rhetorical devices speech list

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

What is a rhetorical device and why are they used.

As with all fields of serious and complicated human endeavor (that can be considered variously as an art, a science, a profession, or a hobby), there is a technical vocabulary associated with writing. Rhetoric is the name for the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion, and though a writer doesn’t need to know the specific labels for certain writing techniques in order to use them effectively, it is sometimes helpful to have a handy taxonomy for the ways in which words and ideas are arranged. This can help to discuss and isolate ideas that might otherwise become abstract and confusing. As with the word rhetoric itself, many of these rhetorical devices come from Greek.

Ready, set, rhetoric.

The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables

wild and woolly, threatening throngs

Syntactical inconsistency or incoherence within a sentence especially : a shift in an unfinished sentence from one syntactic construction to another

you really should have—well, what do you expect?

Repetition of a prominent and usually the last word in one phrase or clause at the beginning of the next

rely on his honor—honor such as his?

A literary technique that involves interruption of the chronological sequence of events by interjection of events or scenes of earlier occurrence : flashback

Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect

we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground

The repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first

we must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately

The usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings

this giant of 3 feet 4 inches

The use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (such as a Solomon for a wise ruler) OR the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (such as the Bard for Shakespeare)

The raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it

we won't discuss his past crimes

An expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect

to be, or not to be: that is the question

Harshness in the sound of words or phrases

An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases

working hard, or hardly working?

A disjunctive conclusion inferred from a single premise

gravitation may act without contact; therefore, either some force may act without contact or gravitation is not a force

The substitution of a disagreeable, offensive, or disparaging expression for an agreeable or inoffensive one

greasy spoon is a dysphemism for the word diner

Repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect

of the people, by the people, for the people

Emphatic repetition [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]

An interchange of two elements in a phrase or sentence from a more logical to a less logical relationship

you are lost to joy for joy is lost to you

A transposition or inversion of idiomatic word order

judge me by my size, do you?

Extravagant exaggeration

mile-high ice-cream cones

The putting or answering of an objection or argument against the speaker's contention [ this definition is taken from the 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged dictionary ]

Understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary

not a bad singer

The presentation of a thing with underemphasis especially in order to achieve a greater effect : UNDERSTATEMENT

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them ( Metaphor vs. Simile )

drowning in money

A figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated

crown as used in lands belonging to the crown

The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it

A combination of contradictory or incongruous words

cruel kindness

The use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense : REDUNDANCY

I saw it with my own eyes

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by "like" or "as"

cheeks like roses

The use of a word in the same grammatical relation to two adjacent words in the context with one literal and the other metaphorical in sense

she blew my nose and then she blew my mind

A figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (such as fifty sail for fifty ships ), the whole for a part (such as society for high society ), the species for the genus (such as cutthroat for assassin ), the genus for the species (such as a creature for a man ), or the name of the material for the thing made (such as boards for stage )

The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one

opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy

MORE TO EXPLORE: Rhetorical Devices Used in Pop Songs

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60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion

Rhetorical devices are essential tools in the world of communication, aiding speakers and writers in persuading or engaging their audience effectively. These powerful techniques help convey meaning and evoke emotions, allowing individuals to present their ideas from a specific perspective. As components of the broader concept of rhetoric – the art of effective communication – rhetorical devices can be found in various forms, including language structure, sound, and imagery.

There may be many times that you will hear the use of rhetorical devices in an English conversation or see it in written text, but it can be confusing to understand if you are not sure how they are used. In this article, we are going to look at what rhetorical devices are and what different types of rhetorical devices there are with useful examples.

Rhetorical Devices

What are rhetorical devices.

A rhetorical device is a way of phrasing some words or sentences so that it evokes a specific kind of emotion. It is a great way to get your opinion across and make people believe what you say is a clear absolute truth.

Though history, the best and most prolific writers and speakers have used and developed a plethora of rhetorical devices. People such as Cicero and Demosthenes come to mind or Abraham Lincoln . The last great orator who excelled at using rhetorical devices was the late, great Martin Luther King.

Utilizing rhetorical devices, authors and speakers can appeal to logic or reason (logos), emotions (pathos), or credibility (ethos). Often, these strategies can make a point more convincing, thereby enhancing comprehension and impact on the audience. From metaphors and hyperbole to alliteration and anaphora, numerous rhetorical devices exist, catering to a diverse range of communication styles and purposes.

By mastering the use of rhetorical devices, individuals can significantly improve their writing and speaking abilities, adapting their approach according to the context and target audience. Familiarity with rhetorical devices enables an understanding of when and how to apply specific strategies for maximum effect, ultimately strengthening one’s overall communication prowess.

Types of Rhetorical Devices

Repetition and sound devices.

Various rhetorical devices use the power of repetition and sound to create emphasis, emotion, and catch the reader’s attention. Here are some common examples:

• Anaphora : The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.”
• Alliteration : The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close together. Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
• Assonance : The repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close together. Example: “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.”
• Consonance : The repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close together. Example: “Pitter patter of little feet.”
• Onomatopoeia : Words that imitate the sounds they represent. Example: “The bees buzzed, and the brook babbled.”

Figurative Language

Figurative language uses words or expressions in a non-literal way to create a vivid picture, emphasize a point, or evoke emotions. Some common examples include:

• Metaphor : A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”. Example: “Time is a thief.”
• Simile : A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”. Example: “Her smile was as warm as the sun.”
• Personification : Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
• Hyperbole : Deliberate exaggeration for effect. Example: “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”
• Irony : A contrast between expectation and reality. Example: “The fire station burned down.”
• Oxymoron : A combination of contradictory words. Example: “Deafening silence.”
• Synecdoche : Using a part of something to represent the whole. Example: “All hands on deck.”

Persuasive Techniques

Rhetorical devices can be used to persuade an audience by appealing to different aspects of human reasoning. Some well-known persuasive techniques include:

• Logos : Using logic, reason, statistics, and facts to persuade.
• Pathos : Appealing to emotions to persuade.
• Ethos : Establishing credibility and trust by referring to authorities or ethical values.
• Antithesis : Contrasting ideas for emphasis. Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
• Allusion : Making a reference to another work, event, or person to create a connection or make a point. Example: “He was a real Romeo with the ladies.”
• Analogy : A comparison between two similar things to explain a complex concept. Example: “A heart is like a pump.”
• Euphemism : Using a mild or indirect expression to replace a harsh or blunt one. Example: “Passed away” instead of “died.”
• Parallelism : Repeating a grammatical structure for emphasis or balance. Example: “Like father, like son.”

These are just a few examples of the many rhetorical devices that writers and speakers use to convey their messages effectively and memorably. By using repetition, sound patterns, figurative language, and persuasive techniques, communicators can engage their audience, emphasize key points, and achieve the desired effect.

Rhetorical Devices: History and Theory

Greek origins.

Rhetoric has its origins in ancient Greece and has long been linked with public speaking and persuasion. In the Classical period of ancient Greece, around the 5th century BC, rhetors or rhetoricians taught the art of public speaking to fellow citizens in Greek republics. This practice later extended to teaching the children of the wealthy in the Roman Empire. The study of rhetoric developed as a means of communication and persuasion, central to the Greek educational system.

Aristotle’s Modes of Persuasion

A key figure in the history of rhetoric is the Greek philosopher Aristotle , who contributed immensely to the development of rhetorical theory. Aristotle outlined three modes of persuasion in his work, “Rhetoric.” These three modes are:

• Logos : This mode focuses on the logical appeal of an argument, using reasoning and evidence to persuade the audience. Aristotle believed that a well-constructed argument based on reason and facts would lead to more effective persuasion.
• Pathos : In this mode, rhetoricians employ emotional appeals to provoke audiences’ feelings and engage their emotions. By targeting the audience’s values, desires, and fears, pathos helps create a connection between the speaker and the audience.
• Ethos : This mode emphasizes the credibility and character of the speaker. Aristotle argued that persuading an audience requires establishing the speaker’s trustworthiness, expertise, and moral character.

In addition to these modes of persuasion, Aristotle also introduced the concept of a thesis, which is the central argument or main point of a speech or text. This element serves as the foundation upon which the speaker’s persuasive efforts are constructed.

By understanding and applying Aristotle’s modes of persuasion, today’s writers and speakers can increase the effectiveness of their communications, making them more compelling and persuasive. This foundation remains essential for those interested in the history and theory of rhetoric.

Rhetorical Devices List

Common rhetorical devices.

Here is a list of rhetorical devices most commonly used:

1. Alliteration

Another name for alliteration is tongue twisters . You might remember them from your youth. Any time you notice that a few words, one after the other share the first few, initial consonant sounds you have yourself an example of alliteration. But alliteration isn’t only used in children’s tongue twisters, such as “ she sells seashells “, they are also used by brands to make their names much more memorable, for example, “ Krispy Kreme “.

2. Allusion

Every time you make a reference to some places, events, or a person you are making an allusion . For example, one could say, ” I’m not Sherlock Holmes to figure that out ”. It is helpful when one tries to get a point across because you can reference something well known and not explain something at great length.

3. Amplification

Repeating the same word one after the other, combined with an adjective or two makes it seems stronger, more significant. That is the rhetorical device called amplification. For example, “ his face is red, so so red “. It could indicate that the colour in somebody’s face is of an extraordinary shade of red, to a worrying degree.

Sometimes the easiest way to explain things is to strike a parallel with some other thing that is quite similar to it. But one has to be careful with analogies, not every analogy is true One of the most basic logical fallacies is the Conclusion from Analogy. An analogy would be, “ She is as pale as a ghost “.

5. Anaphora

This is one of the rhetorical devices that Shakespeare loved. Anaphora is defined as repeating a single word or a phrase in successive phrases. For example, “ some glory in their birth, some in their skill, some in their wealth “. The repetition of the word some in our examples gives the quote its rhythm, playfulness, and power. It does not come as a surprise that anaphora is a staple device for many famous poets. But poets aren’t the only ones who can benefit from this device, any learned orator can.

6. Antanagoge

Sometimes referred to as a backhand compliment, an antanagoge is when you combined a positive and a negative statement together. For example, “ this summer season was dry, but not as dry as the one back in 2012 .”

7. Antimetabole

Repeating words in verse order is what antimetabole is all about. One of the most famous examples comes from the father of philosophy, Socrates. he said, “ eat to live, not live to eat “.

8. Antiphrasis

This device is used for ironic, sarcastic and humoristic effect. One of the biggest proponents of this rhetorical device was the French nobleman, and maxim writer, Baron De Rouchefoult. It usually makes fun of opposites. So you can call a really ugly painting, such a Mona Lisa, or a very slow person, Usain Bolt.

9. Antithesis

Any time you make a connection between two events, people or things you are using this rhetorical device. The most celebrated and repeated example of antithesis was Neil Armstrong’s speech after he set foot on the moon. Another example would be a quote from the famous German writer Goethe, who said, “ love, is ideal, marriage real “. It means that it is one thing to love someone, but spending your entire life with a person is something completely different, real without illusions.

10. Appositive

If you want to describe a noun better, with another noun, you are using appositive. For example, Alexander of Macedonia, master general. In this example, the master general is the appositive and describes something noteworthy about this historical figure.

11. Enumeratio

Enumeratio is when you try to make some sort of point my numbering things one after the other. Salespeople often use this when they want to sell you something. They will list every feature the item has in an attempt to make you agree with them. They hope to spark your interest in purchasing this item that way.

12. Epithet

An epithet is a word that summarises the most important thing in a person or event. Throughout history, this has been used for propaganda purposes. There are a lot of racially and sexually charged epithets that have brought a lot of pain and suffering to a lot of minorities.

13. Epizeuxis

You can hear this rhetorical device out of the mouths of children, more often than adults. When you repeat the same word, again and again, to add emphasis to an emotion or state of mind you got an epizeuxis. For example, a child might say this when it sees a plate full of vegetables, “ this plate is yucky, yucky, yucky .”

14. Hyperbole

Another term of phrase for hyperbole is an exaggeration. For examples, when you are bored and don’t want to do a specific task you might say, “ This will take forever. ”

15. Litotes

This rhetorical device litotes is used to same something positive with the use of a word or phrase usually reserved for a negative context. For example, one could say “ I’m not unfamiliar with it “. Or to translate, I know a lot about the thing that you are talking about. “ You are not average player, aren’t you? ” which means you are nothing but average. Or one could say “ This is not my first rodeo ” which means, trust me I have a lot more experience than you give me credit for.

16. Metanoia

To make the statement more powerful, you correct the phrase you just used with another one to add emphasis. For example, one could say “ This is the best burger in town, even in the whole state. ”

17. Metaphor

Metaphor is used to compare to things that don’t immediately spring to mind to give one of those things an added quality. For example “ Brevity is the soul of wit “. By this, we mean that saying as much as we can with as little words as we can is a mark of true intelligence.

18. Anacoluthon

Every time there is a sudden break, usually mid-sentence, an anacoluthon is formed. The first part of anacoluthon is never finished because the second part exceeds it in importance. For example “ I was cleaning my garden with -She screamed ”

19. Anadiplosis

This rhetorical device is when you repeat a word or multiple words that have ended one sentence or grammatical structure at the beginning of your next sentence. For example “ I was driving the car. The car that I bought with my own money ”

20. Anastrophe

Anastrophe is the willing inverse of the natural word order in a sentence. This is because you want to put what is most important at the end of your thought. One popular user of this rhetorical device is the fictional, but widely beloved Jedi Master Yoda. He uses multiple rhetorical devices, but anastrophe is certainly his favorite. Some of the most known Yoda quotes are indeed anastrophes. For example, “ Persuade you, I shall ” or “ The path to the dark side, fear is ”

21. Antanaclasis

When you repeat the same word again and again in a few sentences that follow each other, but the repeated word changes meaning in each new sentence or part of a grammatical structure. Probably the most known example of this rhetorical device comes from one of the greatest citizens the USA has ever had, Benjamin Franklin. While debating an opponent once Franklin reportedly said: “ Your argument is sound… all sound “. A wonderful piece of wit combined with the right kind of rhetorical device. He is playing with the meanings of the word sound, which could be something stable and correct and also just noise.

22. Apophasis

Apophasis comes from the Greek phrase and it means “ To say no “. It is the closest rhetorical device to irony and it is accomplished when a speaker brings something up by denying it. For example “ I’m not saying that this article is not a great work of art “.

Every clear, rhetorical expression of doubt is an aporia . Aporia comes in many forms but the most celebrated example is a quote from Shakespeare that almost everyone who went to school as quoted at least once. This example is from Hamlet and it says “ To be or not to be, that is the question. ”

24. Apostrophe

Every time a speaker goes from addressing one individual and abruptly switches his attention to another person or an item is called apostrophe. This other person or item doesn’t even need to be present. Apostrophes can be quite common in an internal monologue a character has in a movie or a novel. For example “ My dear Sun you torture me, What power this heavenly body possesses over us, oh Lord “.

25. Asyndeton

One of the more common and simple rhetorical devices. Many famous sayings and quotes belong to the asyndeton family of rhetorical devices. Asyndeton is the removal of conjunctions between grammatical structures or sentences. Probably the most notable example is the quote by Julius Caezar after he usurped his own city. The quote reads “ I came, I saw, I conquered “. Quite poetic for such a mass-murdering, genocidal maniac.

26. Auxesis

Many writers, of both serious and imaginative books, are though to use Auxesis. The word is greek and it means growth. It is the gradual increase in power and emphasis from one word to the next, erupting at the end of the sentence with its most powerful phrase or word. An example of auxesis would be “ The metal felt warm, then hot, then burning” or “I looked, I smiled, I laughed, I died from laughter “.

27. Bdelygmia

One of the rare examples of rude or abusive language in the whole field of rhetorical devices. A bdelygmia is a rant full of abuses. Nowadays, you are most likely to encounter them at sporting events, especially if the reporter interview a player that has just lost an important game or derby. For example “ If I was raised any differently I might call our coach a complete imbecile incapable of calling the simplest of plays at the right time. Yeah, a total no show, waste of time of a human being “.

28. Cacophony

This rhetorical device cacophony is when you use harsh words to add some effect to your statement or to grab the attention of the person you are addressing. For example, a frustrated lover might say “ Every breath that I take without you close to me feels like a thousand daggers taring my insides apart “. It might sound cruel, manipulative or harsh, but that is the point. Others might see it as a guilt trip, but one lover has the intention to show the other just how painful every moment that they spend apart really is for him or her.

29. Chiasmus

In this rhetorical device Chiasmus , you reverse the order of words, whole grammatical structures or concepts and repeat them in reverse order. One of the most notable examples comes from the Christian savior, half man half God, Jesus Christ. He said to his twelve apostles one time “ Don’t judge unless you want others to judge you “.

30. Commoratio

Every time you are repeating yourself with different words you are using commoratio. Or in other words, whenever you want to say the same thing, but with different words over and over again you are using commoratio. For some reason, British comedy troupes are fond of this rhetorical device. Most notably Monty Python. One such example would be “ He is crazy, nuts, off his rocker, goofy, silly, gone, gonzo, totally gone, whipped like a bat ”

31. Diacope

Borrowing its name from the Greek phrase which means to cut in two, this rhetorical device is the repeating of one word or a whole grammatical construction separated by another word. For example “ In times like these, it is always good to remember that, there were always times like these ” In this example times like these are the grammatical structure that keeps repeating, and the middle part is the divider.

32. Hendiadys

This rhetorical device entails the use of a conjunction between two words that grammatical isn’t really all that necessary. One such example would be “ I’m starting to feel sick and tired of all your rambling ”

33. Dehortatio

This rhetorical device comes from the Latin word and means dissuasion. It is used when you want to give someone a piece of strong advice on what not to do. It has an opposite brother or sister, whatever you want to call it in the family of rhetorical devices called adhortatio. One of the most known examples came from the famous Nazi fighter and British prime minister, Winston Churchill, when he in a speech to the nation, during Nazi air raids said “ Never, never, never give in. No matter how small and insignificant the thing might seem. Never, never give in ”

34. Diatyposis

This rhetorical device comes from Greek. It was probably developed by some of Socrate’s famed sophist opponents. If you want to use an elegant rhetorical device that will help you dictate rules to your audience, this device might be ideal. As in this example from the great eastern philosophical work, Tao Te Ching “ When you rule, don’t try to control. When you think, keep it simple ”

35. Distinctio

Coming from the Latin word that means differentiation. When a speaker wants to leave all ambiguity about a certain word a said and precisely and clearly let his audience know what he is saying by a particular word. This rhetorical device comes up often in political speeches, for example, “ By enemies I mean all of those who didn’t join our cause during the Second World War “.

36. Epanorthosis

Coming from the Greek phrase meaning self-correction. One uses it when one tries to take something back that was earlier said. Or, when one wants to clarify something one has said earlier. This is most often done because the speaker realizes that the thing that he ha said previously didn’t have the desired effect. By applying epanorthosis, the speaker adds more emphasis and power to the things he has previously said to his audience. For example, a speaker might say “ All of, thousands no tens of thousands here today. ”

37. Hyperbaton

This rhetorical device has many cousins. It is of the family of rhetorical devices that inverse the order of words in a sentence or any other grammatical structure, to add strength and emphasis to the most important part of said structure. Yoda, one of the most popular fictional characters of all time, likes to use this device, as well as many romantic poets. An example of this device would be “ One swallow does not a summer make. ”

38. Meiosis

It comes from Greek and it means to make smaller. The use is similar to its Greek origins. It denotes any form of description that is designed to lessen the value or importance of a thing. It can seem similar to litotes but while litotes is more sarcastic, meiosis is far more direct. An example of meiosis might be “ It is only a scratch “. In the case mentioned, the wound the speaker suffered is probably a serious or grave one, but he isn’t discouraged by it or doesn’t want to let his opponents know just how much damage he took. That is why he or she used meiosis to both encourage himself and discourage his or her opponents.

39. Paronomasia

The closes thing to an explanation for this rhetorical device is to claim that it is indeed a sort of ancient word for a pun. Paronomasia that emphasizes the phonic similarities between two words. It can be very prevalent among wordplay, for both adults and children. Some examples are “meet” and “meat”, or “old lord”. It is a great device to use when one wants his words to be ambiguous. One can find this device in many epic poets as well as Shakespeare. They usually use it in the mouth of one of the villains, to mask his true intents.

40. Pleonasm

As we have seen in earlier examples, word repetition and especially its rhythm capture out attention ever so easily. Pleonasm is another rhetorical device that capitulates on this mysterious habit of the human mind and ears. While others repeated words themselves, pleonasm is focused on repeating the same ideal, through multiple grammatical structures, but always trying to express it through different words or phrases. Naturally, and logically, Pleonasm comes from the greek and it means to be excessive. An example of a pleonasm would be “ Our Czar, our ruler, our leader, would like to be brief on the western campaign “.

