Are you planning to deliver a memorable speech but need help figuring out where to write it? Creating a persuasive speech is more than just putting words on paper; it is captivating your listeners by strategically using rhetorical devices. When used correctly, these linguistic tools can elevate a boring message and stir emotion, leaving a lasting impression.
In this guide, we will share powerful rhetorical devices to use when writing your speech.
A rhetorical device, also known as a persuasive device or stylistic device, is a linguistic tool used by a speaker to evoke an emotion or persuade readers to think in a particular way. It employs a particular sentence structure, sound, or pattern of meaning to fulfill the speech giver's goals.
Rhetorical devices like repetition, rhetorical questions, and metaphors enhance the appeal of a particular message. They are used in writing, everyday conversations and speeches to help strengthen points and make them cohesive.
Traditional rhetoric dates back to the classical period of ancient Greece, when the purpose of teaching public speaking was to Greeks.
There are various types of rhetorical devices, ranging from those that are so distinctive, like anadiplosis and zeugma, to others that are common, like metaphors, rhetorical questions, hyperboles, etc.
If you have ever been moved by a story you read or a speech you heard, then you experienced the power of rhetorical devices. These devices have the following characteristics:
Rhetorical devices can be words, phrases, sentences, or paragraph-long statements.
The following are the benefits of rhetorical devices:
If you want to grab readers' attention, the best way is to provide a hook in the form of a metaphor or anecdote that captures their attention immediately. Metaphors and anecdotes are rhetorical devices that fulfill this role so well. They instantly create vivid images in the minds of the readers, thus engaging them and leading to a worthwhile response.
Don't you want to give a speech that listeners will remember for days, months, and even years to come? One way of creating this memorability is by using rhetorical devices. Things like repetition, for instance, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream," can make your key points stick to the listeners' minds.
Creating an emotional bond with listeners while giving a speech is an underrated skill but very effective instead of communicating facts. Using rhetorical devices the right way in your speech will help evoke emotions. For instance, if you want listeners to be empathetic to your message, you could share a rhetorical device like an anecdote of your personal story that they can relate to. Additionally, if you want to exaggerate a situation or stress a point, you can use hyperbole.
Rhetorical devices will help communicate your message effectively, clearly and coherently, particularly if it is a complex subject. Including things like repetition and epistrophe will emphasize your message, thus creating a sense of unity.
Furthermore, you can stress differences in opinion by using oxymoron. This way, you make these ideas stand out.
Nobody wants a boring speech. The monotonous speech will bore listeners or even cause them to walk out of the room because of a lack of interest. If you want to add variety and interest to your speech and make readers listen from the beginning until the end, consider using rhetorical devices.
Rhetorical devices like rhetorical questions or varied sentence structure will prompt readers to think critically and stay engaged in your speech. Consider a rhetorical question used in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice to stress the division between Christians and Jewish faith, 'If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?'
Related Readings:
Here is a deep dive into some of the common types of rhetorical devices you can use to write an amazing speech.
These rhetorical devices play a crucial role in how you appeal to listeners and readers to communicate and persuade them of your points. To understand what ethos, pathos, and logos are, let us break them individually because they serve a unique purpose.
These appeal to your credibility and authority. It is about persuading listeners by demonstrating your authority, credibility, or moral character. Listeners are more likely to listen and agree with your points when they think that you are knowledgeable, credible, and of great moral character.
One of the ways to build ethos when writing or giving your speech is by doing the following:
An example of ethos is when a doctor uses their expertise and qualification (medical degree) to lend credibility to the claims or points made.
A famous example:
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech, "I Have a Dream," one of the most quoted speeches in history, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to fight for jobs and freedom. In this speech, King Jr. bolstered his ethos by invoking his deep moral convictions and leadership role in the Civil Rights Movement, establishing his credibility and integrity.
This is about appealing to listeners' emotional and imaginative sides. Pathos evokes feelings such as empathy, anger, and sadness, thus influencing how listeners perceive you and your message, making it easiest to persuade them about your convictions. Reports have shown that when you connect with listeners on an emotional level, they are likely to be convinced of your viewpoints. In other words, strong emotions are correlated with good memory.
Pathos ensures that by creating the right emotional environment, listeners can understand your message the way you want them to. You can achieve this emotional appeal by sharing anecdotes or rhetorical questions that include values and beliefs that convey imagination to listeners.
