Rhetorical Devices

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Rhetorical Devices

• Rhetoric
• skill in the effective use of speech
• verbal communication
• the art of speaking or writing effectively

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Rhetorical Question

• The speaker asks a question to which the answer
  is already known or implied. This builds support
  from the listener.
• Is the Pope Catholic?
• Why me?
• How much longer must our people endure this
  injustice?

3
Repetition

• Repetition adds emphasis and rhythm
• I have a dream. . .
• I have a dream. . .
• I have a dream. . .
• There is no mistake there has been no mistake
  and there shall be no mistake.

4
Exaggeration (Hyperbole)

• Used for emphasis
• The chemistry class was so hard that all of the
  students walked out of it with their eyes
  crossed.
• I have a million things to do.

5
Understatement

• When a speaker wants to make a fact seem less
  significant. (This often sounds sarcastic.)
• I have to have this operation. It isnt very
  serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the
  brain. Catcher in the Rye
• I know a little about running a company.
• Bill Gates

6
Negation

• Repeated use of words using the negative for
  emphasis.
• "Never trust anyone who has not brought a book
  with them. Lemony Snicket

7
Parallelism

• Uses the same grammatical form for a series of
  equal or related ideas.
• Time of day, amount of light, and distance from
  the subject are all factors in taking
  photographs.
• He is not only our leader but also our cook.
• Today's students can put dope in their veins or
  hope in their brains. If they can conceive it and
  believe it, they can achieve it. They must know
  it is not their aptitude but their attitude that
  will determine their altitude. - Jesse Jackson

8
Contrast

• A language device used to point out differences
  between similar ideas or situations.
• "Every man has a right to utter what he thinks
  truth, and every other man has a right to knock
  him down for it.Samuel Johnson

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Reversals--Another example of contrast (chiasmus)

• Making a sentence memorable by reversing the
  order of two clauses.
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
• Ask not what your country can do for you ask
  what you can do for your country.

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Allusion

• A reference to a historical or literary person or
  event. Allusions save words because the speaker
  assumes the audience understands the reference.
• Dont act like a Romeo in front of her.
• The rise in poverty will unlock the Pandora box
  of crimes.
• This place is like a Garden of Eden.

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Alliteration

• The repetition of initial sounds of words.
• Brad Pitt played characters who were stunning,
  scheming, and slick.

12
Extended Metaphor

• A metaphor is an implied comparison of dissimilar
  things without like or as. Metaphors can be
  extended or repeated throughout a paragraph of
  comparison, but be careful not to mix them.
• All the worlds a stage, and all the men and
  women merely playersThey have their exits and
  their entrances And one man in his time plays
  many parts.(Shakespeares As You Like It)

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Rhyme

• Makes two or more words memorable through their
  ending sound.
• In The Shawshank Redemption, Red shows the
  audience that there is no crime worth hard time.

14
Imagery

• An author's use of vivid and descriptive language
  to add depth to their work. It appeals to human
  senses to deepen the reader's understanding of
  the work.
• The sky was painted in warm colors of orange,
  yellow, and red. It made him think of the desert
  even though he was in the heart of the mountains.
• Grief stricken, I saw a million floating
  butterflies coming to life from the wreckage of
  the Twin Towers.

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Vary Length and Types of Sentences (syntax)

• Varying the kinds of sentences you use can make
  your speech lively and help maintain listener
  interest.
• One of the few similarities between Juliet and
  Rosalind is that they both fall in love, but
  Juliet rushes into romance while Rosalind makes
  sure of her love for Orlando.  Juliet is an
  impetuous adolescent Rosalind is a mature adult."

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Irony

• The use of words to convey the opposite of their
  literal meaning a statement or situation where
  the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or
  presentation of the idea.
• In Harry Potter, "the boy who lived" died, then
  came back to life...
• Go ask his name if he be married.My grave is
  like to be my wedding bed.

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Classical Rhetorical Appeals

• Aristotle, the Greek Philosopher who is often
  referred to as the father of persuasion
  discussed three classical rhetorical
  appeals--Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

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Ethos

• Speaker Credibility. The character or emotions
  of the speaker are expressed in the attempt to
  persuade an audience. The speaker is believable
  he/she
• Cites sources
• Dresses the part
• Uses honesty
• Has the background or expertise necessary to
  speak on the topic.
• Ethics of the speaker

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Pathos

• The speaker hopes to induce an emotion (joy,
  outrage, excitement, etc.) in the audience.
• Emotional or Empathetic appeal
• The speaker may use a vivid story or imagery.

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Logos

• Speaker appealing to the audiences mind
• Logic, Facts, Statistics, Evidence

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Devices that Motivate Listeners
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Dissonance

• The speaker first creates a discomfort within the
  audience, and then resolves it by offering a
  solution.
• We are all guilty of losing our patience, and we
  need to realize that the increase in anxiety is
  harmful to our health and the health of those
  around us. However, there is a solution. . .

23
Needs

• Relating to basic needs
• Because many students have food allergies, it is
  a necessity that there are dietary options for
  school lunch.

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Negative Motivation

• Points out a negative outcome.
• If you dont work hard, you will fail this class.
  
• If you dont pick up your room, you will not get
  your allowance.

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Positive Motivation

• Points out a positive outcome.
• If you work hard, you will find that your college
  courses are more manageable, leaving you with
  more time for friends and fun.
• If you clean your room, youll be allowed to go
  to a movie, and Ill spring for your pizza.