Rhetorical Devices Used by Speakers and Writers

1. Rhetorical Devices Used by Speakers and Writers • Rhetorical devices are the nuts and bolts of speech and writing; the parts that make a communication work. Separately, each part of is meaningless, but once put together they create a powerful effect on the listener/reader.

2. Parallelism • 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

3. Hypophora • A common technique is to start a speech with a hypophora, in which the speaker first asks a question and then answers it. • In Obama’s speech, the word answer is used regularly as an obvious signpost of the speaker’s intention to give his audience answers. The questions, however, are implied here.

4. 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. • Yes, we can, to opportunity and prosperity. Yes, we can heal this nation. Yes, we can repair this world. Yes, we can.

5. Figurative speech • People like to think in metaphors. The image of bending the arc of history up towards hope is powerful. Figurative speech tends to work best when set off by concrete images. • “the arc of history with the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston”

6. 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. • Here, the backyards, living rooms and front porches build a strong picture of “plain folks”

7. Allusion • By using allusion, you not only associate yourself with the ideas of the original text but also create a bond with the audience by evoking share knowledge • The words government of the people, by the people, and for the people are lifted from the “Gettysburg Address”

8. Varied Sentence Length • Varying the sentence length is always a good way to strengthen any writing style, be it speech writing or essays. --“To the best campaign team ever assembles in the history of politics: you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.”