41. Polyptoton

Coming from, you guessed it, Greek it means many fallings. It is a device where you repeat words that share an origin, like judge and judging or beat and beaten. Repeating those words of equal origin gives the sentence of phrase its signature strength. Some of the most known examples of polyptoton come from religious texts and are really easy to memorize because of their rhythmical setup. The most known example to most people on the western Hemisphere would probably come out of the New Testament, from Matthew’s gospel “ Don’t judge, or you will be judged yourselves .”

42. Polysyndeton

This rhetorical device comes from Greek and roughly translating it, it would mean bound many together. It is accomplished with one conjunction, that is repeated a number of times to combine many phrases or grammatical structures together. The most used conjunction used is probably – and. We find numerous examples of polysyndeton in children when they start to enumerate things. For example “ My mom has beauty, and courage and strength and brains and knows how to cook and is fast ”

43. Scesis Onomaton

Any sentence that is made out of exclusively nouns and adjectives is a scesis onomaton. Sometimes prepositions are added, but verbs are always excluded in the scesis onomaton. An example would be “ That is an opportunity, a chance, a shot ”

44. Sententia

The majority of moral sayings, be it a proverb maxim or aphorism is a form of this rhetorical device. Or in other words, any expression of conventional wisdom. But it has to be expressed in a brief, short sentence, with the most important point expressed at the end. It comes from the Latin word that means sentence. An example of this rhetorical device would be “ War is superior to a bad peace ” or “ Only a man who thinks himself miserable is indeed miserable ”

45. Sentential Adverbs

This rhetorical device is used when we want to give, power or emphasis to an adverb. It is either a single word or a quick and easy phrase that breaks the syntax of the sentence or grammatical construction. So with the help of this word or phrase, we add emphasis on both the word before the break and after the break. An example of sentential adverb would be “ She did not, in fact, divorce her husband ” or “ He won’t, surely, give away his inheritance ”

46. Syllepsis

This rhetorical device comes to use from Greek and it means – a taking. You use this device when you want to give a one-word different meaning than it usually has in relation to other words in the sentence or grammatical structure. A lot of people and even the most astute rhetoricians confuse it with Zeugma. But we won’t get into details here. They can be and usually are used interchangeably. An example of this rhetorical device might be “ His voice reaches so high, and goes way over his smug head ”

47. Symploce

There are many examples of rhetorical devices that use repetition as a means of getting a point across. We all, for some evolutionary reason, like melody and rhythm and rhetoricians know that. One of the most rhythmical and repetitive devices is symploce. To use this device you have to repeat the same word or phrase at the beginning of a couple of continues sentences. But that isn’t all. You also have to repeat a word at the end of each fo those continuous sentences. But it can’t be any word: The word has to have a similar sound to the one you are using at the beginning of those sentences. In other words, you can call symploce a fusion of two devices we have previously mentioned, anaphora and epistrophe. One of the most notable examples come from the famous wit of CK Chesterton. He said “ The lunatic is not the person who lost his mind. The lunatic is the person who lost everything, but his mind ”

48. Synathroesmus

Coming from the Greek word for collection this entry in our list of rhetorical devices is similar to the device accumulatio. But while some devices use the accumulation of words to praise a person or event, this rhetorical device is used to put someone down or to put it harshly, verbally mutilate them. A lot of people who are prone to rants (and let’s face it, Youtube is full of fanboys, and fangirls, who love to rant about every single detail that they like about a certain intellectual property that they allegedly adore) use this device unknowingly. An example of this device would be “ The movie is a soulless, schlocky, amalgamation of everything that is wrong with pop culture ” or “ He is a no-good, clumsy awkward, disease-stricken ape of a man ”

49. Synecdoche

This rhetorical device might have a complicated-sounding name, but it is anything but. Every time you use a part of a sentence or grammatical structure to refer or represent the whole, you are using synecdoche . The same goes for things, people or events. So when people refer to America as a country, they could mean both the US and the two continents. But experience teaches us that they are probably referring to the nation. It is just easier to say one word than the whole structure, The United States of America. It is easy to confuse this device with a metonymy . But remember, metonymy addresses something with a term that is similar, while synecdoche uses a part of something to refer to the whole thing. Like boots to soldiers or wheels for cars.

50. Tapinosis

Another on our growing list of rhetorical devices that are often used, but most often by those that don’t know what they are in fact doing. Another phrase for this rhetorical device would be calling somebody names. It denotes vulgar, or derogatory language. You can hear examples of Tapinosis in children when they fight or call each other all kinds of silly names. Another name for it is humiliatio. But that doesn’t mean it is just a device you use one on one. It can be delivered in speeches as well. There is plenty of tapinosis in every fiery or mad general who addresses his novice recruits. Like in the movie Full Metal Jacket.

An example of such a device would be “ Listen up you maggots. You are nothing but momma’s boys, good or nothing, disgraces of manhood, pieces of dog crap “.

51. Tricolon

Even if the name implies it, this device is not just three colons stacked next to each other. It is indeed, three similar words or phrases, expressed one after the other. This is done to give the description of a thing or person its sort of sense of completeness. A lot of writers use this to give the things they re describing more layers or dimensions, like a word for sight, smell, and hearing. It comes from Greek and it means three units. An example of this rhetorical device would be “ I need three things in a woman. Beauty, jealousy, and no brain ”

52. Topographia

In rhetorics, topographia refers to a lavish or even poetic description of a place. So every time you encounter a detailed description of something in a book you know you are reading an example of topographia.

Coming from the Greek word for question, this device is used by a speaker when we want to discredit someone with a series of aggressive questions that the opponent can’t answer all at once. It is like a torrent of question marks that devours him or her wholly. An example would be “ Who did your party support in 45? On which side of the war were you back then? Were you intending to defend our freedom? The freedom of the world ?”

Logos is a rhetorical device that refers to the use of logic, reasoning, and evidence to persuade an audience. It is often used in argumentative writing or speeches to appeal to the audience’s rationality and intellect. Logos can take many forms, including statistics, facts, expert opinions, and logical arguments. The goal of using logos is to convince the audience that the argument being presented is based on sound reasoning and evidence, and is therefore more likely to be true.

Pathos is a rhetorical device that refers to the use of emotional appeal to persuade an audience. It is often used in writing or speeches to evoke a particular emotional response from the audience, such as sympathy, anger, or fear. Pathos can be achieved through the use of vivid language, imagery, personal anecdotes, and other techniques that appeal to the audience’s emotions. The goal of using pathos is to create a strong emotional connection between the audience and the argument being presented, which can make the audience more receptive to the message and more likely to take action.

Ethos is a rhetorical device that refers to the credibility or trustworthiness of the speaker or writer. It is often used in writing or speeches to establish the author’s authority or expertise on a particular subject. Ethos can be established through various means, such as a speaker’s reputation, professional credentials, or personal experience. The goal of using ethos is to persuade the audience that the argument being presented is credible and trustworthy, and that the author or speaker is knowledgeable and reliable. By establishing ethos, the author or speaker can gain the audience’s confidence and increase the likelihood that the audience will be persuaded by the argument.

Unusual Rhetorical Devices

Kairos  refers to the opportune moment for making a persuasive argument or taking action. It’s about understanding the context and seizing the right moment to maximize the impact of your message. For example, a political candidate might use kairos to address a controversial topic when public opinion is shifting in their favor.

58. Anacoluthon

Anacoluthon  is a deliberate disruption of the syntax within a sentence, often used to emphasize a point or create a sense of confusion. It could be a sudden change in the grammatical structure or an interruption mid-sentence. For instance: “You really need to – can’t you see what’s happening here?”

59. Hypophora

Hypophora  is when a speaker or writer raises a question and then immediately answers it. This rhetorical device can be used to guide readers through a series of thoughts or to make a point more emphatically. Example: “Why do we continue to pollute our environment? The answer lies in our dependence on fossil fuels.”

60. Antiphrasis

Antiphrasis  is the use of a word or phrase with a meaning that is opposite to or contradicts its usual meaning, often for ironic or humorous effect. For example, describing a chaotic situation as “organized chaos” or calling a large person “Tiny.”

61. Dysphemism

Dysphemism  is the use of harsh or derogatory language to describe something or someone, often for the purpose of criticism or humor. For example, calling taxes “government theft” or referring to a leader as a “tyrant.”

62. Asterismos

Asterismos  is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is placed at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph to draw attention to the following information. For instance: “Listen, everyone here needs to understand the rules.”

63. Paregmenon

Paregmenon  is the repetition of words derived from the same root, used to create emphasis or wordplay. Example: “The team is working diligently to create a diligent workforce.” Here, “diligently” and “diligent” both share the same root.

Rhetorical Devices Examples

Examples of rhetorical devices in speeches and events.

Rhetorical devices are essential tools for speakers to effectively communicate their message and engage their audience. By employing various linguistic techniques, speakers can elevate their speech, making it more impactful and memorable.

One of the most famous speeches in history is John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. Throughout his speech, JFK employed numerous rhetorical devices to inspire and persuade the audience. For instance, he used parallelism in the well-known phrase, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” This structure highlights the contrast and emphasizes the speaker’s message.

In addition to parallelism , speakers often use other rhetorical devices such as:

• Metaphor: Comparing two things by stating one is the other, e.g., “The world is a stage.”
• Hyperbole: Intentional exaggeration for effect, e.g., “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”
• Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds, e.g., “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
• Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words, e.g., “How now, brown cow?”
• Anaphora: Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, e.g., “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields.”

These techniques can not only emphasize important points but also make the language more memorable and engaging for the audience.

Moreover, the use of rhetorical devices can significantly impact the tone and mood of the speech. For example, a speaker may employ irony to point out a discrepancy or create humor in the listener by using an unexpected twist in their language.

Working with rhetorical devices and mastering their usage is crucial for a speaker to enhance their speech’s overall impact. By understanding the linguistic tools at their disposal, speakers can effectively connect with their audience, leave a lasting impression, and ultimately achieve their communication goals.

Rhetoric in Literature and Poetry

In literature and poetry, the use of rhetorical devices plays a crucial role in offering powerful and persuasive language. These literary elements are employed by writers to convince or persuade their audience through logos, pathos, and ethos.

Literary Devices in Poetry

Poetry often relies on linguistic tools like figurative language and well-known figures of speech , which are considered rhetorical devices. Some common examples include metaphors, similes, and personification. The use of these devices enables poets to create vivid images and evoke emotions, enhancing the reader’s experience.

Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Literature

Various rhetorical devices are used in different types of writing, including narrative and descriptive writing. Some of these include:

• Anaphora : The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive clauses or sentences.
• Hyperbole : Deliberate exaggeration for dramatic or humorous effect.
• Irony : A contrast between the intended meaning and the actual meaning of a word or expression, often for sarcastic, humorous, or dramatic purposes.

When effectively employed, rhetorical devices can help authors produce memorable and influential literary works, reinforcing their messages.

Rhetoric in Music and Place

Rhetorical techniques can also be found in other forms of art, such as music and the description of places. In music, lyrics and composition can be crafted to create an emotional response or convey a specific message. For instance, a songwriter might utilize metaphors and similes in their lyrics, while the melody and rhythm of the music might provoke an emotional response.

Similarly, the description of a place can be enhanced by the use of rhetorical devices. Writers can use figurative language, such as metaphors or personification, to convey the atmosphere and unique qualities of a location more effectively.

In conclusion, rhetorical devices serve as powerful linguistic tools for conveying emotion, imagery, and persuasion across various forms of art and writing, such as literature, poetry, music, and descriptions of places.

Rhetorical Devices Examples in Pop Culture

Rhetorical devices are often used in pop culture to create memorable moments and engage audiences. These techniques can be found in various forms of media, including television shows, movies, commercials, and music.

One example of rhetorical devices in pop culture can be found in the Star Wars franchise, where the character Yoda uses distinctive speech patterns as a form of anastrophe. This is a device where words are deliberately arranged in an unusual order to create emphasis or an attention-grabbing effect. Yoda’s unique way of speaking has become synonymous with wisdom and has made the character a cultural icon.

In music, artists employ various rhetorical devices to enhance their lyrics and evoke emotional responses from their audience. For instance, Beyoncé’s album “Lemonade” incorporates a wide range of rhetorical devices such as alliteration, metaphor, and imagery. These techniques contribute to the album’s powerful narrative, which explores themes of love, betrayal, and empowerment.

Consider the following examples of rhetorical devices in popular songs:

Alliteration : The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words or syllables.

• Example: “Mary, Mary, quite contrary” (traditional nursery rhyme)

Anaphora : The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

• Example: “We will not flag or fail. We will go on to the end. We will fight in France…” (Winston Churchill)

Metaphor : A figure of speech comparing two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

• Example: “You’re a sky full of stars” (Coldplay)

Rhetorical devices in pop culture are also prevalent in social media. Memes and viral content often use humor and clever wordplay to deliver messages that resonate with a wide audience. By employing satire, irony, or even puns, creators can make a lasting impression and spread their ideas across various platforms.

In conclusion, rhetorical devices are a crucial element in pop culture, as they help create impactful messages that resonate with audiences. These techniques can be found across different forms of media, from the unique speech patterns of iconic characters like Yoda to the emotional lyrics of popular music, like Beyoncé’s “Lemonade.” By understanding and appreciating the use of rhetorical devices in pop culture, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity and thought behind these memorable moments.

Rhetorical Devices: the Role of Emotion and Humor

The use of emotion and humor in rhetorical devices plays a significant role in creating a connection with the audience and enhancing persuasion. Emotions such as happiness, sadness, fear, and anger appeal to the human soul and tap into the shared feelings of humanity. This connection is crucial in building rapport, trust, and understanding between the speaker and the audience.

Humor, in particular, is a powerful rhetorical tool to establish a connection and identification with audience members. By employing humor, a speaker can make their argument more engaging, approachable, and relatable. This connection increases the likelihood that the audience will be receptive to the speaker’s point of view. Additionally, humor often serves to deflate counterarguments and make opposing points of view appear less credible or even absurd.

Emotions, as part of rhetorical appeals, can be traced back to Aristotle’s concepts of ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos refers to the credibility of the speaker, logos pertains to the logical arguments presented, and pathos focuses on the emotional appeal to the audience. A balanced combination of these appeals is crucial for effective persuasion.

Incorporating emotions and feelings in rhetorical devices can be achieved through various methods, such as:

• Storytelling: Narrating personal experiences, anecdotes, or case studies that evoke emotions.
• Metaphors and analogies: Utilizing figurative language to simplify complex ideas and spark emotional reactions.
• Evocative words or phrases: Intentionally using language that elicits strong emotions.

It is essential to maintain a level of authenticity and moderation when using emotion and humor in rhetorical devices. Over-reliance on emotions or attempting to manipulate the audience’s feelings can lead to reduced credibility and trust. Furthermore, inappropriate use of humor may alienate or offend the audience, ultimately detracting from the speaker’s intended message.

Rhetorical Devices: Audience and Context

Understanding the audience and context is essential when using rhetorical devices in communication. The audience refers to the readers or listeners to whom the message is being conveyed. They may include primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences, depending on the intended reach of the communication. Each audience group has different needs, expectations, backgrounds, and interests, which must be taken into account when crafting a message.

The context, on the other hand, refers to the circumstances surrounding an act of reading or composition. It plays a significant role in shaping the communication, as it dictates the appropriate tone, style, and rhetoric for a particular situation.

Considering the audience and context is crucial for several reasons:

• Effectiveness of communication : Adapting the message to the needs and interests of the audience increases the likelihood that it will resonate with them and achieve the desired effect.
• Appropriate tone and style : Selecting the right rhetorical devices depends on the context and the audience’s preferences. For example, using a more formal tone in a business setting or casual language for a younger audience.
• Persuasion : Understanding the audience’s background and beliefs can guide the use of ethos, logos, and pathos, Aristotle’s established rhetorical techniques. These techniques can elicit emotional responses, credibility, and logical reasoning, influencing the audience’s opinions and decisions.

Writers and speakers can adopt various strategies to tailor their message to the audience and context, some of which include:

• Demographic analysis : Collecting data about the audience’s age, gender, profession, education, culture, and socio-economic status helps in selecting content and rhetorical devices that are relatable and relevant.
• Psychographic analysis : Assessing the audience’s values, attitudes, interests, and opinions enables a more targeted approach to persuasion and influence.
• Situational analysis : Examining factors such as location, time, and the occasion of the communication helps determine the suitable tone and style.

In conclusion, considering the audience and context is paramount when employing rhetorical devices in communication. This approach ensures that the message effectively conveys the intended information, prompts desired reactions, and resonates with the target audience. Successful communication requires a thorough understanding of the audience and the context, shaping both content and delivery accordingly.

Rhetorical Devices Infographics

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FAQs on Rhetorical Devices

What are rhetorical devices?

Rhetorical devices are techniques used by writers and speakers to effectively communicate, persuade, or express ideas. They help in making language more interesting, engaging, and memorable.

What are some common rhetorical devices?

Some common rhetorical devices include:

• Metaphors and similes: Comparing two different things to highlight their similarities
• Alliteration: Repeating consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close succession
• Hyperbole: Exaggerating for emphasis or emotional effect
• Irony: Using words that convey the opposite meaning of their literal interpretation
• Personification: Attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas

Why are rhetorical devices important?

Rhetorical devices are essential for effective communication because they:

• Capture the audience’s attention
• Facilitate understanding
• Enhance the power of persuasion
• Add to the aesthetic appeal of a piece of writing or speech

How can I incorporate rhetorical devices into my writing or speech?

Incorporating rhetorical devices involves:

• Identifying the purpose of your writing or speech (inform, persuade, entertain)
• Choosing the appropriate rhetorical devices to serve that purpose
• Skillfully weaving the devices into your content, ensuring they do not detract from the main message or theme
• Logical Fallacies
• Literary Devices
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15 Examples of Powerful Rhetorical Devices to Level Up Your Communication Skills

• The Speaker Lab
• July 9, 2024

Table of Contents

When it comes to mastering the art of public speaking , there are plenty of skills you might focus on improving. One such skill is the use of rhetorical devices in your speech. From Abraham Lincoln to modern-day authors, these tools have shaped unforgettable narratives and compelling arguments. In this article, we’ll explore some key examples of rhetorical devices that you can incorporate into your own writing to captivate and persuade. By the end, you’ll see how these techniques quietly work behind the scenes to make words come alive.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

Before we study some examples of rhetorical devices, let’s first define what they actually are. Rhetorical devices are techniques or language used to convey a point or convince an audience. And they’re not just for English teachers or literature buffs—politicians, businesspeople, and even your favorite novelists all use rhetorical devices to persuade and impact their audiences.

While there’s some overlap with literary devices like metaphors, rhetorical devices are specifically designed to appeal to the reader’s sensibilities. In other words, they make an argument more compelling, memorable, and persuasive by tapping into emotions, logic, credibility, and style.

Common Types of Rhetorical Devices

So what exactly are these mysterious rhetorical devices? There are actually dozens of different techniques, each with its own unique effect. Some of the most common types include:

• Ethos: Appeal to the credibility and character of the speaker
• Pathos: Appeal to the emotions of the audience
• Logos: Appeal to logic and reason
• Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis
• Analogies: Comparing two things to show similarities
• Rhetorical questions: Asking a question for effect, not an answer

These are just a few examples, but they give you a sense of the variety and power of rhetorical devices. Each one serves a specific purpose in crafting a persuasive message.

Purpose of Using Rhetorical Devices in Writing

Of course, you may be wondering why you should bother with all these rhetorical devices in the first place. Can’t you just say what you mean and call it a day? You certainly could, but if you want your writing to have a real impact, rhetorical devices are key.

The purpose of using rhetorical devices in writing is to:

• Engage the reader’s emotions and imagination
• Make your arguments more memorable and persuasive
• Establish your credibility and authority on the topic
• Add style and flair to your prose

Essentially, rhetorical devices are like secret weapons that help your writing pack a punch. They take your arguments from bland to brilliant by tapping into the power of language.

Of course, like any tool, rhetorical devices must be used skillfully and strategically. You can’t just sprinkle them in willy-nilly and expect your writing to improve. It takes practice and finesse to wield them effectively.

But don’t worry—in the next section, we’ll cover some concrete rhetorical devices examples to help you get started. For now, just remember: rhetorical devices are help give your speech a polished feel. Learn to use them wisely, and your writing will reap the benefits.

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15 Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Literature and Everyday Language

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what rhetorical devices are and why they matter, let’s dive into some specific examples. Once you start looking for them, you can find these devices everywhere, whether it’s in famous speeches, classic literature, pop songs, and even everyday conversations. Let’s dive in.

