The Language of Oratory
Definition The skill of making powerful and persuasive speeches The derived word oration, originally used for prayer since c.1375, now means any formal speech, as on a ceremonial occasion or delivered in a similarly high- flown or pompous manner
The Language of Oratory Rhetorical devices Personal pronouns Emotive language Sound devices Figurative language Other oratorical devices
Rhetorical Devices
Rhetorical Devices 1) Rhetorical question a question is asked for effect, but not necessarily needing to be answered. 2) Exaggeration trying to impress or influence by overstating a viewpoint, statement or idea
Rhetorical Devices 3) Contrast/Juxtaposition when two opposite viewpoints, ideas or concepts are placed close to each other for effect. 4) Quotations from well-known sources such as the Bible, television, movies, proverbs and cliches
Personal Pronouns
Personal Pronouns 1) Pronouns to address the audience basically to address them as a group, but not necessarily to persuade them at this stage. 2) Pronouns to include the audience speakers want the audience to be on their side and agree with their ideas/statements. 3) Pronouns to exclude or distance the audience sometimes we want to distance the audience from those who have differing arguments
Emotive Language
Emotive Language 1) Words with Positive Connotation warm fuzzy words to get the audience on your side. 2) Words with Negative Connotation the opposite effects to positively charged emotive words 3) Contrast/Juxtaposition positive and negative words in close proximity can highlight and improve the effectiveness of your ideas
Sound Devices
1) Alliteration repeating the initial consonant of a group of words for aural effect and impact 2) Assonance repeating vowel sounds for aural effect and impact
Sound Devices 3) Onomatopoeia the words used sound like the thing or concept being described 4) Rhyming - words sounding similar that are pleasant to the ear - listener can almost predict a part of the speech.
Figurative Language
Figurative Language 1) Metaphor - describing two unrelated things using direct comparison. - sometimes the metaphor can be drawn out and becomes an Extended Metaphor.
Figurative Language 2) Simile describing two unrelated things or ideas using the linkers “like” or “as” 3) Personification giving human qualities to non human or inanimate things
Other Oratorical Devices
1) Repetition hammer home a point and make it memorable 2) Parallel Structure like repetition, except that phrases and groups of words are repeated for effect. 3) Listing to emphasise important points