A famous example:
The Gettysburg Address was a speech by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivered during the American Civil War on November 19 1863. Lincoln used pathos to invoke feelings of patriotism, unity and sacrifice at a time when the nation was in turmoil.
In the speech, the former U.S. president highlighted the valor and commitment of soldiers who participated in the war to stir feelings of reverence and encourage the audience to honor their sacrifice.
Related: How to write an article critique.
This appeals to the logical aspect of your arguments. If you want to make your arguments more effective, use reason and logic. One way to do this is by providing well-structured arguments by including facts and statistics and using analogies to conclude when clarifying complex ideas.
For instance, if you are giving a speech on climate change, you could provide facts and statistics on how the world has changed so far due to human behaviors and how it would be in the near future if no actions were taken to rectify the behavior.
A famous example:
Susan B. Anthony gave a speech, "Is it a Crime for a U.S. Citizen to Vote?" in 1873 when she was arrested and tried for illegally voting. Anthony provides a systematic presentation of facts and principles to support her main argument. In the speech, Anthony argued that the right to vote is a right for everyone, including legal precedents and constitutional arguments.
Related: Applying rhetorical appeals in writing academic essays.
This rhetorical device involves the repetition of words or phrases to begin successive clauses or sentences to create a rhythm that reinforces your message and makes it more memorable and impactful. Anaphora can also develop a sense of urgency in your speech by drawing readers' attention to a particular point.
For example, in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, he uses the anaphora "I have a dream" several times to reinforce his arguments.
This rhetorical device presents ideas in a balanced structure. Juxtaposition shows the difference between ideas and concepts, making them stand out. Use antithesis when you want to enhance the clarity and coherence of your ideas or arguments.
Example. In his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy gave a speech, "Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You" used antithesis, Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country to inspire the audience to value the importance of civic action and public service.
Related: Interesting literature research topics.
This type of rhetoric device involves the repetition of the same consonant sound in a series of words to stress a point. Alliteration creates a musical quality in a speech, thus making it more engaging and memorable.
For instance, in their "I Have a Dream speech, there are various examples of alliterations that Luther King used to highlight his ideas, for instance, mighty mountain, Negro in New York, freedom, living on a lonely island etc.
Related: How to write an article critique.
A metaphor compares two distinct ideas or concepts without using the words "like" or "as” to create a deep understanding and highlight the similarities between the two ideas. On the other hand, a simile compares two things using the words "like" or "as" to clarify ideas by relating them to familiar things.
For example, in September 2013, in his speech addressing the nation on the conflict in Syria, Barack Obama said, "The United States military doesn't do pinpricks," meaning that the U.S. military would not slap them on the wrist and walk away.
Related: Interesting Speech Topics.
These types of questions are posed for effect rather than to elicit a response. In other words, a question does not require an answer. It aims to challenge listeners' beliefs, values, and ways of thinking.
For example, in his Republican National Convention Acceptance Speech in 1980, Ronal Reagan said, "Can anyone look at the record of this administration and say, well done? Can anyone compare the state of our economy when the Carter Administration took office with where we are today and say, "Keep up the good work?"
Related: Tips for analyzing a short story.
This involves using similar grammatical structures in a series of phrases or clauses to create a rhythm and balance, making your arguments more compelling.
An example of parallelism is highlighted in John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech in 1961, "My fellow citizens of the world ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
This type of rhetorical device is an exaggerated statement used to emphasize an argument or idea. Hyperboles are not meant to be taken seriously like other words in a speech; rather, they are meant to drive a message home.
For example, in his speech "I Have a Dream," Luther King Jr. used hyperbole, stating, “Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi." This was to stress that the need for freedom has spread everywhere.
This is a verbal irony where you say something but mean the opposite of what you are saying to either mock or show contempt. Sarcasm is a powerful tool when used in a speech to highlight absurdities in a situation.
For example,
In the "The Great Dictator" speech by Charlie Chaplin, Chaplin stated the following in a sarcastic tone, "I'm sorry, but I don't want to be an emperor," to critique the pursuit of power.
When it comes to evoking emotions or persuading listeners about your ideas or arguments, using rhetorical devices when writing your speech is the secret sauce. You can use these distinct tools to either construct an argument or make an existing one more persuasive, informative, and entertaining while expressing personal thought. Because they are so powerful, they can turn a good speech into a great one. However, please remember that you have to be smart when using these rhetorical devices if you want to achieve the goal of the speech.
Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.