Rhetorical Questions

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect, not expecting an answer. These questions are designed to make the reader or listener think, emphasizing a point or provoking an emotional response.

• “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” ( The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare)
• “Are you kidding me?” (Everyday speech)

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. It creates a rhythmic, musical quality that makes phrases more memorable.

• “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” (Tongue twister)
• “‘Cause, baby, now we got bad blood.” (“Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift)

Another example of a rhetorical device is an allusion. This technique makes an indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work. It relies on the reader’s existing knowledge to make a connection and thus enrich the meaning of the text.

• “I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.” (Reference to Greek myth of Atlas)
• “If you’re Juliet, then I’m your Romeo.” (Allusion to Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet )

Amplification

Amplification involves repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to clarify meaning. It’s used to emphasize certain points and expand on important ideas.

• “Love, true love, will follow you forever.” ( The Princess Bride )
• “A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” (The Twits by Roald Dahl)

An analogy is a comparison between two things to show their similarities. It helps explain complex ideas by relating them to more familiar concepts.

• “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” ( Forrest Gump )
• “Finding a good man is like finding a needle in a haystack.” (Common expression)

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Not only does it create a powerful rhythmic effect, but it also emphasizes key themes or ideas.

• “I have a dream that one day…” (Repeated throughout MLK’s famous speech)
• “It rained on his lousy tombstone, and it rained on the grass on his stomach. It rained all over the place.” (Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger)

Antanagoge involves placing a criticism and compliment together to lessen the impact. It’s a way of simultaneously acknowledging a fault and offering a positive perspective.

• “The car is not pretty, but it runs great.” (Everyday speech)
• “April showers bring May flowers.” (Common expression)

Antimetabole

As you’ve seen in some examples already, rhetorical devices often utilize repetition to create a certain effect. Antimetabole is no different. In order to use this technique, a writer must repeat words or phrases in reverse order for emphasis. The inverted parallelism creates a memorable, catchy effect.

• “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” (JFK’s inaugural address)
• “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” (Common expression)

Antiphrasis

Antiphrasis uses a word with an opposite meaning for ironic or humorous effect. It’s a form of sarcasm or understatement that draws attention to the contrast between what is said and reality.

• “Oh, I love being stuck in traffic.” (Sarcastic everyday speech)
• “I was awakened by the dulcet tones of Frank, the morning doorman, alternately yelling my name, ringing my doorbell, and pounding on my apartment door…” ( Filthy Rich by Dorothy Samuels)

Antithesis juxtaposes two contrasting ideas in parallel structure. The stark contrast not only emphasizes the conflict between the ideas but also adds vibrancy to the language.

• “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong)
• “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” (Alexander Pope)

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. It adds both extra details and context about the original noun.

• “My brother, a talented musician, taught himself guitar.” (Everyday speech)
• “Mr. Knightley, a sensible man about seven or eight-and-thirty, was not only a very old and intimate friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder brother of Isabella’s husband.” ( Emma by Jane Austen)

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. Much like alliteration, it creates a musical or rhythmic effect that can make language more memorable.

• “The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.” (Song lyric from My Fair Lady )
• “Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” (Common expression)

Asyndeton refers to a practice in literature whereby the author purposely leaves out conjunctions in the sentence, while maintaining the grammatical accuracy of the phrase. It helps speed up the rhythm of the prose being constructed.

• “I came, I saw, I conquered.” (Julius Caesar)
• “Live, laugh, love.” (Everyday expression)

Cacophony is the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing, and unmelodious sounds—primarily those of consonants—in order to achieve desired results. For instance, the author might be trying to create a spooky atmosphere or engage the reader’s auditory senses.

• “My stick fingers click with a snicker/And, chuckling, they knuckle the keys.” (“Player Piano” by John Updike)
• “Beware the Jabberwock, my son./The jaws that bite, the claws that catch.” (“Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll)

Chiasmus is a “two-part sentence or phrase, where the second part is a reversal of the first.” As you may notice from the examples below, this rhetorical device is strikingly similar to antimetabole. However, whereas antimetabole uses the same or similar wording in reverse, chiasmus merely “mirrors related concepts by repeating elements of a sentence.” As a result, chiasmus allows for a bit more freedom of expression while still creating a parallel sentence structure.

• “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” (Billy Joel)
• “Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.” (Proverbs 11:19)

As you can see, rhetorical devices can be found anywhere, from political speeches to pop songs to everyday expressions. By understanding how these techniques work, you can harness their power in your own writing and speech.

How to Effectively Use Rhetorical Devices in Your Writing

Mastering the art of using rhetorical devices can take your writing to the next level. In order to truly harness the power of rhetorical devices, however, you need to approach them strategically and with purpose. Let’s break it down.

Identify Your Purpose

Before you start adding rhetorical devices to your writing, take a step back and consider your purpose. What do you want to achieve with your piece? Are you trying to persuade your audience, evoke emotion, or simply inform them? When you understand your goal, you can choose the most appropriate devices to support your message.

Choose Appropriate Devices

Once you’ve identified your purpose, it’s time to select the rhetorical devices that will best serve your writing. This is where really understanding the different types of devices comes in handy. For example, if you want to create a sense of urgency, you might opt for rhetorical devices such as repetition or hyperbole . If you’re aiming to establish credibility, then you might lean towards allusion or ethos .

Use Them Sparingly

While using rhetorical devices is a great way to make your speeches shine, it’s important not to go overboard. In fact, overusing these techniques can actually weaken your writing and make it feel gimmicky or insincere. Instead, use them sparingly and strategically, like a chef adding just the right amount of seasoning to enhance a dish.

Ensure Clarity

While rhetorical devices can add depth and impact to your writing, they should never come at the expense of clarity. Your audience should still be able to easily understand your message, even with the added flourishes. If a device is making your writing confusing or convoluted, then it’s time to rethink its use.

Practice and Revise

Like any skill, effectively using rhetorical devices takes practice. When you write, experiment with different techniques and see how they impact your work. Don’t be afraid to revise and refine your use of devices as you go. Over time, you’ll develop a keen sense of when and how to deploy these powerful tools for maximum impact.

By following these guidelines and continually honing your craft, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of using rhetorical devices in your writing. Remember, the goal is not to show off your literary prowess, but rather to enhance your message and engage your audience on a deeper level.

The Impact of Rhetorical Devices on Audience Engagement

If you’re looking for ways to engage your audience, then rhetorical devices are great examples of how to do so effectively. But that’s not all that they can do. Rhetorical devices can also create emphasis, evoke emotions, enhance memorability, and establish credibility. If you’re a writer, then understanding the impact these techniques can have on your audience is crucial.

Creating Emphasis

One of the most powerful ways rhetorical devices engage audiences is by creating emphasis. Rhetorical devices like repetition, amplification, and antithesis, for example, can highlight key ideas or arguments, making them stand out in the reader’s mind. By strategically emphasizing certain points, you can guide your audience’s attention and ensure your most important messages hit home.

Evoking Emotions

Rhetorical devices are also incredibly effective at evoking emotions in your audience. Whether you want to inspire, motivate, or persuade, techniques like metaphor , hyperbole, and rhetorical questions can tap into your reader’s feelings and create a powerful emotional connection. And when your audience feels something, they’re more likely to stay engaged and invested in your message.

Enhancing Memorability

If you want someone to remember your speech, then rhetorical devices are crucial. Techniques such as alliteration, assonance, and chiasmus create a sense of rhythm and balance in your writing. By crafting passages with these rhetorical devices, you can ensure that your ideas don’t just sound good, but also linger long after your audience has finished reading.

Establishing Credibility

Finally, rhetorical devices can play a crucial role in establishing your credibility as a writer. By skillfully employing techniques such as allusion, ethos, and logos, you demonstrate your expertise and authority on a subject. When your audience perceives you as knowledgeable and trustworthy, they’re more likely to engage with your ideas and take your message to heart.

By understanding the impact of rhetorical devices on audience engagement and using them effectively in your writing, you can take your work to new heights. Whether you’re crafting a persuasive essay, a compelling blog post, or a powerful speech, these techniques are your secret weapon for captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression. So go forth and wield them wisely.

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Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Famous Speeches

Throughout history, great orators and writers have used rhetorical devices in order to captivate their audiences and drive home their points. Below are several famous speeches and essays that showcase the power of these techniques. So if you are looking for examples of how to use rhetorical devices effectively, then you’ve come to the right place.

“The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” is a short speech, but it packs a rhetorical punch. In just a few minutes, Lincoln manages to honor the fallen soldiers, reaffirm the principles of the Declaration of Independence, and call on his audience to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of the war.

One of the key devices Lincoln uses is antithesis, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas. “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here,” he says, contrasting the fleeting nature of words with the permanence of actions.

Lincoln also employs epistrophe  (the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses) when he says, “of the people, by the people, for the people.” This technique drives home the central theme of the speech: that the war was fought in order to preserve a government based on popular sovereignty.

“I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

One of the most iconic speeches in American history, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” is a masterclass in the use of rhetorical devices. Throughout the speech, King employs techniques like anaphora, allusion, and metaphor to paint a vivid picture of his vision for a more just and equal society.

The well-known line from King’s speech “I have a dream” illustrates the power of anaphora, as it is repeated throughout his speech in order to emphasize his wish for equality. King also makes use of allusion, referencing the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and the Bible to tie his message to the larger American and Christian traditions. In addition, his metaphors, like “the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity,” make abstract concepts concrete and emotionally resonant.

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill

Delivered at a time when Britain stood alone against the might of Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech is a stirring call to arms. Churchill uses a variety of rhetorical devices to inspire his audience and project confidence in the face of overwhelming odds.

One of the most prominent devices in the speech is anaphora. Churchill repeats the phrase “we shall fight” multiple times, each time in a different context: “we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air.” This repetition hammers home the message of defiance and determination.

Churchill also makes use of metaphor, comparing the British Empire and its allies to “the old lion” and Nazi Germany to “the new and terrible enemy.” These vivid images help to paint the conflict in stark, almost mythic terms.

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen” by William Shakespeare

Though not a real-life speech, Mark Antony’s funeral oration in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a fictional example of rhetorical mastery. Antony’s speech is a brilliant manipulation of the crowd’s emotions, turning them against Brutus and the other conspirators and inciting them to riot.

One of Antony’s key techniques is irony. Throughout the speech, he repeatedly refers to Brutus as an “honorable man,” while providing evidence that contradicts this characterization. This irony helps to undermine Brutus’s credibility and cast doubt on his motives.

Antony also makes effective use of pathos, the appeal to emotion . He shows the crowd Caesar’s wounded body and reads his will, which leaves money to the citizens of Rome. These actions stir up feelings of grief and gratitude in the crowd, making them more receptive to Antony’s message.

These famous speeches demonstrate the power of rhetorical devices to shape opinion, stir emotion, and even change the course of history. When we study how great orators and writers have used these techniques, we can learn to communicate our own ideas more effectively and persuasively.

FAQs on Rhetorical Devices

What is an example of a rhetorical device.

Anaphora, the repetition of words at the start of successive phrases, helps create emotional impact. Think MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

What are the three most common rhetorical devices?

Alliteration, metaphor, and hyperbole top the list.

What is an example of a rhetorical technique?

Antithesis pairs opposites to highlight contrast. For instance, the statement “to err is human; to forgive, divine” employs antithesis.

The magic of effective communication often lies in mastering various rhetorical devices. Whether you’re crafting an inspiring speech or penning a thought-provoking essay, understanding these tools is crucial.

You’ve now seen how simple yet impactful techniques such as metaphors, analogies, and antitheses enrich our language. These aren’t just academic exercises; they’re practical strategies you can apply today. So as you write your next piece, remember to create emphasis with repetition, evoke emotions with vivid imagery, and add rhythm with alliteration. Happy writing!

• Last Updated: July 3, 2024

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The 20 Most Useful Rhetorical Devices

General Education

Rhetoric is the art of effective communication; if you communicate with others at all, rhetorical devices are your friends!

Rhetorical devices help you make points more effectively, and help people understand you better. In this article, I'll be covering some important rhetorical devices so you can improve your own writing! 

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

A lot of things that you would think of as just regular everyday modes of communicating are actually rhetorical devices That’s because ‘rhetorical devices’ is more or less a fancy way of saying ‘communication tools.’

Most people don’t plan out their use of rhetorical devices in communication, both because nobody thinks, “now would be a good time to use synecdoche in this conversation with my grocery clerk,” and because we use them so frequently that they don’t really register as “rhetorical devices.”

How often have you said something like, “when pigs fly!” Of those times, how often have you thought, “I’m using a rhetorical device!” That’s how ubiquitous they are!

However, being aware of what they are and how to use them can strengthen your communication , whether you do a lot of big speeches, write persuasive papers, or just argue with your friends about a TV show you all like.

Rhetorical devices can function at all levels: words, sentences, paragraphs, and beyond. Some rhetorical devices are just a single word, such as onomatopoeia. Others are phrases, such as metaphor, while still others can be sentence-length (such as a thesis), paragraph-length (hypophora), or go throughout the entire piece, such as a standard five-paragraph essay.

Many of these (such as the thesis or five-paragraph essay) are so standard and familiar to us that we may not think of them as devices. But because they help us shape and deliver our arguments effectively, they're important to know and understand.

The Most Useful Rhetorical Devices List

It would be impossible to list every single rhetorical device in one blog post. Instead, I've collected a mixture of extremely common devices you may have heard before and some more obscure ones that might be valuable to learn.

Amplification

Amplification is a little similar to parallelism: by using repetition, a writer expands on an original statement and increases its intensity .

Take this example from Roald Dahl’s The Twits :

“If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

In theory, we could have gotten the point with the first sentence. We don’t need to know that the more you think ugly thoughts, the uglier you become, nor that if you think good thoughts you won’t be ugly—all that can be contained within the first sentence. But Dahl’s expansion makes the point clearer, driving home the idea that ugly thoughts have consequences.

Amplification takes a single idea and blows it up bigger, giving the reader additional context and information to better understand your point. You don’t just have to restate the point— use amplification to expand and dive deeper into your argument to show readers and listeners how important it is!

Anacoluthon

Anacoluthon is a fancy word for a disruption in the expected grammar or syntax of a sentence. That doesn’t mean that you misspoke—using anacoluthon means that you’ve deliberately subverted your reader’s expectations to make a point.

For example, take this passage from King Lear :

“I will have such revenges on you both, That all the world shall—I will do such things, What they are, yet I know not…”

In this passage, King Lear interrupts himself in his description of his revenge. This has multiple effects on the reader: they wonder what all the world shall do once he has his revenge (cry? scream? fear him?), and they understand that King Lear has interrupted himself to regain his composure. This tells us something about him—that he’s seized by passion in this moment, but also that he regains control. We might have gathered one of those things without anacoluthon, but the use of this rhetorical device shows us both very efficiently.

Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis refers to purposeful repetition at the end of one sentence or clause and at the beginning of the next sentence or clause. In practice, that looks something like a familiar phrase from Yoda:

“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Note the way that the ending word of each sentence is repeated in the following sentence. That’s anadiplosis!

This rhetorical device draws a clear line of thinking for your reader or listener—repetition makes them pay closer attention and follow the way the idea evolves. In this case, we trace the way that fear leads to suffering through Yoda’s purposeful repetition.

Antanagoge is the balancing of a negative with a positive. For example, the common phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is antanagoge—it suggests a negative (lots of lemons) and follows that up with a positive (make lemonade).

When writing persuasively, this can be a great way to respond to potential detractors of your argument. Suppose you want to convince your neighborhood to add a community garden, but you think that people might focus on the amount of work required. When framing your argument, you could say something like, “Yes, it will be a lot of work to maintain, but working together will encourage us all to get to know one another as well as providing us with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.”

This is a little like procatalepsis, in that you anticipate a problem and respond to it. However, antanagoge is specifically balancing a negative with a positive, just as I did in the example of a garden needing a lot of work, but that work is what ultimately makes the project worth it.

Apophasis is a form of irony relating to denying something while still saying it. You’ll often see this paired with phrases like, “I’m not saying…” or “It goes without saying…”, both of which are followed up with saying exactly what the speaker said they weren’t going to say.

Take this speech from Iron Man 2 :

"I'm not saying I'm responsible for this country's longest run of uninterrupted peace in 35 years! I'm not saying that from the ashes of captivity, never has a phoenix metaphor been more personified! I'm not saying Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven't come across anyone man enough to go toe to toe with me on my best day! It's not about me."

Tony Stark isn’t saying that he’s responsible for all those things… except that’s exactly what he is saying in all of his examples. Though he says it’s not about him, it clearly is—all of his examples relate to how great he is, even as he proclaims that they aren’t.

A scene like this can easily be played for humor, but apophasis can also be a useful (albeit deceptive) rhetorical tool. For example, this argument:

Our neighborhood needs a community garden to foster our relationships with one another. Not only is it great for getting to know each other, but a community garden will also provide us with all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables. It would be wrong to say that people who disagree aren’t invested in others’ health and wellness, but those who have the neighborhood’s best interests in mind will support a community garden.

That last sentence is all apophasis. Not only did I imply that people who don’t support the community garden are anti-social and uncaring (by outright stating that I wouldn’t say that, but I also implied that they’re also not invested in the neighborhood at all. Stating things like this, by pretending you’re not saying them or saying the opposite, can be very effective.

Assonance and Alliteration

Assonance adds an abundance of attractive accents to all your assertions. That’s assonance—the practice repeating the same vowel sound in multiple words in a phrase or sentence, often at the beginning of a word, to add emphasis or musicality to your work. Alliteration is similar, but uses consonant sounds instead of vowel sounds.

Let’s use Romeo and Juliet as an example again:

“From forth the fatal loins of these two foes; A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.”

Here, we have repetition of the sounds ‘f’ and ‘l’ in ‘from forth...fatal...foes,’ and ‘loins...lovers...life.’

Even if you don’t notice the repetition as you’re reading, you can hear the effects in how musical the language sounds. Shakespeare could easily have just written something like, “Two kids from families who hate one another fell in love and died by suicide,” but that’s hardly as evocative as the phrasing he chose.

Both assonance and alliteration give your writing a lyrical sound, but they can do more than that, too. These tools can mimic associated sounds, like using many ‘p’ sounds to sound like rain or something sizzling, or ‘s’ sounds to mimic the sounds of a snake. When you’re writing, think about what alternative meanings you can add by emphasizing certain sounds.

Listen, asterismos is great. Don’t believe me? How did you feel after I began the first sentence with the word ‘listen?’ Even if you didn’t feel more inspired to actually listen, you probably paid a bit more attention because I broke the expected form. That’s what asterismos is—using a word or phrase to draw attention to the thought that comes afterward.

‘Listen’ isn’t the only example of asterismos, either. You can use words like, ‘hey,’ ‘look,’ ‘behold,’ ‘so,’ and so on. They all have the same effect: they tell the reader or listener, “Hey, pay attention—what I’m about to say is important.”

Dysphemism and Euphemism

Euphemism is the substitution of a more pleasant phrase in place of a familiar phrase, and dysphemism is the opposite —an un pleasant phrase substituted in place of something more familiar. These tools are two sides of the same coin. Euphemism takes an unpleasant thing and makes it sound nicer—such as using 'passed away' instead of 'died'—while dysphemism does the opposite, taking something that isn't necessarily bad and making it sound like it is.

We won’t get into the less savory uses of dysphemism, but there are plenty that can leave an impression without being outright offensive. Take ‘snail mail.’ A lot of us call postal mail that without any real malice behind it, but ‘snail’ implies slowness, drawing a comparison between postal mail and faster email. If you’re making a point about how going electronic is faster, better for the environment, and overall more efficient, comparing email to postal mail with the phrase ‘snail mail’ gets the point across quickly and efficiently.

Likewise, if you're writing an obituary, you probably don't want to isolate the audience by being too stark in your details. Using gentler language, like 'passed away' or 'dearly departed' allows you to talk about things that might be painful without being too direct. People will know what you mean, but you won't have to risk hurting anyone by being too direct and final with your language.

You’ve no doubt run into epilogues before, because they’re a common and particularly useful rhetorical device! Epilogues are a conclusion to a story or work that reveals what happens to the characters in the story. This is different from an afterword, which is more likely to describe the process of a book’s creation than to continue and provide closure to a story.

Many books use epilogues to wrap up loose ends, usually taking place in the future to show how characters have changed as a result of their adventures. Both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games series use their epilogues to show the characters as adults and provide some closure to their stories—in Harry Potter , the main characters have gotten married and had children, and are now sending those children to the school where they all met. This tells the reader that the story of the characters we know is over—they’re adults and are settled into their lives—but also demonstrates that the world goes on existing, though it’s been changed forever by the actions of the familiar characters.

Eutrepismus

Eutrepismus is another rhetorical device you’ve probably used before without realizing it. This device separates speech into numbered parts, giving your reader or listener a clear line of thinking to follow.

