Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices Definitions & Examples

What is rhetoric? art of argument and discourse (conversation and communication) study of effective speaking and writing study of the effectiveness of language the art of persuasion

Rhetoric (continued) how to use words, voice, and body to communicate *how to give your message the greatest impact

So why should we study rhetoric? to communicate better and effectively understand how human communication functions and how language works analyze the person’s message what is he REALLY saying? HOW is he saying it? what makes it POWERFUL? (or is it not?)

Rhetorical Devices Alliteration Allusion Hyperbole Metaphor Personification Resonance Rhetorical Question Simile

Alliteration Repetition of initial (first letter) consonant veni, vini, vici

Allusion a brief, indirect reference to someone or something, such as a person, historical event, speech, etc. MLK, Jr. started his speech, “Five score years ago…” Allusion to the Gettysburg Address, “Four score and seven years ago…”

Hyperbole Exaggeration "If you call me that name again, I'm going to explode!“ “I’ve told you a million times!”

Metaphor a comparison of two unlike things not literally applicable but suggests a resemblance to affect the reader in an important way “Juliet is the sun.”

Personification attributing human qualities to something non-human (attributing personality to a non-personal thing) The wind roared and howled. (“England expects every man to do his duty.” –Lord Nelson)

Resonance “Tide” detergent ads The quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating The ability to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions “Tide” detergent ads Mothers are busy doing laundry in between sports practices and driving their children around in mini vans. Their consistent recognition with soccer moms makes “Tide” a favorite pick among women with children who are very involved in activities.

Rhetorical Question a question posed for its persuasive effect without the expectation of a reply “Are you kidding?” “Could switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance?”

Simile a comparison between two things using like or as "Good coffee is like friendship: rich and warm and strong." (slogan of Pan-American Coffee Bureau) “Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get.” (Forrest Gump)

Sources Tomlinson, James. “Communication Studies.” 9 December 2011. <http://facstaff.bloomu.edu/jtomlins/rhetorical_devices.htm>. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_an_example_of_amplification_in_literature http://grammar.about.com/od/rs/g/simileterm.htm