Persuasive Techniques & Rhetorical Devices

Position - Call to Action Words that urge the listener to take immediate action “We must fight!”

Loaded (emotive) Language Words that evoke strong emotion – freedom, treason, liberty, slavery

Antithesis A contrast within parallel phrases “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

Rhetorical Questions Questions not intended to be answered, used for emotional effect “And what have we to oppose them? Shall we try argument?”

Parallelism Using the same sentence structure for effect “We will not! We shall not! We cannot!”

Logical Appeal The use of facts to convince someone of something. “Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years.”

Emotional Appeal Using emotional statements to convince someone of something. “They tell us, sir, that we are weak – unable to cope with so formidable an adversary.”

Ethical Appeal Using statements that appeal to the values and morals of the audience. “Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.”

Metaphor Strong Imagery Making a comparison or using descriptive imagery for emphasis. “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience.”

Counter Argument Counter the opposing position by providing contrasting evidence, mistakes, or inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument. “Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne.”