Eutrepismus is a great rhetorical device—let me tell you why. First, it’s efficient and clear. Second, it gives your writing a great sense of rhythm. Third, it’s easy to follow and each section can be expanded throughout your work.

See how simple it is? You got all my points in an easy, digestible format. Eutrepismus helps you structure your arguments and make them more effective, just as any good rhetorical device should do.

You’ve probably used hypophora before without ever thinking about it. Hypophora refers to a writer or speaker proposing a question and following it up with a clear answer. This is different from a rhetorical question—another rhetorical device—because there is an expected answer, one that the writer or speaker will immediately give to you.

Hypophora serves to ask a question the audience may have (even if they’re not entirely aware of it yet) and provide them with an answer. This answer can be obvious, but it can also be a means of leading the audience toward a particular point.

Take this sample from John F. Kennedy’s speech on going to the moon:

But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas? We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

In this speech, Kennedy outright states that he’s asking questions others have asked, and then goes on to answer them. This is Kennedy’s speech, so naturally it’s going to reflect his point of view, but he’s answering the questions and concerns others might have about going to the moon. In doing so, he’s reclaiming an ongoing conversation to make his own point. This is how hypophora can be incredibly effective: you control the answer, leaving less room for argument!

Litotes is a deliberate understatement, often using double negatives, that serves to actually draw attention to the thing being remarked upon. For example, saying something like, “It’s not pretty,” is a less harsh way to say “It’s ugly,” or “It’s bad,” that nonetheless draws attention to it being ugly or bad.

In Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: an American Slave , he writes:

“Indeed, it is not uncommon for slaves even to fall out and quarrel among themselves about the relative goodness of their masters, each contending for the superior goodness of his own over that of the others.”

Notice the use of “not uncommon.” Douglass, by using a double negative to make readers pay closer attention, points out that some slaves still sought superiority over others by speaking out in favor of their owners.

Litotes draws attention to something by understating it. It’s sort of like telling somebody not to think about elephants—soon, elephants becomes all they can think about. The double negative draws our attention and makes us focus on the topic because it’s an unusual method of phrasing.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to a sound represented within text as a mimicry of what that sound actually sounds like. Think “bang” or “whizz” or “oomph,” all of which can mean that something made that kind of a sound—”the door banged shut”—but also mimic the sound itself—”the door went bang .”

This rhetorical device can add emphasis or a little bit of spice to your writing. Compare, “The gunshot made a loud sound,” to “The gun went bang .” Which is more evocative?

Parallelism

Parallelism is the practice of using similar grammar structure, sounds, meter, and so on to emphasize a point and add rhythm or balance to a sentence or paragraph.

One of the most famous examples of parallelism in literature is the opening of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities :

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way— in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

In the beginning, every phrase begins with “It was,” which is itself a parallelism. But there are also pairs of parallelism within the sentence, too; “It was the ___ of times, it was the ___ of times,” and “it was the age of ___, it was the age of ___.”

Parallelism draws your reader deeper into what you’re saying and provides a nice sense of flow, even if you’re talking about complicated ideas. The ‘epoch of incredulity’ is a pretty meaty phrase, but Dickens’ parallelism sets up a series of dichotomies for us; even if we don’t know quite what it means, we can figure it out by comparing it to ‘belief.’

Personification

Personification is a rhetorical device you probably run into a lot without realizing it. It’s a form of metaphor, which means two things are being compared without the words like or as—in this case, a thing that is not human is given human characteristics.

Personification is common in poetry and literature, as it’s a great way to generate fresh and exciting language, even when talking about familiar subjects. Take this passage from Romeo and Juliet , for example:

“When well-appareled April on the heel Of limping winter treads.”

April can’t wear clothes or step on winter, and winter can’t limp. However, the language Shakespeare uses here is quite evocative. He’s able to quickly state that April is beautiful (“well-appareled”) and that winter is coming to an end (“limping winter”). Through personification, we get a strong image for things that could otherwise be extremely boring, such as if Shakespeare had written, “When beautiful April comes right after winter.”

Procatalepsis

Procatalepsis is a rhetorical device that anticipates and notes a potential objection, heading it off with a follow-up argument to strengthen the point. I know what you’re thinking—that sounds really complicated! But bear with me, because it’s actually quite simple.

See how that works? I imagined that a reader might be confused by the terminology in the first sentence, so I noted that potential confusion, anticipating their argument. Then, I addressed that argument to strengthen my point—procatalepsis is easy, which you can see because I just demonstrated it!

Anticipating a rebuttal is a great way to strengthen your own argument. Not only does it show that you’ve really put thought into what you’re saying, but it also leaves less room for disagreement!

Synecdoche is a rhetorical device that uses a part of something to stand in for the whole. That can mean that we use a small piece of something to represent a whole thing (saying ‘let’s grab a slice’ when we in fact mean getting a whole pizza), or using something large to refer to something small. We often do this with sports teams–for example, saying that New England won the Super Bowl when we in fact mean the New England Patriots, not the entirety of New England.

This style of rhetorical device adds an additional dimension to your language, making it more memorable to your reader. Which sounds more interesting? “Let’s get pizza,” or “let’s grab a slice?”

Likewise, consider this quote from Percy Bysshe Shelly’s “Ozymandias”:

“Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them.”

Here, Shelly uses ‘the hand’ to refer to the sculptor. The hand did not sculpt the lifeless things on its own; it was a tool of the sculptor. But by using just the hand, Shelly avoids repeating ‘the sculptor,’ preserves the poem’s rhythm, and narrows our focus. If he had referred to the sculptor again, he’d still be a big important figure; by narrowing to the hand, Shelly is diminishing the idea of the creator, mirroring the poem’s assertion that the creation will outlast it.

Tautology refers to using words or similar phrases to effectively repeat the same idea with different wording. It’s a form of repetition that can make a point stronger, but it can also be the basis of a flawed argument—be careful that your uses of tautology is the former, not the latter!

For example, take this section of “The Bells” by Edgar Allen Poe:

“Keeping time, time, time, In a sort of Runic rhyme… From the bells, bells, bells, bells.”

Poe’s poetry has a great deal of rhythm already, but the use of ‘time, time, time’ sets us up for the way that ‘bells, bells, bells, bells’ also holds that same rhythm. Keeping time refers to maintaining rhythm, and this poem emphasizes that with repetition, much like the repetitive sound of ringing bells.

An example of an unsuccessful tautology would be something like, “Either we should buy a house, or we shouldn’t.” It’s not a successful argument because it doesn’t say anything at all—there’s no attempt to suggest anything, just an acknowledgment that two things, which cannot both happen, could happen.

If you want to use tautology in your writing, be sure that it’s strengthening your point. Why are you using it? What purpose does it serve? Don’t let a desire for rhythm end up robbing you of your point!

That thing your English teachers are always telling you to have in your essays is an important literary device. A thesis, from the Greek word for ‘a proposition,’ is a clear statement of the theory or argument you’re making in an essay. All your evidence should feed back into your thesis; think of your thesis as a signpost for your reader. With that signpost, they can’t miss your point!

Especially in longer academic writing, there can be so many pieces to an argument that it can be hard for readers to keep track of your overarching point. A thesis hammers the point home so that no matter how long or complicated your argument is, the reader will always know what you’re saying.

Tmesis is a rhetorical device that breaks up a word, phrase, or sentence with a second word, usually for emphasis and rhythm . We often do this with expletives, but tmesis doesn’t have to be vulgar to be effective!

Take this example from Romeo and Juliet :

“This is not Romeo, he’s some other where.”

The normal way we’d hear this phrase is “This is not Romeo, he’s somewhere else.” But by inserting the word ‘other’ between ‘some’ and ‘where,’ it not only forces us to pay attention, but also changes the sentence’s rhythm. It gets the meaning across perfectly, and does so in a way that’s far more memorable than if Shakespeare had just said that Romeo was somewhere else.

For a more common usage, we can turn to George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion , which often has Eliza Doolittle using phrases like “fan-bloody-tastic” and “abso-blooming-lutely.” The expletives—though mild by modern standards—emphasize Eliza’s social standing and make each word stand out more than if she had simply said them normally.

What’s Next?

Rhetorical devices and literary devices can both be used to enhance your writing and communication. Check out this list of literary devices to learn more !

Ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are all modes of persuasion—types of rhetorical devices— that can help you be a more convincing writer !

No matter what type of writing you're doing, rhetorical devices can enhance it! To learn more about different writing styles, check out this list !

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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The Top 41 Rhetorical Devices That Will Make Your Words Memorable

• What Are Rhetorical Devices?
• Top Rhetorical Devices
• Take The Quiz

For many, public speaking is one of the most terrifying things imaginable. Thankfully, we can rely on the many, many rhetorical devices to give us a helping hand.

What are rhetorical devices ?

A rhetorical device is typically defined as a technique or word construction that a speaker or writer uses to win an audience to their side, either while trying to persuade them to do something or trying to win an argument.

As you are about to see, the majority of rhetorical devices have names that come from Greek or Latin. While the concept of public speaking developed early around the world, much of what we know about the art of public speaking comes to English speakers from the ancient Greeks. The Greeks cultivated the art of rhetoric and many great philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, thoroughly studied it. The ancient Romans greatly valued rhetoric as well and they continued to build on the Greek rhetorical traditions that came before them.

What worked for the ancient Greeks and Romans still works wonders today. Rhetorical devices are effective tools that any writer or speaker can use to make their words more impactful to an audience. Rhetorical devices make speeches more persuasive, writing more memorable, and are just what you need if you are trying to really take advantage of ethos, pathos, and logos .

Rhetorical devices vs. literary devices

Literary and rhetorical devices are sometimes discussed separately, but it’s important to note the relationship and occasional overlap between the two. A l iterary device is an element, like a metaphor, imagery, and others, that draws us into a story . Have you ever been so wrapped up in a story, book, song, or poem, that you just couldn’t walk away from it? If so, there’s a good chance the writer has mastered the art of using literary devices.

To compare, rhetorical devices are often described as those elements that are incorporated intentionally to invoke responses in the reader, as well as influence the tone of a work.

Our comprehensive guide to literary devices is chock full of examples from masterful writers.

Often, rhetorical devices emphasize a specific language pattern, word, sentence structure, or rhyming pattern. They include formative techniques, like repetition or hyperbole , that accentuate certain elements of a work for the purpose of getting the reader’s attention, persuading them, or drawing out an emotional response. It is often said rhetorical devices are used to elicit a certain emotion via persuasion, whereas literary devices may be primarily used to enhance storytelling.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular, effective, and interesting rhetorical devices that turn our words into award-winning speeches and writing.

✒️ Want to try a quiz first?

We have a quick quiz for you if you want to see how far your knowledge of rhetorical devices goes. Or review the terms below first so you can test what you’ve learned.

List of 41 top rhetorical devices

1. metaphor.

A metaphor is a comparison in which something is said to figuratively be something else.

Example: He was a wolf among sheep.

2. hyperbole

A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration.

Example: The plate exploded into a million pieces.

3. alliteration

Alliteration is repeating the same or similar sounds at the beginning of words.

Example: She sells seashells by the sea shore.

An analogy is a comparison between two similar things, typically using figurative language. Metaphors and similes—more on them later—are usually considered to be types of analogies. Sometimes, analogies are considered to be a unique device that is a comparison that explains itself; basically, a complex metaphor or long simile.

Example: Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to get.

5. onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it refers to.

Example: The thunder boomed and the lightning crashed.

6. allusion

Allusion is the act of casually referencing something, usually a work of popular culture.

Example: Finishing his memoir was his white whale.

7. oxymoron

Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposite words together.

Example: The treaty led to a violent peace.

Satire is using humor to criticize public figures.

Example: When Senator Jackson said “numbers don’t lie,” he forgot that his first name wasn’t “Numbers.”

In rhetoric, the word paradox refers to making a statement that seems self-contradictory or impossible but actually makes sense.

Example: Youth is wasted on the young.

A simile is a comparison in which something is said to figuratively be like something else.

Example: It was as hot as a desert this morning.

Learn about different types of poems (and see what rhetorical devices they may use).

In rhetoric, the notoriously confusing word irony means to use words to mean the opposite of their literal meaning.

Example: Ashley said it was a beautiful day while drying off from the drenching rain. (Ashley ironically referred to poor weather as “beautiful.”)

12. personification

Personification is the act of giving human elements to non-human things.

Example: The beautiful valley spread its arms out and embraced us.

13. anecdote

An anecdote is a brief story about something that happened to the speaker, usually something funny or interesting.

Example: Five years ago, I went to the store and met some clowns. Those clowns gave me the advice I am sharing with you now.

14. euphemism

Euphemism is using alternative language to refer to explicit or unpleasant things.

Example: The baseball struck him in a sensitive area.

15. connotation

Connotation is using words to suggest a social or emotional meaning rather than a literal one.

Example: This is a house, but I want a home.

16. meiosis

As a rhetorical device, meiosis means using euphemism to minimize the importance or significance of something.

Example: We must put an end to this peculiar institution. (“Peculiar institution” is a euphemism for slavery.)

17. apostrophe

In rhetoric, apostrophe occurs when a writer or speaker directly addresses an absent person, a concept, or an inanimate object.

Example: You have made a fool out of me for the last time, washing machine!

18. antithesis

Antithesis is using parallel sentences or clauses to make a contrast.

Example: No pain, no gain.

19. sarcasm

Sarcasm is using irony to mock something or to show contempt.

Example: Oh, yeah, John is a great guy. A great guy who took the last slice of pizza.

20. consonance

Consonance is a repetition of consonants or consonant sounds.

Example: Mike likes Ike’s bike.

21. rhetorical question

A rhetorical question is a question that isn’t intended to be answered. The point of asking the question is to make an audience think or to cause an emotional reaction.

Example: Can we really know what our place in the universe is? We have asked ourselves this question for millennia.

22. epithet

An epithet is a nickname or descriptive term used to refer to someone.

Example: You need to listen to me and not Clueless Kevin over there.

23. anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or words at the start of phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Example: I came, I saw, I conquered.

Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech is a classic example of anaphora. Read about it here.

In rhetoric, climax is ordering words so that they build up in intensity.

Example: Look at the sky! It’s a bird! A plane! Superman!

25. cacophony

Cacophony is the act of purposefully using harsh sounds.

Example: The gnashing of teeth and screeching of bats kept me awake.

26. assonance

Assonance is the repetition of the same vowel sound with different consonants.

Example: She and Lee see the bees in the tree.

A person is making a pun when they humorously use words with multiple meanings or words with similar sounds to create wordplay.

Example: The farmer tried to get his cows to get along, but they insisted on having a beef with each other.

28. parallelism

Parallelism is using grammatically similar phrases or sentences together.

Example: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

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29. aphorism

An aphorism is a short sentence that presents truth or opinion, usually in a witty or clever manner.

Example: A penny saved is a penny earned.

30. synecdoche

Synecdoche is when a part of something is used to refer to a whole.

Example: The commander had an army of 10,000 swords. (The people holding the swords were there, too.)

Parody is an imitation of something with the intent to poke fun at it.

Example: If Edgar Allen Poe had written this speech, it might have opened with “Here we are, weak and weary, gathered on a Monday dreary.”

32. colloquialism

A colloquialism is an instance of informal language or a local expression. The act of using such language is also called colloquialism .

Example: Here in Philly, we love to eat hoagies and all kinds of tasty jawns.

33. understatement

Understatement is using language to intentionally lessen a major thing or event.

Example: The erupting volcano was a little problem for the neighboring city.

34. syllogism

Syllogism is an argument based on deductive reasoning that uses generalizations to reach specific conclusions. Usually, a syllogism follows the format of “A is B. B is C. So, A is C.”

Example: Dogs are mammals. Biscuit is a dog. Therefore, Biscuit is a mammal.

Learn more about deductive and inductive reasoning.

An eponym can refer to “a word based on or derived from a person’s name,” such as the Gallup poll , named after statistician G.H. Gallup, or Reagonomics (a combination of the last name Reagan and economics ). As a rhetorical device, an eponym can be an allusion to a famous person.

Example: Nick is the LeBron James of birding.

36. metonymy

Metonymy is when the name of something is replaced with something related to it.

Example: He loved music from the cradle (birth) to the grave (death).

37. parenthesis

In rhetoric, parenthesis is an interruption used for clarity.

Example: The audience, or at least the paying members of the audience, enjoyed the show.

38. expletive

In rhetoric, an expletive is an interrupting word or phrase used for emphasis.

Example: The eggs were not, in any sense of the word, delicious.

39. metanoia

In rhetoric, metanoia refers to any instance of self-correction. Metanoia can involve things like retracting a previous statement to replace it with a new one or amplifying a previous statement by using stronger language.

Example: We’ll work on it on Sunday. No, let’s make that Monday—it’s the weekend after, all!

40. chiasmus

Chiasmus is reversing the grammatical order in two otherwise parallel phrases or sentences.

Example: Dog owners own dogs and cats own cat owners.

41. asyndeton

Asyndeton is the removal of conjunctions from a sentence.

Example: Get in, cause a distraction, get out.

Take the quiz

Are you ready to write with these rhetorical devices? You can review them using our Rhetorical Devices Word List , where you can practice with flashcards and practice quizzes. And when it’s time, fit in this quiz to quickly distinguish which terms you now know before you apply them to your next project.

Learn more about the modes of persuasion known as ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

What Is a Rhetorical Device? Definition, List, Examples

• An Introduction to Punctuation

• B.A., English, Rutgers University

A rhetorical device is a linguistic tool that employs a particular type of sentence structure, sound, or pattern of meaning in order to evoke a particular reaction from an audience. Each rhetorical device is a distinct tool that can be used to construct an argument or make an existing argument more compelling.  

Any time you try to inform, persuade , or argue with someone, you’re engaging in rhetoric. If you’ve ever had an emotional reaction to a speech or changed your mind about an issue after hearing a skilled debater's rebuttal, you've experienced the power of rhetoric. By developing a basic knowledge of rhetorical devices, you can improve your ability to process and convey information while also strengthening your persuasive skills. 

Types of Rhetorical Devices

There are four types of rhetorical devices:

• Logos. Devices in this category seek to convince and persuade via logic and reason. They will usually make use of statistics, cited facts, and statements by authorities to make their point and persuade the listener.
• Pathos. These rhetorical devices base their appeal in emotion. This could mean invoking sympathy or pity in the listener, or making the audience angry in the service of inspiring action or changing their mind about something.
• Ethos. Ethical appeals try to convince the audience that the speaker is a credible source, that their words have weight and must be taken seriously because they are serious and have the experience and judgment necessary to decide what’s right.
• Kairos. This is one of the most difficult concepts in rhetoric; devices in this category are dependent on the idea that the time has come for a particular idea or action. The very timeliness of the idea is part of the argument.

Strongest Rhetorical Devices

Since rhetoric dates back to ancient times, much of the terminology used to discuss it comes from the original Greek. Despite its ancient origins, however, rhetoric is as vital as ever. The following list contains some of the most important rhetorical devices to understand:

• Alliteration , a sonic device, is the repetition of the initial sound of each word (e.g. Alan the antelope ate asparagus).
• Cacophony , a sonic device, is the combination of consonant sounds to create a displeasing effect. 
• Onomatopoeia , a sonic device, refers to a word that emulates the real-life sound it signifies (e.g. using the word "bang" to signify an explosion).
• Humor  creates connection and identification with audience members, thus increasing the likelihood that they will agree with the speaker. Humor can also be used to deflate counter-arguments and make opposing points of view appear ridiculous.
• Anaphora  is the repetition of certain words or phrases at the beginning of sentences to increase the power of a sentiment. Perhaps the best-known example of anaphora is Martin Luther King Jr.'s repetition of the phrase "I have a dream."
• Meiosis is a type of euphemism that intentionally understates the size or importance of its subject. It can be used to dismiss or diminish a debate opponent's argument. 
• Hyperbole  is an exaggerated statement that conveys emotion and raises the bar for other speakers. Once you make a hyperbolic statement like “My idea is going to change the world," other speakers will have to respond in kind or their more measured words may seem dull and uninspiring in comparison.
• Apophasis  is the verbal strategy of bringing up a subject by denying that that very subject should be brought up at all.
• Anacoluthon  is a sudden swerve into a seemingly unrelated idea in the middle of a sentence. It can seem like a grammatical mistake if handled poorly, but it can also put powerful stress onto the idea being expressed.
• Chiasmus  is a technique wherein the speaker inverts the order of a phrase in order to create a pretty and powerful sentence. The best example comes from President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address: "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country ."
• Anadiplosis  is the use of the same word at the end of one sentence and at the beginning of the subsequent sentence, forming a chain of thought that carries your audience to the point you’ve chosen.
• Dialogismus  refers to moments when the speaker imagines what someone else is thinking, or speaks in the voice of someone else, in order to explain and then subvert or undermine counterpoints to the original argument.
• Eutrepismus , one of the most common rhetorical devices, is simply the act of stating points in the form of a numbered list. Why is it useful? First off, this devices makes information seem official and authoritative. Second, it gives speech a sense of order and clarity. And third, it helps the listener keep track of the speaker's points.
• Hypophora   is the trick of posing a question and then immediately supplying the answer. Do you know why hypophora is useful? It's useful because it stimulates listener interest and creates a clear transition point in the speech.
• Expeditio  is the trick of listing a series of possibilities and then explaining why all but one of those possibilities are non-starters. This device makes it seem as though all choices have been considered, when in fact you've been steering your audience towards the one choice you desired all along.
• Antiphrasis  is another word for irony. Antiphrasis refers to a statement whose actual meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words within it.
• Asterismos . Look, this is the technique of inserting a useless but attention-grabbing word in front of your sentence in order to grab the audience’s attention. It's useful if you think your listeners are getting a bit bored and restless.

