," and another with three words ... 10 Extra Powerful Rhetorical Devices for Speeches in College The best rhetorical devices for speeches. Rhetorical devices are the secret ingredients that can take your speeches from ordinary to extraordinary. When delivering a speech, you want to capture your audience's attention, make your words memorable, and persuade effectively. Let's explore some of the best rhetorical devices examples you can ... 3 Rhetorical Devices In Speeches: Level Up Your Next Speech A key aspect of rhetorical devices is called The Rhetorical Triangle. Ethos, pathos, and logos create this triangle and work together to impact your audience. People often demonstrate the equality of each device by using an equilateral triangle as its representation. Every side of the triangle is equal, just as each of the three devices is ... Common Rhetorical Devices List Argumentative rhetorical devices —Devices whose structures are conducive to the advancement of a certain argument. Emphatic rhetorical devices —Devices that underscore or emphasize certain ideas. Stylistic rhetorical devices —Devices that use word play and diction to advance an argument. Let's examine these 5 categories now, with a look ... Teaching Rhetorical Devices in Speeches This article will focus on the following stylistic rhetorical devices: 1. Alliteration. Likely the most commonly known rhetorical device, alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning sound across several words. Alliteration is the backbone of many tongue twisters and catchy phrases: Example: "Even elephants enjoy eating eggs every day 25 Examples of Rhetorical Strategies in Famous Speeches Leaving out conjunction words (as or and) from a sentence. "…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.". - Abraham Lincoln. 10. Assonance: Repeating a vowel sound in a sentence. "I feel the need, the need for speed". - Tom Cruise (from the movie Top Gun) 11. Stylistic Devices (Rhetorical Devices, Figures of Speech) Simile. Synecdoche. Understatement. Make your speeches, essays etc. more interesting and lively by using stylistic devices (also called rhetorical devices). Stylistic devices help you to get and keep your reader's / listener's attention. 8 Rhetorical Strategies to Persuade Your Audience 1. Similes and Metaphors. One common rhetorical strategy is to use similes and metaphors throughout your attempt to persuade. Both of these rhetorical resources aim to compare two different items and indicate how they are alike. This makes the comparison much clearer and imparts added meaning to what you're trying to say. Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century by Rank Speech Bank: Top 100 Speeches: Great New Speeches: Obama Speeches: GWB Speeches: Movie Speeches: Rhetorical Figures: Christian Rhetoric: 9/11 Speeches: News and Research: For Scholars: Rhetoric Defined: Corax v. Tisias: Plato on Rhetoric: Aristotle on Rhetoric: Comm Journals: Comm Associations: Cool Exercises: Rodman & de Ref: Speech Quiz #1 ... A Nobel Laureate's Speech Provides Five Lessons For Any Speaker William Faulkner is a role model of how you can establish a clear theme, ensure a structured flow, be concise, and use the rhetorical techniques of antithesis and repetition in any speech or ... essay homework paper phd project resume review study thesis