Rhetorical Devices Used by Speakers and Writers

Alliteration Characterized by a number of words, typically three or more, that have the same first consonant sound fall within the same sentence or phrase. Characterized by a number of words, typically three or more, that have the same first consonant sound fall within the same sentence or phrase.

Allusion a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance creates a bond with the audience by evoking share knowledge creates a bond with the audience by evoking share knowledge

Ambiguity Uncertainty in meaning Uncertainty in meaning

Anaphora The deliberate repitition of the first part of a sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect. The deliberate repitition of the first part of a sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect.

Antithesis is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect.

Asyndeton intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence

Hyperbole Exaggerated sentences not meant to be taken seriously Exaggerated sentences not meant to be taken seriously

Hypophora the speaker first asks a question and then answers it. the speaker first asks a question and then answers it. Can we do it? Yes WE Can Can we do it? Yes WE Can

Juxtaposition the act of positioning close together for the purpose of contrasting effect the act of positioning close together for the purpose of contrasting effect

Metaphor Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two unlike things but have some common characteristics, Metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between two unlike things but have some common characteristics,

Onomotopoeia Words that sound like they read Words that sound like they read

Oxymoron Two contradictory words placed together Two contradictory words placed together Jumbo shrimp Jumbo shrimp Pretty ugly Pretty ugly Act Naturally Act Naturally Seriously funny Seriously funny

Parallelism Writing structures that are grammatically parallel helps the reader understand the points better because they flow more smoothly. Writing structures that are grammatically parallel helps the reader understand the points better because they flow more smoothly. If there is anyone out there who still doubts…who still wonders…who still questions

Polysyndeton Polysyndeton using several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted—used to stress the importance of each item using several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted—used to stress the importance of each item $5 and $10 and $15 $5 and $10 and $15

Repetition Repetition can be effective in creating a sense of structure and power. In both speech and literature, repeating small phrases can ingrain an idea in the minds of the audience. Repetition can be effective in creating a sense of structure and power. In both speech and literature, repeating small phrases can ingrain an idea in the minds of the audience. Yes, we can, to opportunity and prosperity. Yes, we can heal this nation. Yes, we can repair this world. Yes, we can.

Rhetorical Questions A rhetorical question is asked just for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected. A rhetorical question is asked just for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected. A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer but the questioner asks rhetorical questions to lay emphasis to the point. In literature, A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer but the questioner asks rhetorical questions to lay emphasis to the point. In literature, Used as animpressive persuasive device. Used as animpressive persuasive device.

Simile a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things using “like” or “as” a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things using “like” or “as”

Sarcasm The use of irony to mock or convey contempt The use of irony to mock or convey contempt

Tricolon A tricolon is a list of three, or a sentence in which there are three parts or clauses. The cumulative effect of three has a powerful effect on an audience. A tricolon is a list of three, or a sentence in which there are three parts or clauses. The cumulative effect of three has a powerful effect on an audience. Here, the backyards, living rooms and front porches build a strong picture of “plain folks” Here, the backyards, living rooms and front porches build a strong picture of “plain folks”

Rhetorical Appeals Ethos—appeal to ethics; asks the reader/listener to look favorably on the writer/speaker; stresses the writer/speaker’s intelligence, competence, fairness, morality, and other qualities desirable in a trustworthy leader. Ethos—appeal to ethics; asks the reader/listener to look favorably on the writer/speaker; stresses the writer/speaker’s intelligence, competence, fairness, morality, and other qualities desirable in a trustworthy leader.

Rhetorical Appeals Logos—rational appeal; asks the readers to use their intellects and powers of reasoning. It relies on established conventions of logic and evidence. Logos—rational appeal; asks the readers to use their intellects and powers of reasoning. It relies on established conventions of logic and evidence.

Rhetorical Appeals Pathos—an emotional appeal; asks readers to respond out of their beliefs, values, or feelings. It inspires, affirms, frightens, angers. Pathos—an emotional appeal; asks readers to respond out of their beliefs, values, or feelings. It inspires, affirms, frightens, angers.