Examples of Rhetorical Devices

How do you identify a rhetorical device? In fact, you hear them in daily life. Rhetoric isn’t just for debates and arguments; these devices are used in everyday speech, fiction and screenwriting, legal arguments, and more. Consider these famous examples and their impact on their audience.

• “ Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back . Rhetorical Device : Anadiplosis . The pairs of words at the beginning and ending of each sentence give the impression that the logic invoked is unassailable and perfectly assembled.
• “ Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” —President John F. Kennedy. Rhetorical Device : Chiasmus . The inversion of the phrase can do and the word country creates a sense of balance in the sentence that reinforces the sense of correctness.
• "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience." –President Ronald Reagan Rhetorical Device : Apophasis . In this quip from a presidential debate, Reagan expresses mock reluctance to comment on his opponent's age, which ultimately does the job of raising the point of his opponent's age.  
• “ But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.” —Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address . Rhetorical Device : Anaphora . Lincoln’s use of repetition gives his words a sense of rhythm that emphasizes his message. This is also an example of kairos : Lincoln senses that the public has a need to justify the slaughter of the Civil War, and thus decides to make this statement appealing to the higher purpose of abolishing slavery. 
• “ Ladies and gentlemen, I've been to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and I can say without hyperbole that this is a million times worse than all of them put together.” – The Simpsons . Rhetorical Device : Hyperbole . Here, hyperbole is used to humorous effect in order to undermine the superficial point of the sentence.
• Rhetoric. The discipline of discourse and persuasion via verbal argument.
• Rhetorical Device. A tool used in the course of rhetoric, employing specific sentence structure, sounds, and imagery to attain a desired response.
• Logos. The category of rhetorical devices that appeal to logic and reason. 
• Pathos. The category of rhetorical devices that appeal to emotions.
• Ethos.  The category of rhetorical devices that appeal to a sense of credibility. 
• Kairos.  The concept of “right place, right time” in rhetoric, wherein a specific rhetorical device becomes effective because of circumstances surrounding its use.
• “16 Rhetorical Devices That Will Improve Your Public Speaking.” Duarte , 19 Mar. 2018, www.duarte.com/presentation-skills-resources/rhetoric-isnt-a-bad-thing-16-rhetorical-devices-regularly-used-by-steve-jobs/.
• Home - Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, the Modes of Persuasion ‒ Explanation and Examples , pathosethoslogos.com/ .
• McKean, Erin. “Rhetorical Devices.” Boston.com , The Boston Globe, 23 Jan. 2011, archive.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2011/01/23/rhetorical_devices/ .
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• Transferred Epithet Definition and Examples
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• What Is a Grammatical Error?

44 Rhetorical Devices: Complete Guide to Effective Rhetoric

In the world of writing, the difference between a forgettable sentence and a memorable one often lies in the subtle art of rhetoric.

Rhetorical devices are the tools that give language its power, transforming ordinary prose into something that resonates with readers.

For freelance writers, aspiring authors, and seasoned wordsmiths alike, mastering these devices can elevate your work, making it not just read but remembered.

What are rhetorical devices?

Rhetorical devices are techniques that writers use to craft their language in ways that enhance the impact of their message.

These tools play with the structure, sound, and meaning of words to create effects that engage, persuade, or evoke emotions in the reader.

Whether used in speeches, nonfiction books , articles, or advertisements, rhetorical devices help writers connect with their readers on a deeper level, making their words more compelling and memorable.

Why are rhetorical devices used?

Writers use rhetorical devices to add depth and persuasion to their work.

These techniques can make arguments more convincing, descriptions more vivid, and narratives more engaging.

By skillfully applying rhetorical devices, writers can influence how their audience perceives their message, guiding their thoughts and emotions.

Whether the goal is to inform, entertain, or persuade, rhetorical devices are key to effective communication.

1 – Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of closely connected words.

Writers use alliteration to create rhythm, enhance mood, and make phrases more memorable, often adding a lyrical quality to their writing.

Example : “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

2 – Allusion

Allusion is a reference to a well-known person, event, or work of art, often used to make a comparison.

This device evokes a particular image or idea in the reader’s mind by drawing on something familiar, adding depth and layers of meaning to the writing.

Example : “He met his Waterloo.”

3 – Anacoluthon

Anacoluthon is a break in the grammatical sequence within a sentence for rhetorical effect.

Writers use anacoluthon to convey emotion, create suspense, or reflect a character’s stream of consciousness.

Example : “I was going to tell him—well, it doesn’t matter now.”

4 – Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis is the repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next clause.

It emphasizes a point and creates a sense of continuity, leading the reader smoothly from one idea to the next.

Example : “Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering.”

5 – Analogy

Analogy is a comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea.

This technique helps make complex or unfamiliar ideas more relatable and understandable by drawing parallels with something the reader already knows.

Example : “Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.”

6 – Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

By repeating a phrase, anaphora creates emphasis and rhythm, drawing attention to a central theme or idea.

Example : “I have a dream… I have a dream… I have a dream…”

7 – Anastrophe

Anastrophe is the inversion of the usual order of words for emphasis or rhetorical effect.

This reversal draws attention to specific parts of a sentence, often creating a dramatic or poetic impact.

Example : “Strong in the force, you are.”

8 – Antanaclasis

Antanaclasis is a rhetorical device in which a word is repeated and used in different senses.

This device adds layers of meaning and wit to writing by playing with the multiple meanings of a word.

Example : “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

9 – Antanagoge

Antanagoge involves placing a good point or benefit next to a fault or criticism in order to reduce the impact of the negative point.

By balancing criticism with something positive, antanagoge softens the impact and helps maintain a more favorable tone.

Example : “The car is not pretty, but it runs well.”

10 – Antimetabole

Antimetabole is the repetition of words in successive clauses, but in transposed order.

This structure creates memorable, impactful statements that highlight contrasts or contradictions in a way that sticks with the reader.

Example : “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

11 – Antithesis

Antithesis is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses.

Using antithesis emphasizes the difference between two ideas, adding depth and contrast to the writing.

Example : “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

12 – Aporia

Aporia is the expression of doubt, often feigned, by which a speaker appears uncertain about what they should say or think.

This technique engages the reader by inviting them to ponder the question, adding a layer of introspection.

Example : “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

13 – Aposiopesis

Aposiopesis is a sudden breaking off in the middle of a sentence, leaving it unfinished.

Writers use this to convey intense emotion or suspense, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps.

Example : “I’m so angry, I could—!”

14 – Apostrophe

Apostrophe is the act of addressing an absent person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object as if it were present and capable of responding.

This device allows writers to convey deep emotions or create a sense of immediacy by bringing abstract concepts or distant entities to life.

Example : “O Death, where is thy sting?”

15 – Asyndeton

Asyndeton is the omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence to create a concise, impactful statement.

This technique speeds up the rhythm of a passage, creating a sense of urgency or emphasizing each element equally.

Example : “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

16 – Chiasmus

Chiasmus is a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

Writers use chiasmus to create balance and symmetry in a sentence, often highlighting a significant contrast.

Example : “Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you.”

17 – Climax

Climax involves arranging words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance.

This structure builds intensity, leading the reader towards a powerful conclusion or the peak of a narrative.

Example : “He risked truth, he risked honor, he risked life itself.”

18 – Conduplicatio

Conduplicatio is the repetition of a key word from a preceding clause or sentence at the beginning of the next.

This device reinforces a particular idea and strengthens the connection between consecutive thoughts.

Example : “She loved him; loved him with all her heart.”

19 – Diacope

Diacope is the repetition of a word or phrase with one or two intervening words.

Writers use diacope to create emphasis and rhythm, adding a dramatic or poetic touch to their sentences.

Example : “The horror! The horror!”

20 – Epanalepsis

Epanalepsis is the repetition of the initial part of a clause or sentence at the end of the same clause or sentence.

This technique emphasizes a key idea and can create a sense of completeness or closure.

Example : “The king is dead, long live the king.”

21 – Enthymeme

Enthymeme is a rhetorical syllogism in which one premise is left unstated.

This method engages the reader by encouraging them to fill in the logical gaps, making the argument more interactive.

Example : “He must be a good man, he is a priest.”

22 – Epistrophe

Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

This repetition creates emphasis and rhythm, reinforcing the central idea in a memorable way.

Example : “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

23 – Epizeuxis

Epizeuxis is the repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession for emphasis.

This device intensifies the impact of a statement, making the repeated word stand out sharply.

Example : “The horror, the horror!”

24 – Euphemism

Euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.

Writers use euphemisms to soften the impact of difficult or uncomfortable topics, making them more palatable for the reader.

Example : “He passed away” instead of “He died.”

25 – Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.

This technique is used to create a dramatic effect or to emphasize the extent of a situation.

Example : “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

26 – Hypophora

Hypophora is a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then immediately answers it.

This approach is used to engage the reader and guide them toward a particular line of thought or argument.

Example : “What’s the secret to success? Hard work and perseverance.”

27 – Irony

Irony is the expression of something which is contrary to the intended meaning; the words say one thing but mean another.

This device is often used to convey sarcasm, humor, or to highlight a contrast between expectations and reality.

Example : “Oh, great! Another rainy day. Just what I needed.”

28 – Litotes

Litotes is a form of understatement in which a positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite.

Writers use litotes to express modesty, soften the impact of a statement, or add a subtle, understated tone.

Example : “It’s not exactly a walk in the park.”

29 – Metaphor

Metaphor is a figure of speech that refers to one thing by mentioning another, implying a comparison without using “like” or “as.”

This device creates vivid imagery and deepens the reader’s understanding by equating one idea with another.

Example : “Time is a thief.”

30 – Metonymy

Metonymy is the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant.

Writers use metonymy to create a more poetic or concise expression by referring to something closely related to the concept they mean to convey.

Example : “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

31 – Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the natural sound of a thing.

This technique enhances descriptions by appealing to the sense of sound, making the writing more vivid and engaging.

Example : “The bees buzzed.”

32 – Oxymoron

Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

This device reveals a deeper truth or creates a dramatic effect by juxtaposing opposites.

Example : “Deafening silence.”

33 – Paradox

Paradox is a statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a hidden truth.

Writers use paradox to provoke thought and highlight the complexities or contradictions in a situation.

Example : “This is the beginning of the end.”

34 – Paralipsis

Paralipsis involves giving emphasis by professing to say little or nothing about a subject.

This device draws attention to something by deliberately pretending to pass over it, often for ironic or persuasive effect.

Example : “I won’t even mention the fact that he was late.”

35 – Parallelism

Parallelism is the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in construction, sound, meaning, or meter.

This technique creates balance, rhythm, and clarity, making the writing more persuasive and memorable.

Example : “Easy come, easy go.”

36 – Pleonasm

Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning, either as a fault of style or for emphasis.

Writers might use pleonasm to reinforce an idea or to add a particular tone or rhythm to their writing.

Example : “I saw it with my own eyes.”

37 – Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is the use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted.

This technique slows down the pace of the sentence, adding weight and emphasis to each element listed.

Example : “We lived and laughed and loved and left.”

38 – Prolepsis

Prolepsis is the anticipation and answering of possible objections within a speech or text.

By addressing counterarguments before they arise, writers can strengthen their position and make their argument more convincing.

Example : “You might say that this is a bad idea, but I believe it will work because…”

39 – Simile

Simile is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by “like” or “as.”

Writers use similes to create vivid imagery and make descriptions more relatable by drawing direct comparisons.

Example : “As brave as a lion.”

40 – Syllepsis

Syllepsis is a figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses.

This device adds wit and complexity to writing by using a single word to link different ideas or meanings.

Example : “He stole my heart and my wallet.”

41 – Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa.

Writers use synecdoche to add depth or symbolism, often making statements more impactful by focusing on a specific element.

Example : “All hands on deck.”

42 – Tautology

Tautology is the repetition of an idea in different words, phrases, or sentences, often without adding additional meaning.

This device can be used intentionally for emphasis or to reinforce a point, though it is often seen as redundant.

Example : “It’s deja vu all over again.”

43 – Understatement

Understatement is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is.

This technique is often used to create irony or humor by downplaying the significance of something.

Example : “It’s just a scratch” (referring to a large dent).

44 – Zeugma

Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only one.

This device creates a unique, often humorous effect by linking different ideas with a single word.

Example : “She broke his car and his heart.”

Are you ready to use these rhetorical devices in your writing?

Mastering rhetorical devices is your key to crafting unforgettable prose.

Whether you’re working on a gripping novel, an inspiring memoir , or even a powerful blog post, these tools can elevate your writing to new heights.

Start weaving alliteration into your dialogue, using metaphor to create vivid imagery, or building suspense with aposiopesis.

Whatever your next project, these devices will help you captivate your readers and leave a lasting impact.

Now, it’s time to put them into practice and transform your writing from the mundane to the memorable.

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Rhetorical devices are techniques in writing and speech that try to persuade the audience. A rhetorical device uses language to shape ideas into arguments, convincing the reader through a plethora of literary strategies.

Why study rhetorical devices? Understanding how writers wield words to persuade you will help you read critically and carefully. And, if you’re a writer, a poet, a future lawyer, or even someone who writes a lot of emails, learning how to employ common rhetorical devices will help sharpen your writing style and skills. Familiarizing yourself with this article will help you learn how to identify rhetorical devices in literature.

But first, what are rhetorical devices? This article dives deep into the topic, with a full rhetorical devices list and ample examples from poetry, literature, and speech. This article is filled with inspiration, ideas, and strategies to fine tune your writing, so let’s dive in. What are rhetorical devices?

Common Rhetorical Devices List Contents:

• What are Rhetorical Devices?

Types of Rhetorical Devices

9 syntactic rhetorical devices list, 10 argumentative rhetorical devices list, 10 emphatic rhetorical devices list, 7 stylistic rhetorical devices list, what are rhetorical devices.

Rhetorical devices are literary strategies for persuading the audience. Through techniques involving syntax, style, emphasis, word choice , and appeals to the audience itself, the authors that employ rhetorical devices hope to convince you of a certain idea or argument.

What are rhetorical devices? They are literary strategies for persuading the audience.

It’s important to note that “rhetorical devices” is an open-ended term, because writers are always trying to convince you of something. The devices in this article pertain to strategies in the style and syntax of language itself. But, other literary devices , such as metaphors and onomatopoeias , can also be considered rhetorical, if employed rhetorically—that is, if they try to change your way of thinking. Even the elements of fiction , like setting and plot , want to persuade you to think in a certain way.

Nonetheless, this article focuses on common rhetorical devices employed in the art of argument. Before we look at these literary strategies, let’s examine the different types of rhetorical devices.

There aren’t any clear taxonomies for rhetorical devices, in part because the term itself is so open-ended. Rhetorical scholars certainly don’t try to taxonomize these devices, as language itself is so open-ended and can be employed in infinite ways. Nonetheless, to keep these devices organized, we use the following labels to categorize the different types of rhetorical devices:

• Rhetorical appeals —Devices that appeal directly to the reader’s feelings, thoughts, morals, and sense of time. You may have already heard of them: ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos.
• Syntactical devices —Devices that use sentence structures to communicate or simplify complex ideas.
• Argumentative rhetorical devices —Devices whose structures are conducive to the advancement of a certain argument.
• Emphatic rhetorical devices —Devices that underscore or emphasize certain ideas.
• Stylistic rhetorical devices —Devices that use word play and diction to advance an argument.

Let’s examine these 5 categories now, with a look at rhetorical devices examples in literature, poetry, and speech.

Rhetorical Appeals: Kairos, Ethos, Logos, Pathos Rhetorical Devices

The following common rhetorical devices appeal directly to the reader’s sensibilities. Do note: an appeal to ethos, for example, can also be an appeal to pathos. Many master rhetoricians will advance arguments that appeal to multiple sensibilities at the same time.

1. Kairos—Appeal to Time

Now is the time to use kairos!—a device that appeals directly to the audience’s sense of time.

Specifically, kairos is an appeal to immediacy, to a sense of “in this moment.” When employed ethically, kairos convinces the audience that we must act immediately for the better good. For example, Martin Luther King once said:

King’s call for radical optimism in the face of racism and oppression was a call to action: now is the time that we change our situation of segregation.

Of course, kairos can also be used unethically, in that it can encourage the audience to think about something uncritically. If I implored an audience that “now is the time to chop all the trees down,” and some audience members didn’t think about the effects of this statement, they might actually start deforesting the land around them.

Kairos creates a sense of urgency. Now is the time to act, to think, to hope, etc. The kairos rhetorical device also helps the speaker explain why they are speaking to the audience: Because it is the time for action , I am speaking to you now.

2. Ethos—Appeal to Ethics and Credibility

Ethos is a device which appeals to two different senses:

• The credibility of the speaker. Why should I trust this person’s arguments?
• The ethics of the argument. How can I trust the ethical good in this argument?

To see the ethos rhetorical device in action, let’s look at an excerpt of the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell , a novel filled with rhetorical devices examples. For reference, this novel is an allegorical representation of the rise of the U.S.S.R., and the below excerpt implores the animals on the farm to overthrow the farmers and establish an equitable, self-governing system. Appeals to ethos are bolded.

“Comrades, you have heard already about the strange dream that I had last night. But I will come to the dream later. I have something else to say first. I do not think, comrades, that I shall be with you for many months longer, and before I die, I feel it my duty to pass on to you such wisdom as I have acquired. I have had a long life, I have had much time for thought as I lay alone in my stall, and I think I may say that I understand the nature of life on this earth as well as any animal now living . It is about this that I wish to speak to you.

“Now, comrades, what is the nature of this life of ours? Let us face it: our lives are miserable, laborious, and short. We are born, we are given just so much food as will keep the breath in our bodies, and those of us who are capable of it are forced to work to the last atom of our strength; and the very instant that our usefulness has come to an end we are slaughtered with hideous cruelty. No animal in England knows the meaning of happiness or leisure after he is a year old. No animal in England is free. The life of an animal is misery and slavery: that is the plain truth.

“But is this simply part of the order of nature? Is it because this land of ours is so poor that it cannot afford a decent life to those who dwell upon it? No, comrades, a thousand times no! The soil of England is fertile, its climate is good, it is capable of affording food in abundance to an enormously greater number of animals than now inhabit it. This single farm of ours would support a dozen horses, twenty cows, hundreds of sheep—and all of them living in a comfort and a dignity that are now almost beyond our imagining. Why then do we continue in this miserable condition? Because nearly the whole of the produce of our labour is stolen from us by human beings. There, comrades, is the answer to all our problems. It is summed up in a single word—Man. Man is the only real enemy we have. Remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished for ever.”

The first paragraph demonstrates an appeal to character. The speaker, Old Major, tells the audience he is trustworthy because he has lived a long life, and he wishes to pass on his wisdom. (There is also an appeal to kairos here, because Old Major tells the animals he has not long to live, and needs to tell them this information now .)

The second and third paragraphs appeal to the ethics of the audience. Paragraph two demonstrates the awful conditions of the farm. The animals are, quite literally, worked to death, and they receive no share in the profits of the farm. But the animals do not deserve this: they can imagine a farm that supports a large population, each animal living “in a comfort and a dignity that are now almost beyond our imagining.” Why not strive for this level of prosperity?

Words like “comfort” and “dignity” reinforce the ethics of Old Major’s argument. These ideas are benchmarks for the pig’s ideas, since the audience will now be considering how to construct a world that preserves each individual’s comfort and dignity. It also lends credibility to Old Major himself, who seeks, above all, to better the lives of the animals long after he has died himself.

3. Logos—Appeal to Logic

Logos employs reason or logic to convince the audience of a certain argument. Logos will often be the backbone of an argument, particularly among rhetoricians who have actually thought through the logic of the ideas they’re advancing. (If an argument relies too heavily on pathos or kairos, that argument will often be poorly thought through, or else be trying to achieve nefarious ends.)

There are two primary forms of logos: inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning.

• Inductive Reasoning: Drawing predictions from specific claims. For example, a specific claim might be “I have to wear a scarf every winter.” To make this a predictions, you might say “This winter, I will also wear a scarf.”
• Deductive Reasoning: Drawing specific conclusions from general claims. For example, a general claim might be “All birds have feathers.” To take this to a specific conclusion, you might note that “an emu has feathers. Therefore, an emu is a bird.” (This is also an example of syllogism, which we define later in the article.)

Another way to think about this: inductive reasoning makes predictions based on existing data, whereas deductive reasoning makes conclusions based on existing data. Both forms of argument are valid in different ways, and both are equally prone to being false or manipulated.

The use of facts and figures is also the use of logos, although logos itself is logical argument. In other words, simply writing “studies show” is not an appeal to logos, as the writer must explain how their argument is supported by the data.

Here’s an example of the logos rhetorical device, from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee . For reference, Atticus is a lawyer trying to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting Mayella Ewell.

[Atticus] You’re a strong girl, what were you doing all the time, just standing there?”

[Mayella] “I told’ja I hollered’n‘kicked’n’fought—”

Atticus reached up and took off his glasses, turned his good right eye to the witness, and rained questions on her. Judge Taylor said, “One question at a time, Atticus. Give the witness a chance to answer.”

“All right, why didn’t you run?”

“Tried to? What kept you from it?”

“I—he slung me down. That’s what he did, he slung me down’n got on top of me.”

“You were screaming all this time?”

“I certainly was.”

“Then why didn’t the other children hear you? Where were they? At the dump? Where were they?”

“Why didn’t your screams make them come running? The dump’s closer than the woods, isn’t it?”

“Or didn’t you scream until you saw your father in the window? You didn’t think to scream until then, did you?”

“Did you scream first at your father instead of at Tom Robinson? Was that it?”

“Who beat you up? Tom Robinson or your father?”

“What did your father see in the window, the crime of rape or the best defense to it? Why don’t you tell the truth, child, didn’t Bob Ewell beat you up?”

Atticus uses deductive reasoning here to demonstrate that Mayella’s bruises came from her father, not from Tom Robinson. Logically speaking, if Tom was the one assaulting her, she would have screamed, and wouldn’t someone have heard? Tried to get Tom off of her?

By canceling out all other possible scenarios, Atticus deduces that, because no one came to Mayella’s rescue, her story about being assaulted by Tom is fake, because the source of her bruises is actually her father.

Note: When appeals to logic are false or poorly argued, they are often logical fallacies .

4. Pathos—Appeal to Feeling

Pathos is an appeal to the feelings of the audience. The author employs pathos when the writing tries to evoke a particular emotion, especially for the purposes of advancing an argument.

Pathos is a common facet of all literature, since literature tries to connect the reader to our greater shared humanity. This can only happen on the levels of the symbolic : images, feelings, and the like.

In argument, politics, and the court of law, the pathos rhetorical device certainly helps win the audience over to a certain idea or position. That said, pathos is a very easy device to abuse. When the writing focuses on evoking strong emotions from the reader, particularly without the backing of research and credibility, then the author likely wants to persuade you without evidence. Pathos-heavy writing is the stuff of conspiracy theories, extremism, and propaganda. (See also: logical fallacies.)

We won’t dive into all nuances of pathos—that’s a different article for a different day. But let’s see pathos in action through the poem “It’s What Happens, Sometimes, in October” by Angel Gonzalez :

When nothing occurs, and summer is gone, and leaves start to fall off the trees, and the cold rusts the edges of rivers, and slows down the flow of waters;

when the sky seems a violent sea, and birds swap landscapes, and words sound more and more distant, like whispers strewn by the wind;

then, as you know, it’s what happens:

those leaves, birds, clouds, strewn words and rivers, fill us with sudden restlessness and despair.

Don’t seek the cause in your hearts. It is merely what I said: what happens.

Through both natural imagery and appeals to the reader’s emotions, this poem evokes the sense of “restlessness and despair” that one sometimes feels in the peak of autumn. Of course, don’t just let the poem tell you how to feel: immerse yourself in its images, its windswept chill and “strewn words and rivers.” This poem doesn’t ask us to feel any particular way about autumn, only to observe the feelings that arise in us, which are simply “what happens” in October.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to draw attention to a certain idea by playing with sentence structure. The English language can be toyed with in many different ways, and master rhetoricians know how to use syntax to their advantage through the following devices.

5. Anacoluthon—Interruptions in Grammatical Flow

An anacoluthon occurs when the writer employs different grammatical structures in the same sentence. This device is a grammatical discontinuity —the syntax of the sentence changes, often alongside an abrupt change in topic.

Both poets and rhetoricians use this device to highlight important ideas. Poets, and prose poets in particular, will use the device to replicate the disjointed nature of thoughts, as our brains naturally think and feel incoherently.

Here’s an example of anacoluthon, from our accomplished instructor Barbara Henning ( Retrieved from Posit ):

When I woke up, I was in the wrong place, holding a blooming dandelion in my hand.

I knew there was something wrong when I completely forgot the script so clearly encoded under my forehead.

The rush of spirit retreated through a pinhole and dropped me back in this square room with thunder and the sound of heavy metal.

On the other side of the window the microwave beeped. A door slammed. The tv was on automatic shut off.

The computer, some kind of advance on cuneiform writing was flashing the figure of a fish.

A drawing by Dr. Freud in 1878 of the neurons in a spinal ganglion. Through the pinhole of that glassy eye—

Dr. Agassiz made his student learn the truth about fish— and I put my ear to a conch shell.

The sound of a distant oceanic voice— “What is there is there. And that is that.”

Some poignant anacolutha occur at the ends of the final two stanzas. These interruptions in thought bring the reader to what is most important in the poem. Barbara’s poetry frequently finds insight through careful attention to the natural and the now; by bringing the reader back to the present through the image of the conch shell, the poem tries to remind us of the nature of things, of the complicated simplicity of the present.

6. Antithesis—Parallel Juxtaposition of Opposite Ideas

Antithesis refers to the placement of differing ideas side by side using parallel structure, with the intent of comparing and contrasting those ideas. It relies on two key concepts in writing: parallelism and juxtaposition .

A lot of common phrases in the English language rely on antithesis. You may have recently heard one of the following phrases:

• Go big or go home
• Get busy living or get busy dying
• No pain, no gain
• No guts, no glory
• If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail
• Out of sight, out of mind
• Hope for the best; prepare for the worst
• Easy come, easy go

Well written antitheses lodge themselves in the brain, laying out complex ideas in simple sentences. A lot of idioms and proverbs rely on this device. So do rhetoricians: see the below excerpt from Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” :

This excerpt shows a clean cause and effect, utilizing the power of antithesis to honor the Union soldiers that died for the nation’s survival.

7. Asyndeton—Absence of Conjunctions

A writer employs asyndeton when they don’t use conjunctions to separate clauses. This has the effect of making the sentence move quicker, while also making the sentence feel sharp and directed.

For example:

With conjunctions (polysyndeton): Swift and concise and pointed, the sentence makes you think and moves your heart and compels you to action.

Without conjunctions (asyndeton): Swift, concise, pointed, the sentence makes you think, moves your heart, compels you to action.

Notice how the flow and feel of the sentence changes with the inclusion of “and” in place of commas? The example of polysyndeton actually feels a little overwhelming. Later in this article, we’ll look at proper uses of polysyndeton.

Here’s an example of asyndeton from Othello (I.i) by William Shakespeare:

Asyndeton can also refer to a lack of conjunctions between sentences, as in the above excerpt.

8. Hypallage—Syntactic and Semantic Split in a Modifier

Hypallage occurs when the author uses a modifier (usually a single adjective) to describe something semantically, rather than syntactically.

Okay, that’s a tough sentence to parse. Let me give you an example right away, from “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen :

So, the word “clumsy” is modifying the word “helmets.” This is occurring on a syntactic level. However, “clumsy” isn’t describing the helmets, it’s actually describing the boys fumbling to put them on during World War I.

In other words, there’s a split between the modifier’s syntactic and semantic meanings. (You can also argue that “helmets” is being used as a synecdoche to describe the boys themselves.)

Some phrases in the English lexicon naturally use hypallage. If you have a “restless night,” it’s not the night that was restless, it was you restless during the night.

Hypallage helps make an idea more concise, and it also builds an interesting visual link between two ideas. What does a clumsy helmet look like? We can almost see the boys struggling to put their helmets on, without the author having to say “the boys donned their helmets clumsily.”

9. Hyperbaton—Inverted Word Order

One of the common rhetorical devices, hyperbaton is!

A hyperbaton occurs when the writer writes a sentence in an unusual order, in order to emphasize the most salient aspect of the sentence. It is also called anastrophe. Rhetoricians may use this device for emphasis, and poets will certainly use it to preserve the rhythm and flow of a poem’s line. In formal poetry , such as the works of Shakespeare, hyperbaton makes it easier for the poem to retain its meter, like iambic pentameter.

Here are a few rhetorical devices examples using hyperbaton:

“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe :

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare :

“anyone lived in a pretty how town” by E. E. Cummings :

anyone lived in a pretty how town (with up so floating many bells down) spring summer autumn winter he sang his didn’t he danced his did.

Women and men(both little and small) cared for anyone not at all they sowed their isn’t they reaped their same sun moon stars rain

children guessed(but only a few and down they forgot as up they grew autumn winter spring summer) that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf she laughed his joy she cried his grief bird by snow and stir by still anyone’s any was all to her

someones married their everyones laughed their cryings and did their dance (sleep wake hope and then)they said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon (and only the snow can begin to explain how children are apt to forget to remember with up so floating many bells down )

one day anyone died i guess (and noone stooped to kiss his face) busy folk buried them side by side little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep and more by more they dream their sleep noone and anyone earth by april wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men(both dong and ding) summer autumn winter spring reaped their sowing and went their came sun moon stars rain

For this last example, pay attention to how hyperbaton preserves the flow of the poem, and how it creates a sense of mystery. Cummings was a master of using language not to impart direct communication, but to create senses, mysteries, and feelings in the text.

10. Hypotaxis—Hierarchical Sentence Structure

Before we explain hypotaxis, a brief grammar refresher might prove helpful.

The components of a sentence are clauses and phrases. A clause is a part of a sentence that has a noun and a verb; sometimes, a clause is a complete sentence. A phrase is a group of words without a complete noun-verb pairing, such as the verb phrase “will be writing.” (There’s no noun.)

A subordinate clause is a clause that has a noun and a verb, but cannot stand on its own as a sentence. This is because the clause is modifying another part of the sentence. The bolded portion of the following sentence is subordinate: “I cannot use rhetorical devices, although I try very hard to. ”

Now, to hypotaxis. A hypotactic sentence is one that has dependent, or subordinate, clauses. This creates a hierarchical relationship in the sentence: the most important part of the sentence is the clause that can exist independently, while the subordinate clauses, which are less important, still modify and sharpen the message of the sentence.

Here’s an example—from Simone Weil’s Waiting for God . The sentences containing hypotaxis are bolded.

In the bolded sentences, take note of which is the main clause, and which clauses are subordinate. Notice how this makes the main clause the most important aspect of the sentence, creating a hierarchy of information, and a sense of relationships between different interconnected ideas.

Notice, also, how this passage has a mix of complex and simple sentences. Too much hypotaxis will prove much harder to read and comprehend.

The opposite of hypotaxis is parataxis.

11. Parataxis—Equally Weighted Sentence Components

In opposition to hypotaxis, parataxis is the use of equally weighted sentences or clauses in succession to one another. Parataxis requires short, simple sentences and clauses. You can identify this device by an absence of subordinating conjunctions—words that make a clause subordinate, like “although” or “because” or “if.”

Parataxis plays an important role in the following excerpt from Sula , by Toni Morrison:

The sequence of nouns (written using asyndeton) all blur together in one long list of things that don’t belong to Shadrack (the subject of this excerpt). Parataxis makes this sentence quick and even overwhelming, as the reader is immersed in Shadrack’s poverty upon leaving the military hospital he was confined to for so long.

Parataxis plays an equally interesting role in the below prose poem by Barbara Henning. Prose poets often employ parataxis as it resembles the disjointed nature of thought.

With a Bang

Many of the items in this prose poem are equally weighted, allowing the poem to represent the honest, fast-moving nature of human thought and experience. It is up to the reader to understand and interpret the many different items and ideas juxtaposed in this piece.

12. Polysyndeton—Succession of Coordinating Conjunctions

Polysyndeton is the opposite of asyndeton. A sentence with polysyndeton uses coordinating conjunctions (usually “and,” sometimes “or” or “nor”) to join a series of clauses, which serves to quicken the pace of the sentence itself.

Polysyndeton is prominent in these first two stanzas from the poem “It’s What Happens, Sometimes, in October” by Angel Gonzalez:

The repeating “ands” quicken the pace of the poem, reflecting the way the seasons change swiftly in October. They also help create rhythm and tension in the language of the poem itself.

13. Synesis—“Sense” Over Syntax

A synesis occurs when a sentence lacks grammatical agreement, for the purpose of highlighting an agreement in “sense.”

This is easier demonstrated than defined. See the below excerpt from Shakespeare’s King Lear :

“Revenges,” here, is grammatically incorrect. The word should be singular, because it should agree, grammatically and syntactically, with “I.” One does not typically carry out “revenges,” and it’s actually rare to see that word in the plural.

But, in this instance, it is correct logically. Lear is promising revenge on two people, and he might even be promising a different kind of revenge on each person. So, while the sentence is wrong in grammar, it is correct in sense. 

This break in grammar also highlights the word breaking grammatical rules. Our attention is drawn to “revenges”, and so, the idea of revenge is highlighted and heightened in the text.

Synesis is considered a form of anacoluthon. Like anacoluthon, synesis reflects the ways that we naturally communicate to one another. King Lear’s syneses and anacolutha sound true to his character, as these devices feel disjointed, much like a man blind with anger might speak.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to convince the audience of something. Some of these devices are earnest, sincere, and logical; others are more manipulative.

14. Accismus—Feigned Indifference

What? No! I don’t want that thing (which I actually secretly really desperately want).

Accismus is a form of irony in which the speaker pretends not to desire something that they actually desire. They might do this so as not to scare off the person offering it, or to conceal that their entire motivation rests on this one thing.

For example, in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (I.ii), Caesar pretends not to want the crown of Rome:

Caesar at first refuses the crown before accepting, so that the people of Rome don’t catch on to the fact that this crown is the only thing he wants . Were they to know this, the people might realize that Caesar is power hungry and tyrannical.

15. Anecdote—Story-Based Evidence

An anecdote is a short, pithy story, utilized to demonstrate a key point in an argument. Anecdotes are often funny, but can be serious, too.

The teller of the anecdote must not get too lost in the story that they lose track of their own argument; but they must also demonstrate their point clearly and emphatically.

We use anecdotes all the time, making this one of the more common rhetorical devices in this list. Here’s an example, from Timothy Donnelly’s poem “All Through the War” ( in New England Review ):

I said to my daughter on the phone: Be an honest person,

just be an honest person. Be honest, be honest, be honest. Some days I can’t believe what it means to be alive some days. Some days I think about tearing myself apart but not exactly

with pleasure. Some days I know the strongest feeling is grief but I believe it must be love: it has to be, has to be, has to. Some days I feel each cell in my body has its fingers crossed.

The first two lines in this excerpt are an example of the anecdote rhetorical device, with the following lines furthering the argument of the poem. The speaker demonstrates exactly what he means by being honest, sharing thoughts that are both radically intimate and deeply heartfelt.

When an anecdote is moral in nature, it is sometimes referred to as an “exemplum.”

16. Antanagoge—Deflection by Counter Allegation

An antanagoge refers to a deflection in which, instead of answering a question or defending a point, the speaker makes a counter allegation.

For example, if I charged you with “eating all the Oreos,” you might reply that I “ate all the pecan pie last week.” (It’s true; I did.)

Antanagoge can also be employed syntactically. If you raise a claim and then answer that claim with an opposing sentiment, you have used antanagoge. For example, the phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The first clause is negative, the responding clause is positive.

17. Aporia—Feigned Uncertainty

An aporia occurs when the writer expresses uncertainty or doubt, with the intention of raising a certain argument and exploring it. This uncertainty is usually feigned, as the writer pretends to be uncertain so that they can enumerate their argument and ideas.

A famous example of this is Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech:

By frequently calling into question her own womanhood, Sojourner Truth highlights the blinding effects of racism—how Black women don’t get to have the same rights, privileges, and freedoms of white women, perhaps because no one even views them as women. This speech was quite provocative, and quite effective, for its time—delivered at the 1851 Woman’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, in the midst of rising racial tension and conversations about abolishing slavery.

Aporia is also a concept in philosophy, referring to irresolvable knots or logical impasses in a text.

18. Bdelygmia—Litany of Insults

Despite its weird and satisfying spelling, bdelygmia describes something neither weird nor satisfying: insults.

Specifically, bdelygmia is a litany of insults directed towards an opponent or someone with opposing ideas. It is sometimes called abominatio, is always a form of ad hominem , and it uses strong language to appeal to pathos.

At its cutest, bdelygmia is levied against the perceived antagonist of a story, such as this excerpt from How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss:

The list of insults (using asyndeton, no less!) compels the reader to believe that the Grinch, for lack of a better word, sucks. This has a strong influence on the reader, as it tinges the way they view the Grinch’s place in the story, and it also moves the reader when the Grinch comes around to Christmas.

At its ugliest, bdelygmia is the stuff of internet discourse and political rhetoric. If someone is casting a litany of insults towards their opposition, recognize that this is an abuse of rhetoric, and that no substantial argument is being levied. Bdelygmia is what incites hate groups, political polarization, cyberbullying, and all sorts of intentionally hurtful discourse. Don’t fall for it!

19. Enthymeme—Deductive Reasoning With an Unstated Premise

In our section on the Logos rhetorical device, we explain that deductive reasoning follows a series of premises to reach a conclusion. For example:

• Rhetorical devices use language to persuade the audience.
• Amplification is a rhetorical device.
• Amplification uses language to persuade the audience.

In other words, A = B, and B = C, so A must equal C. (This is a syllogism, which we define later in this article.)

An enthymeme uses deductive reasoning without stating one of the premises. This is because the unstated premise is obvious to the reader. If we remove that first premise, then we get:

You don’t need to be told that rhetorical devices use language to persuade the audience; so, this enthymeme implies that premise. The reader trusts that you already know this basic concept. Using enthymeme conveys trust in the audience, which can help build ethos. It also lets the writer build more concise arguments.

20. Hypophora—Raising and Answering a Question

What can learning about common rhetorical devices do for your writing? Everything.

Also known as antipophora or anthypophora, hypophora is when the writer asks a question and immediately answers it. This rhetorical strategy allows the writer to raise a new topic, and it also invites the audience to participate in the work, since asking questions (even rhetorical questions) makes the audience feel engaged.

A hypophora occurs at the end of the poem “When she told me” by Jean Valentine:

When she told me over the phone you died I lay down and cried, “Don’t you stop loving me.”

In the West Side Market, I heard your voice from the ceiling say out loud to me, I love you.

In the park, to a chestnut tree, to the light through hundreds of leaves, I said, I love you.

It was you. And it was my life, run, to what,

—you closer than touch. 

21. Procatalepsis—Raising and Responding to Rebuttal

I know what you’re going to say. Rhetorical devices? Who needs those?

Procatalepsis is the act of raising a possible rebuttal to your argument, in order to address it right away. It strengthens the argument by addressing criticism and predicting what the opponent might say. As long as that rebuttal is properly addressed, this device can greatly enhance the ethos of an argument. Like hypophora, procatalepsis can also create surprising transitions in literary texts.

Frederick Douglass used procatalepsis in his 1846 “Appeal to the British People.” See below:

Douglass raises and rebuts the argument that he should confine his efforts to the United States. By connecting his plight to humanity’s plight, Douglass not only crafts an effective argument, but also boosts his appeal to ethos and pathos.

22. Reductio ad Absurdum—Taking an Argument to its Absurd Extreme

Reductio ad absurdum is a Latin phrase meaning “Reducing to the point of absurdity.” It is a means of arguing that a certain position is actually absurd. This is one of the operating mechanisms of satire, because it takes an argument to its logical extreme, demonstrating the futility and absurdity of that argument.

At its simplest, reductio ad absurdum simply explains why an argument is incorrect. For example:

The sun cannot orbit the Earth. Otherwise, the Earth would be 1,000,000 times the size of the sun!

At its more complex, reductio ad absurdum pokes fun at the absurdity of the ways we think and act. Satirist Jonathan Swift makes fun of the ways women prepare themselves in his poem “The Ladies’ Dressing Room”:

Five hours, (and who can do it less in?) By haughty Celia spent in dressing; The goddess from her chamber issues, Arrayed in lace, brocades and tissues…

Her ointments, daubs, and paints and creams, Her washes, slops, and every clout Such order from confusion sprung, Such gaudy tulips raised from dung.

The details and imagery here, as well as the mention that Celia spends five hours getting ready, makes Celia’s actions seem simply absurd.

Reductio ad absurdum can become a logical fallacy if it misinterprets the premise of an argument, or else doesn’t show a clear cause and effect between a premise and its logical extreme. Use this device wisely, logically, and convincingly.

23. Syllogism—If A=B, and B=C, Then A=C

If rhetorical devices help strengthen your writing, and syllogism is one of the common rhetorical devices, then a syllogism must strengthen your writing!

A syllogism is the base structure of deductive reasoning—the means by which specific claims are drawn from general knowledge. It follows the template “If A equals B, and B equals C, then A must equal C.”

Shakespeare, of course, master poet and rhetorician that he was, used syllogism in The Life of Timon of Athens .

FLAVIUS. “Have you forgot me, sir?”

TIMON. “Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men; Then, if thou grant’st thou’rt a man, I have forgot thee.”

Of course, employing a syllogism does not mean that the argument holds true. One of the claims A or B could prove incorrect, or else not encompass the full truth. This results in a faulty syllogism, or the syllogism fallacy. For example:

• All cats have four legs.
• A zebra has four legs.
• Therefore, a zebra is a cat.

While both claims A and B are generally true, they don’t encompass the full truth, because cats are not the only category of animals with four legs.

When a syllogism is employed with one claim instead of two (A = B, therefore A = C), that’s known as enthymeme, which is defined elsewhere in this article.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to emphasize a certain idea. Many of these devices take ideas to their logical extreme, or else use repetition to make an argument stick.

24. Adynaton—Extreme Hyperbole

A hyperbole is an exaggeration. Adynaton is an extreme exaggeration—a hyperbole so out there that it’s beyond impossible. An adynaton might be employed for comic effect, or it might be evidence of the speaker’s extreme feelings.

Here’s an example: the poem “The Cow Speaks to the Child” by Evan Gill Smith :

There’s no me without you, says the cow in the sunlight being looked at, being drawn by the child with crayons.

Is the hill an almond? the child wants to know. Is life irrefutable?

The start of ‘me’ is the start of the ending of ‘you.’ See that hole in your sock where the cold can get through?

The child’s toe sticks through the hole now.

Some philosophers grow ulcers from eating loneliness. There’s not much we know.

The cow’s tongue smacks its lips.

The child fills in its spots with blue crayon and silence. A dragonfly or not.

The line “some philosophers grow ulcers from eating loneliness” can be considered adynaton, as philosophers cannot actually eat loneliness. The idea of growing ulcers from eating loneliness is certainly out there . Of course, this line is metaphorical, and it’s doing excellent work by making the abstract physical. But it’s also a great example of how to use adynaton, because the line is so surprising to the reader, and stands out so clearly from the rest of the piece, that it sticks with the reader long after they’ve finished the poem.

25. Amplification—Drawing Attention to Ideas

The amplification rhetorical device uses superfluous words, embellishments, and unnecessary additions to draw attention towards a particular idea which might otherwise escape the reader’s attention. (That sentence is one example!)

Sometimes, a concise, abruptly worded sentence might not convey what it intends to. The language itself is functional, but the sentence is so short, or so dense, that the reader won’t get it. Amplification ensures that the reader grasps the entirety of what the author believes to be a highly important idea.

Here’s an example, from The Twits by Roald Dahl . The amplifications have been bolded, so you can see how they’re highlighting the core idea.

If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

Notice how the bolded additions aren’t adding anything “new” to the original ideas, but they help demonstrate, through imagery and example, a necessary concept for the reader to understand.

Be careful with this device. Err on the side of concision , unless you’re certain that the reader must slow down and sit with the idea(s) in the writing.

26. Antiphrasis—Using Words Opposite of Their Meanings

Antiphrasis is the use of words to mean the opposite of their dictionary definitions. For example, if you fell down on the asphalt, and I said “Nice going, ballerina!”, that would be antiphrasis—I do not think that was “nice going,” and I certainly don’t think you’re a ballerina.

Antiphrasis is the operating mechanism for things like irony, sarcasm, satire , and sometimes even euphemism and litotes. (We define euphemism in our article on dialogue ; litotes appears elsewhere in this article.)

Among rhetorical devices, antiphrasis helps writers emphasize what they mean by making the reader think. When the reader realizes that the words being used are opposite to what the writer means, the time spent thinking about those words makes them stick in the reader’s head.

Of course, antiphrasis can also be used as a weapon. It’s not a very kind device to use, so use it wisely and sparingly.

27. Asterismos—Calling Attention With Introductory Words

Behold , rhetorical devices! Asterismos is when you call attention to an idea with an introductory word or phrase. Behold! Alas! Hark! Listen. Hey…. Notice, I say to you!

We use asterismos all the time in daily conversation, and you might notice it used when writers try to capture colloquial speech in their work. Here’s one example, from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :

Asterismos won’t do much for the arguments in your writing. But, this device helps keep the audience’s attention, and it can clue them into something important that’s about to occur in the text.

28. Litotes—The Rhetorical Double Negative

These common rhetorical devices are not bad !

A litotes is a double negative for rhetorical emphasis. It is a form of pleonasm (defined elsewhere in this article) because it requires the addition of extra words to convey a certain point. By expressing something positive using a double negative, the writer makes the audience think a little harder, adding weight behind the feeling that the double negative expresses.

Here are some common expressions in the English vernacular that use Litotes:

• I don’t hate it.
• I can’t disagree.
• Not uncommon.
• Hardly difficult.
• It has not gone unnoticed.
• It’s not the worst!

And, here are a couple rhetorical devices in poetry involving litotes:

He hath not fail’d to pester us with message Importing the surrender of those lands Lost by his father, with all bands of law, To our most valiant brother. So much for him.— Hamlet (I.ii) by William Shakespeare

“To not harm each other is not enough. I want you

so much that you have no before .” —Our instructor Caitlin Scarano , out of their collection The Necessity of Wildfire .

Litotes is considered a form of meiosis, defined below.

29. Meiosis—Witty Understatement

A meiosis gives the impression that something is less important than it actually is. This understatement creates dramatic effect, because the reader knows that the thing described actually has profound importance. Understatement is considered a form of hyperbole.

In Romeo and Juliet , Mercutio offers several examples of meiosis during his death scene:

(after being stabbed) MERCUTIO. Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch. Marry, ’tis enough. Where is my page? Go villain, fetch a surgeon.

ROMEO. Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much.

MERCUTIO. No, ’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, but ’tis enough, ’twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man. I am peppered, I warrant, for this world. A plague o’ both your houses. Zounds, a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cat, to scratch a man to death. A braggart, a rogue, a villain, that fights by the book of arithmetic!—Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.

As with other rhetorical devices where what’s said differs from what’s meant, meiosis makes the reader slow down and think about what’s being spoken. The ironic dissonance between what’s said and what’s meant emphasizes the true meanings of the words themselves.

30. Metanoia—Immediate Self-Correction

Rhetorical devices are great—no, amazing!

When a writer backtracks or modifies something they just wrote, they use the device metanoia. This is not erasing and rewriting something—it is acknowledging the thing just written, and correcting it with a new, more accurate meaning. This immediate self-correction emphasizes the correction itself, making it stick in the reader’s brain.

Additionally, metanoia mimics the way that we talk in real life. Employing rhetorical devices like this tactically can help build trust and ethos with the audience.

Metanoia can be used to strengthen an argument, soften it, or make it more precise.

Here’s an example of the device, from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitgerald:

The narrator’s self-correction indicates that he knows things now that he did not know before. Thus, this metanoia is also an example of foreshadowing , because it suggests we are about to learn much more about the owner of this mansion.

31. Paralipsis—Performative Refusal to Speak on a Topic

I will not bring up the importance of rhetorical devices in literature, so don’t ask me to talk about it!

Paralipsis is a form of raising a topic by pretending not to want to speak on that topic. In everyday speech, you might say something like “I can’t stand my mother-in-law’s perfume. Not to mention her drinking problem…”

That “not to mention” reveals the thing that you actually want to mention the most. Paralipsis is a form of irony and antiphrasis, because it’s emphasizing the thing that the writer pretends not to want emphasized.

This example comes from “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift:

Swift’s satirical essay argues that the Irish should start eating their 1 year old children to stave off famine and boost their economy. It is, of course, not a serious argument, because Swift is actually mocking the inability of the British to care for the Irishman’s plight. The above quote adds to the satire, because Swift is pretending like the other solutions aren’t worth anyone’s time, when in fact they are the solutions for helping Ireland.

32. Overstatement—Intentional Exaggeration

Rhetorical devices are the only way to make your writing sharp.

Not really. While rhetorical devices are powerful strategies for your writing, they’re not the only way to sharpen it. That was an overstatement—a device in which the writer intentionally exaggerates something to illustrate a point. While overstatements often add a sense of humor to the writing, poets in particular might use this device for strong, evocative emotions and imagery.

Here’s an example, from the poem “100 Bells” by Tarfia Faizullah (which also has great examples of parataxis):

This is, of course, a metaphor. The speaker probably doesn’t believe they actually have horns nestled beneath their hair. But, this visceral overstatement still rings true to the reader—it feels painful, intimate, real, true.

An overstatement is often another literary device, too, such as a metaphor or simile or hyperbole.

33. Tmesis—A Word or Phrase Embedded in Another Word or Phrase

Will rhetorical devices revolutionize your writing? Abso- freaking -lutely!

A tmesis (yes, spelled that way) is a word or phrase embedded in another word or phrase, usually for emphatic effect. It typically reflects the ways we speak to one another.

Some examples of tmesis in everyday speech include:

• That’s a whole nother story
• Leave it any old where you like.
• This is fan- bloody -tastic. (Typical of British English.)
• Ned Flanders in The Simpsons : “Well- diddly -elcome!”
• Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother : “Legen- wait for it -dary”

And, in literature:

While tmesis seems easiest to construct in languages like English, you can find examples of this device in both contemporary and classic literature. In Latin, Ovid’s Metamorphoses utilizes the device. Contemporarily, many stream of conscious poets and modernists have used tmesis to reflect the fractured nature of language in the brain.

The following common rhetorical devices are employed to make the writing memorable. Stylistic writing can prove both persuasive and compelling, sticking in the audience’s mind long after the final sentence.

34. Adnomination—Words with Repeating Roots

A single root word can produce many words in the contemporary English lexicon. For example, the latin “facere,” which means “to make” or “to bring forth,” has spawned a bunch of English words. Some examples:

Adnomination is the use of two or more words that share similar roots in a sentence. By doing this, the writer makes something about the sentence memorable. This is a rhetorical device useful for both rhetoricians and for marketers.

Here’s an example from the poem “The Choice” by Franz Wright (which repeats the prefix “some”):

35. Aposiopesis—The Unfinished Sentence

An aposiopesis occurs when the speaker leaves their sentence unfinished. Doing so forces the audience to use their imaginations and “fill in the blank,” which makes the speaker’s message more impactful—provided it’s clear what the speaker implies.

Use aposiopesis clearly, or else—!

Shakespeare employed this device often in his plays. One example comes from King Lear (I.iv):

Two examples of this rhetorical device appear in the bolded line. They both communicate something similar: the “such revenges” that King Lear will take on his daughters. What those revenges are, the reader doesn’t know—and that not knowing actually makes these words scarier, as the reader is left to fill in the blanks with their own imagination, and why wouldn’t we imagine the worst “terrors of the earth?”

36. Circumlocution—Unnecessary Wordiness

Circumlocution (also known as periphrasis) is the use of extraneous words to describe something that could be described concisely. That sentence is one example!

At its most useful, a circumlocution helps define words, so you’ll see this device employed in dictionary entries. It’s also common for language learners to use circumlocution when they don’t have a strong vocabulary—for example, saying “my mother’s sister” if you don’t know the word “aunt.”

Circumlocution is also the operating mechanism for euphemisms. Instead of saying a person is “dumb,” you might say they “didn’t have the best schooling growing up.” In literature, this is the operating mechanism for calling Voldemort “He-who-must-not-be-named.”

Among rhetorical devices, circumlocution is commonly used when politicians try to talk in circles, or else express empty ideas using bloated language. This use of circumlocution is also known as “equivocation.”

For example, if you ask a politician why they decided to close an important public school, they might say they’re trying to “allocate resources in the interest of all students” or “optimize the city’s learning experience through tailored resource allocation.” Well, those ideas sound fine and dandy, but they’re not actually answering the question, they’re just appealing to the audience by being ambiguous and seemingly-moral.

37. Dysphemism—Language That’s Derogatory Instead of Neutral

A dysphemism is the opposite of a euphemism. When you use words derogatorily, particularly when a neutral word or phrase already exists, you are employing dysphemism—a device sometimes used alongside bdelygmia.

• Euphemism: It’s time for Number Two.
• Neutral term: I need to use the restroom.
• Dysphemism: I’ve gotta shit.

So, most insults, swear words, and vulgarities are dysphemisms.

There is something to be said about connotation, context, and the audience: in some instances, a dysphemism could be a euphemism, and vice versa. If someone died, for example, and the nurse said that he “kicked the bucket,” this would normally be a euphemism. But, if the family prefers direct communication, or if the nurse laughed while she said it, then the nurse might have used a dysphemism instead.

38. Ellipsis—Omission of Words

Ellipsis is the omission of words from a sentence, encouraging the reader to “fill in the blank.” Aposiopesis is a form of ellipsis, but an ellipsis can happen anywhere in the text, and is much more open in terms of subject matter.

Take a look at the following example sentences. The words in brackets can be removed without changing the meanings of the sentences. If those bracketed words were removed, these sentences would then contain ellipses:

• I rode the train, and he [rode] the bus.
• I rode the train, [but I did] not [ride] the bus.
• Who rode the train to school today? I did [ride the train, myself.]
• I’ll ride the train, and you will [ride the train] too.

Ellipsis is a useful tool in the art of concise writing. It can also add ambiguity, particularly in literary works, if the writer wants to imply but not outright state something occurring in the story. Here’s a famous example from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which suggests sexual relations between Mr. McKee and Nick Carraway:

Then Mr. McKee turned and continued on out the door. Taking my hat from the chandelier, I followed.

“Come to lunch some day,” he suggested, as we groaned down in the elevator.“Where?”

“Anywhere.”

“Keep your hands off the lever,” snapped the elevator boy.

“I beg your pardon,” said Mr. McKee with dignity, “I didn’t know I was touching it.”

“All right,” I agreed, “I’ll be glad to.”

… I was standing beside his bed and he was sitting up between the sheets, clad in his underwear, with a great portfolio in his hands.

“Beauty and the Beast… Loneliness… Old Grocery Horse… Brook’n Bridge…”

Then I was lying half asleep in the cold lower level of the Pennsylvania Station, staring at the morning Tribune, and waiting for the four o’clock train.

The ellipses are marked by the three dots (…). It’s the ellipses after the main bit of dialogue that suggests the two men had some sort of relations: we know time has passed, but not what precisely occurred so that Nick was beside the bed and McKee was in his underwear.

39. Isocolon—Parallelism With an Equal Number of Words or Syllables

A writer uses isocolon when they write a parallel sentence in which each element has the same number of words or syllables. This device is naturally built into certain other rhetorical devices, such as antithesis (“go big or go home!”), and it’s also built into poetry forms like iambic pentameter.

Here are two rhetorical devices examples that use isocolon:

Same number of words: 

Same number of syllables:

Notice how each item replicates the same grammatical and syntactical structures. Isocolon presents ideas in a balanced manner, maintaining rhythm and flow in the sentence while advancing equally weighted ideas.

Isocolon can be further defined as bicolon (two parallel items), tricolon (three parallel items), tetracolon (four parallel items), and so on.

40. Pleonasm—Intentional Redundancy

If you use rhetorical devices, you are a smart, intelligent person!

A pleonasm is an intentional redundancy. It is typically used to emphasize a certain idea or draw attention to it, though it can also add a sense of urgency and intensity to language, so long as it’s employed properly.

Pleonasm is very similar to tautology, which is when you use different words that have the same meanings side by side. The only difference is that a pleonasm is any sort of rhetorical magniloquence.

Some phrases in the English language are inherently pleonastic/tautological. You might have said or heard recently:

• I saw it with my own two eyes. (You can just say “my.” The “two” is redundant, too.)
• Can I have a chai tea ? (“Chai” literally means “tea.”)
• I’ll have the tuna fish for supper. (Just “tuna” communicates the same idea.)
• It may be possible.
• I got a free gift !
• Under false pretenses.
• PIN Number (PIN stands for Personal Identification Number.)
• ATM Machine (ATM stands for Automatic Teller Machine.)

Pleonasm is also a prominent feature in Mary Oliver’s poem “Every Dog’s Story”:

I have a bed, my very own . It’s just my size. And sometimes I like to sleep alone with dreams inside my eyes .

But sometimes dreams are dark and wild and creepy and I wake and am afraid , though I don’t know why. But I’m no longer sleepy and too slowly the hours go by.

So I climb on the bed where the light of the moon is shining on your face and I know it will be morning soon.

Everybody needs a safe place.

Pleonasm, here, emphasizes the dog’s intense emotions, and also somehow emulates the way a dog might think. The writing here certainly feels feasible for a dog’s own thoughts, if a dog thought in the English language.

The key here is whether or not the writer is abusing their poetic license: some pleonasm may be useful, though of course it’s best to err on the side of concision.

Master These Common Rhetorical Devices in Literature at Writers.com

Poets, rhetoricians, storytellers, lawyers, politicians, journalists, and translators all use these common rhetorical devices in their work. These devices can be leveraged for style, for argument, or for effective, evocative writing.

Whatever your screed, master these common rhetorical devices at Writers.com. Take a look at our upcoming classes , where you’ll receive expert feedback on every piece of writing you submit.

Sean Glatch

Useful article. The implications or the complications of using certain words or phrases are well explained.

The implications or the complications of using certain words or phrases are well explained. This helps to improve my writing skills.

This has built me. Making me to increase my standard in styles and other things in literary work.

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Rhetorical Device

Rhetorical device definition, types of rhetorical devices, examples from literature,  example #1.

“The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil ; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.”

Parallelism is used in the first stanza where, “And all is seared with trade” is paralleling with “bleared, smeared with toil.” Anaphora is used in the fifth line where Hopkins has repeated the words “have trod” to emphasize the ruination caused by men on the earth. He has also used metaphor , assonance consonance and alliteration to create a special effect in the poem.

Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day. Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave.

The poem deals with the subject of life and the possibilities it offers to mankind. It also evokes and instructs them to live life at its maximum. He presents a highly optimistic view of life and argues that it is full of chances and opportunities. Therefore, we should try to seek them. Wadsworth has used many rhetorical devices in this poem to present his idea convincingly. For example, allusion is used in the opening line of the poem such as, “Tell me not, in mournful numbers.” Here, the numbers refer to the chapters and sections of the Bible. Parallelism device is used in the second stanza where “Life is real” is paralleling “Life is earnest.” He has also used assonance, consonance, alliteration, and anaphora in the poem to engage the readers.

“Surely some revelation is at hand Surely the Second Coming is at hand. The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert A shape with lion body and the head of a man, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds. The darkness drops again; but now I know That twenty centuries of stony sleep Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?”

The Second Coming revolves around the political, cultural and spiritual issues. The poet predicts that some kind of “Second Coming” is arriving and that the chaos in the world manifests that the arrival is not so far. To him, the Second Coming would lead humanity to more catastrophes . Yeats has implied plenty of rhetorical devices in the poem to express his fears. For example, he has used hyperbole in the tenth line where it is stated as, “Surely the second coming is at hand,” as if he is very much sure about the arrival of the beast. There are many metaphors used in this poem such as, “the falcon” and “the falconer” that stand for the world and the controlling force that directs the humanity and “the rough beast” is also the metaphor of second coming.

Functions of Rhetorical Devices

Related posts:, post navigation.

• Literary Terms
• Rhetorical Device
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Rhetorical Device

I. What is a Rhetorical Device?

A rhetorical device is any language that helps an author or speaker achieve a particular purpose (usually  persuasion , since rhetoric is typically defined as the art of persuasion). But “rhetorical device” is an extremely broad term, and can include techniques for generating emotion, beauty, and spiritual significance as well as persuasion.

II. Examples of Rhetorical Devices

Hyperbole is a word- or sentence-level rhetorical device in which the author exaggerates a particular point for dramatic effect. For example:

Berlin was flattened during the bombing.

Because the city was not literally left flat, this is an exaggeration, and therefore hyperbole. But it still helps express the author’s main point, which is that the city of Berlin was very severely damaged.

Analogy is an important device in which the explains one thing by comparing it to another. At the sentence level, this might be as simple as saying “my cat’s fur is as white as a cloud .” But analogies can also function at much higher levels, including paragraphs and whole essays . For example, you might argue against war by drawing an extended analogy between the war on terrorism and World War 2. The success of the whole argument would depend entirely on how well you could persuade readers to accept the analogy!

The counterargument is the most important rhetorical device for college-level essays. A counterargument is a response to your own view – for example, if you’re arguing in favor of an idea, the counterargument is one that goes against that idea. In order to make your own argument perspective, you have to acknowledge, analyze, and answer these counterarguments.

III. Types of Rhetorical Devices

Because the term is so broad, there are countless ways to categorize rhetorical devices. For example, we might group them by function: e.g. persuasive devices, aesthetic devices (for creating beauty), or emotional devices. We could also group them according to the types of writing they belong to: e.g. poetry vs. essays.

The clearest way to categorize, though, is probably by scale: that is, what level of the writing does each device affect?

A. Word Level

Before we even get to full sentences, there are many rhetorical devices that operate at the level of individual words or groups of words. For example, the “metonym” is a rhetorical device in which a part stands in for the whole. For example, you might say that a ship is staffed with “twenty hands,” where each hand stands in for a full human being.

B. Sentence Level

Most rhetorical devices operate at the sentence level. They affect the meaning of a sentence, or a chunk of a sentence. For example, parallelism is an important rhetorical device in which different parts of a sentence have the same grammatical structure: “I am disgusted by your methods , but impressed with your results .” Notice how each underlined portion has the same pattern of adjective, preposition, pronoun, and plural noun.

C. Paragraph Level

Paragraph-level rhetorical techniques are especially important in essays, where they help to signal the structure of the argument. One example would be the topic sentence. Topic sentences open the paragraph and introduce its main idea, which is then supported and explained in the body of the paragraph. This is one of the most important techniques for structuring paragraphs effectively.

D. Structural Level

Some rhetorical devices cover the whole structure of a piece of writing. For example, the 5-paragraph essay is a rhetorical device that many people learn in high school for structuring their essays. The five paragraphs involve an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This structure is rejected by many college-level writing instructors (and thus may be thought of as a bad rhetorical device), but it’s a rhetorical device nonetheless.

IV. The Importance of Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are just like artistic techniques – they become popular because they work. For as long as human beings have been using language, we’ve been trying to persuade one another and evoke emotions. Over time, we’ve developed a huge variety of different techniques for achieving these effects, and the sum total of all such techniques is encapsulated in our modern lists of rhetorical techniques. Each rhetorical device has a different purpose, a different history, and a different effect!

V. Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Literature

“If we shadows have offended , think but this and all is mended : that you have but slumbered here while these visions did appear .” (Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream )

This famous quote, like many of Shakespeare’s lines, employs rhyme and meter, the two most basic rhetorical devices in verse. Although not all poetry has rhyme or meter, most classical poems do, and these rhetorical devices were probably important in helping poets memorize their works and sing them in front of audiences.

The dialogue form is an important structural device used in philosophy and religious scriptures for thousands of years. By putting different arguments in the mouths of different characters , philosophers can present their readers with a broader range of possible views, thus bringing more nuance into the conversation. This device also allows philosophers to make their own arguments more persuasive by responding to the various counterarguments presented by characters in the dialogue.

VI. Examples of Rhetorical Devices in Popular Culture

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Ah, yes – Zorro! And where is he now, padre? Your masked friend? He hasn’t shown himself in 20 years!” (Don Rafael, The Mask of Zorro )

A rhetorical question is a question that the audience is not supposed to answer – either because the answer is obvious, or because the speaker is about to answer it for them. It’s one of the most common techniques in oratory (speeches) and essays. In this case, Don Rafael is using a rhetorical question to undermine the crowd’s confidence in Zorro, their legendary defender.

“The microphone explodes, || shattering the mold.” (Rage Against the Machine, Bulls on Parade )

The two vertical lines (||) represent a caesura , or pause. This is a common rhetorical device in poetry, but is also found in music. In the recording of the song, there’s a beat’s pause in between “explodes” and “shattering.”

VII. Related Terms

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion, either through speaking or writing. In ancient Greece, the concept of rhetoric was given huge cultural importance, and philosophers like Aristotle wrote whole books on rhetoric and the techniques of convincing others.

Today, people sometimes view rhetoric in a negative light (as when someone says of a politician’s speech that it was “all rhetoric and no substance”). But this is a shame, since we are very much in need of leaders who have mastered the art of persuasive reasoning and respectful argumentation. Rhetoric has fallen from its former place of honor, and perhaps this explains the lack of productive dialogue in our political arena, driven as it is by sound bites and personal attacks.

Figure of Speech

When a rhetorical device departs from literal truth, this is called a “figure of speech.” The most common figure of speech is a metaphor, in which one thing stands for another (e.g. “he unleashed a hurricane of criticism”). However, many rhetorical devices employ literal truth and therefore should not be thought of as figures of speech.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

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The 20 most common rhetorical devices (with examples).

The phrase rhetorical devices might ring a bell to some. Maybe you vaguely remember hearing about them in an English class that you took years ago. But you probably haven’t thought about them since. That’s totally understandable, but whether we know it or not, rhetorical devices play a surprisingly large role in our daily speech. Sometimes we use them without even realizing it. Whether they’re used to illustrate sound, order or meaning (we’ll explain all these in a bit), rhetorical devices are widely used across the board, especially in advertising and marketing. Without further ado, we’d like to share our list of the 20 most common rhetorical devices that you can use to impress your friends and family or win a free round of drinks at the next trivia night at your local bar.

What Are Rhetorical Devices?

Before we dive into the different types of rhetorical devices, we should probably review what exactly they are. “Rhetorical devices” refer to figures of speech that are used to achieve a certain effect. Essentially, they’re a way to deviate from everyday language by taking advantage of the power of words.

Words have connotative value: on one hand, they have their denotation, which is their true and correct meaning. On the other hand, words have a set of meanings that are generally attributed to them. For example, the word “heart” literally refers to the organ at the center of your circulatory system. But it can also have a wide variety of connotations or alternative meanings: a person “with a good heart” is someone who’s kind and helpful to others. The “heart” of a system is its center, and someone who is “lionhearted” is extremely brave. Rhetorical devices don’t use just one meaning or connotation; they also take advantage of different word orders and structures.

Rhetorical devices are most commonly used in literature, but they can also appear in the most unexpected places. They’re an intrinsic part of language, and they’ve probably been around since the beginning of language itself. Even in Ancient Rome, rhetoric students studied the art of classifying words. Early examples of rhetorical devices can even be found in the Bible.

Rhetorical devices can be roughly classified into three different groups:

• Sound-related rhetorical devices: these figures of speech take advantage of a word or phrase’s rhythmic or phonetic sound. The most famous examples are alliteration, assonance and puns.
• Order-related rhetorical devices: these devices modify the normal order of words within a phrase or sentence. The most well-known examples are anaphoras, anastrophes, asyndeton, chiasmus, omissions, hyperbaton and polysyndeton.
• Meaning-related rhetorical devices: these types of devices use the word’s semantic aspect, or their meaning. Some examples are hyperbole, litotes, metaphors, metonymy, oxymorons, similes, synecdoche and synesthesia.

What Is Figurative Language?

To understand the many rhetorical devices that exist in the English language, it’s important that we first discuss figurative language. Figurative language is the form of communication that rhetorical devices fall under. More specifically, it is when words and phrases stray from their strict, dictionary definition to create new meanings. Most commonly, figurative language is used in poetry and other creative prose. However, it also is used in everyday language in the form of expressions or to refer to something without directly saying it.

Take the expression “the news hit me like a ton of bricks”. Figuratively speaking, it’s used to quantify the impact of a piece of news on someone. However, when taken literally, this expression doesn’t make much sense. To note the obvious, the news itself doesn’t carry physical weight and it’s also not actually hitting anyone, as it’s a concept. Additionally, there is of course no ton of bricks hitting the person in question,which is where the importance of the preposition “like” comes in. The use of “like” in this sentence ultimately changes the meaning and makes this sentence identifiable as a “simile”. A simile is one of the many forms that figurative language takes. These forms are better known as rhetorical devices, so let’s get into it.

Sound-Related Rhetorical Devices

Alliteration.

Alliteration refers to repeating a sound or a series of similar consonant sounds at the beginning of two or more words.

Examples of alliteration:

• How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
• Trick or treat!
• “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes . . .” — William Shakespeare

Assonance resembles rhyming. It positions two similar sounding words together that have the same vowels (but not the same consonants).

Examples of assonance:

• “And so all the night-tide, I lie down by the side of my darling-my darling-my life and my bride” — Edgar Allen Poe
• “The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.” — My Fair Lady

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is one of the most famous rhetorical devices. It refers to reproducing the sound of an object (like a machine) or an animal.

Examples of onomatopoeia:

• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (a book written by Ian Fleming, the title of which refers to the sound a car makes)
• “Meow meow.” — a cat

Puns are a common play on words that use words with similar sounds but radically different meanings.

Examples of puns:

• “Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.” — Mark Twain
• “We had breakfast in the town of Soda, pop. 1001.” — Vladimir Nabokov

Order-Related Rhetorical Devices

An anaphora is the repetition of one or more words within one or more consecutive verses or sentences.

Examples of anaphora:

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” — Mark Twain
• “So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania…” — Martin Luther King
• “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy

Derived from Greek, the term anastrophe means “inversion” and is achieved by inverting the usual order of two words.

Examples of anastrophe:

• “The greatest teacher, failure is.” — Yoda
• “Certain seeds it will not nurture, certain fruit it will not bear…” — Toni Morrison
• “To thine own self be true.” — William Shakespeare

Many rhetorical devices have fancy names that can be difficult to remember. There’s a reason why technical jargon is usually used only by literature students and aficionados. Some terms are used so often that they’ve become commonplace in everyday speech, however. Antithesis is one of these words. Simply put, antithesis refers to juxtaposing two words with opposite meanings. In layman’s terms, it refers to some sort of contrast (like contrasting ideas.)

Examples of antithesis:

• “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, as long as it is black.” — Henry Ford
• “To err is human; to forgive divine.” -Alexander Pope

Asyndeton is a list of words that are connected by using punctuation instead of conjunctions like “and” or “or.”

Examples of asyndeton:

• “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” — Abraham Lincoln
• “I came, I saw, I conquered.” — Julius Caesar

Chiasmus is the crossed arrangement of two words or groups of words according to the AB-BA format.

Examples of chiasmus:

• “The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.” — Alfred North Whitehead
• “And these tend inward to me, and I tend outward to them.” — Walt Whitman
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Omission is the elimination of one or more words that remain understood despite being removed.

Examples of omission:

• “Hope is a thing with feathers/That perches in the soul.” — Emily Dickinson
• “And he to England shall along with you.” — William Shakespeare

Not to be confused with anastrophe, hyperbaton consists of distancing a word from the word that it should be placed closer to.

Examples of hyperbaton:

• “Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man.” -Edgar Allen Poe
• “One swallow does not a summer make, nor one fine day.” — Aristotle

Polysyndenton

Polysyndeton is the exact opposite of asyndeton. It’s a series of words linked by conjunction words.

Examples of polysyndeton:

• “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” — The Wizard of Oz
•  “I said, ‘Who killed him?’ and he said, ‘I don’t know who killed him but he’s dead all right,’ and it was dark and there was water standing in the street and no lights and windows broke and boats all up in the town and trees blown down and everything all blown and I got a skiff and went out and found my boat where I had her inside Mango Key and she was all right only she was full of water.” — Ernest Hemingway

Meaning-Related Rhetorical Devices

Hyperbole is achieved by exaggerating a reality through expressions that amplify it to an extreme.

Examples of hyperbole:

• “A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County.” — To Kill a Mockingbird
• “It’s a slow burg. I spent a couple of weeks there one day.” — Carl Sandburg
• “At that time Bogota was a remote, lugubrious city where an insomniac rain had been falling since the beginning of the 16th century.” — Gabriel García Márquez

Litotes is the affirmation of something by negating the opposite. It’s used, for example, to mitigate the harshness of an expression or a situation.

Examples of litotes:

• It’s not rocket science.
• He isn’t the brightest bulb in the bunch.

Metaphors are one of the most famous rhetorical devices. Metaphors use words or phrases to indicate something that isn’t often denoted by that word or phrase. Metaphors can sometimes be confused with similes, metonymy or synecdoche, but each of these devices have their own unique characteristics.

Examples of metaphors:

• Daniel is a sheep. (Meaning, Daniel follows other people easily.)
• “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” — William Shakespeare

Metonymy is the exchange of two words that have close reasoning or are closely related in terms of their subject.

Examples of metonymy:

• “I’m reading Sartre.” (I’m not reading the word Sartre; I’m reading a piece written by philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre)
• “England beat Italy 2-0.” (the soccer team representing England beat the team representing Italy)
• “Let’s go get a pint.” (a pint in this case refers to some sort of alcoholic drink)

An oxymoron juxtaposes two words with opposite meanings.

Examples of oxymorons:

• Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
• Big Little Lies (the title of a book by Liane Moriarty)
• “I am a deeply superficial person.” — Andy Warhol

Similes are very similar to metaphors. In this case, the comparison is made through adverbs or adverbial phrases, most notably “like” or “as.”

Examples of similes:

• You’re working like a dog.
• He’s dead as a doornail.
• The news hit me like a ton of bricks.

Synecdoche is always mentioned in conjunction with metonymy. These two rhetorical devices are very similar. However, while metonymy substitutes one word or phrase with another that has a close logical or material proximity, synecdoche substitutes a word or phrase with another term representing a part of it (or vice versa: it uses a broader term to refer to something that it’s a part of). Metonymy expresses a qualitative relationship between the two terms, while synecdoche represents a quantitative relationship.

Examples of synecdoche:

• The feline attacked the antelope. (in this case, the broader term feline, the family that the animal belongs to, is used to denote a tiger)
• “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” — William Shakespeare
• Brain drain (when people educated in their native country seek opportunities in other countries. In this case, it’s not the brains physically leaving the country but the academic talent)

Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a type of metaphor that’s created by connecting two unrelated senses.

Examples of synesthesia:

• “The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen, man’s hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart to report what my dream was.” — William Shakespeare
• “Thy voice was a censer that scattered strange perfumes, and when I looked on thee I heard a strange music.” — Oscar Wilde
• “Back to the region where the sun is silent.” — Dante

A version of this article originally appeared on the Italian edition of Babbel Magazine.

List of Rhetorical Devices for Lasting Impressions

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: September 14, 2023

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Welcome to our article about rhetorical devices! If you’re learning English, improving your vocabulary, or working on your writing skills, understanding rhetorical devices is essential. These devices are techniques that writers and speakers use to convey meaning, persuade their audience, or create a specific effect. By mastering these devices, you can become a more effective communicator and a more sophisticated reader.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common rhetorical devices and provide examples to help you understand how they work. We’ll cover devices such as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, and more. We’ll also explain why these devices are used and how they can enhance your writing or speaking. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to improve their communication skills, this article is for you.

List of Rhetorical Devices

List of Rhetorical Devices: An Overview

Rhetorical devices are techniques used in writing or speaking to convey a message effectively and impressively. They can be used to persuade, inform, entertain, or inspire an audience. Understanding rhetorical devices is essential for effective communication, whether you are a writer, speaker, or just want to improve your communication skills.

There are many rhetorical devices, and each has a unique purpose and effect on the audience. Some of the most common rhetorical devices include:

• Alliteration: the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
• Metaphor: a figure of speech that compares two things without using “like” or “as.”
• Simile: a figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as.”
• Hyperbole: an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.
• Irony: the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.
• Personification: giving human qualities to non-human things.
• Repetition: repeating words or phrases for emphasis or effect.

These are just a few examples of the many rhetorical devices that can be used to enhance your communication skills. By using these devices, you can make your writing or speaking more engaging, memorable, and persuasive.

It is important to note that while rhetorical devices can be effective, they should be used in moderation. Overusing these devices can make your writing or speaking seem forced or contrived. It is also important to consider your audience and the context in which you are communicating. Different devices may be more effective in different situations, and what works for one audience may not work for another.

Types of Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are techniques used by writers and speakers to enhance their communication and make it more effective. These devices can be categorized into three types: figurative language, sound devices, and discourse devices.

Figurative Language

Figurative language is the use of words and phrases that go beyond their literal meanings to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. Here are some examples of figurative language:

• Metaphor : A comparison between two things that are not alike but have something in common. Example: “Life is a journey.”
• Simile : A comparison between two things using “like” or “as.” Example: “She sings like an angel.”
• Personification : Giving human characteristics to non-human things. Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”

Sound Devices

Sound devices are techniques used by writers and speakers to create a musical or rhythmic effect in their communication. Here are some examples of sound devices:

• Alliteration : The repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words in a sentence. Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
• Assonance : The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. Example: “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”
• Onomatopoeia : Words that imitate the sound they represent. Example: “Boom! Crash! Bang!”

Discourse Devices

Discourse devices are techniques used by writers and speakers to structure their communication and make it more effective. Here are some examples of discourse devices:

• Repetition : The repeated use of a word or phrase to emphasize its importance. Example: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.”
• Rhetorical Question : A question that is asked for effect but not meant to be answered. Example: “Are you kidding me?”
• Parallelism : The use of similar grammatical structures in a sentence or paragraph. Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

By using these rhetorical devices, you can make your communication more effective and engaging. However, it’s important to use them appropriately and not overuse them, as this can detract from your message.

List of Rhetorical Devices in Detail

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words “like” or “as”. For example, “Her eyes sparkled like diamonds” is a simile that compares the brightness of someone’s eyes to the brilliance of diamonds.

A metaphor is similar to a simile, but it compares two things without using “like” or “as”. For example, “Life is a journey” is a metaphor that compares the experience of living to a journey.

Hyperbole is an exaggeration used to emphasize a point. For example, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is a hyperbole that emphasizes how hungry someone is.

• Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a sentence. For example, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” is an alliteration that emphasizes the repetition of the “p” sound.

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple sentences or clauses. For example, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets” is an anaphora that emphasizes the determination to fight in various locations.

Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of multiple sentences or clauses. For example, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child” is an epistrophe that emphasizes the different ways of thinking and understanding as a child.

A euphemism is a word or phrase used to replace a harsh or unpleasant term. For example, “passed away” is a euphemism for “died” that softens the impact of the word.

These are just a few examples of the many rhetorical devices that writers and speakers use to convey meaning and persuade their audience.

List of Rhetorical Devices: Application

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a sentence or phrase. This device can be used to create a catchy and memorable phrase. For example, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” uses alliteration to make the sentence more memorable.

A metaphor is a comparison between two things that are not alike. This device can be used to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. For example, “Life is a journey” is a metaphor that compares life to a journey, creating a visual representation of the ups and downs of life.

Hyperbole is an exaggeration used to emphasize a point. This device can be used to create a dramatic effect and make a strong impression on the reader. For example, “I’ve told you a million times” is a hyperbole that emphasizes the speaker’s frustration.

Repetition is the use of the same word or phrase multiple times. This device can be used to emphasize a point and make it more memorable. For example, “I have a dream” is a repetition used by Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous speech to emphasize his vision for a better future.

Irony is the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. This device can be used to create a humorous effect or to make a point. For example, “Isn’t it ironic that the only way to get peace is through war?” uses irony to make a point about the paradoxical nature of war.

Importance of Rhetorical Devices

Captures attention.

Rhetorical devices are designed to grab the attention of the audience and keep them engaged throughout the message. By using devices such as alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, the writer or speaker can create a memorable and impactful message that resonates with the audience.

Enhances Persuasion

Rhetorical devices are also effective in enhancing persuasion. By using devices such as rhetorical questions, hyperbole, and analogies, the writer or speaker can create a more convincing argument that is more likely to persuade the audience to take action.

Improves Clarity

Rhetorical devices can also help to improve the clarity of the message. Devices such as parallelism and antithesis can help to organize ideas and make them easier to understand. This is especially important when presenting complex information or ideas.

Adds Emphasis

Rhetorical devices can also be used to add emphasis to certain points in the message. Devices such as repetition and climax can help to highlight important ideas and make them more memorable.

Creates a Memorable Message

Finally, rhetorical devices can help to create a memorable message that sticks with the audience long after the message has been delivered. By using devices such as imagery and metaphor, the writer or speaker can create a message that is more likely to be remembered and shared with others.

Challenges in Using Rhetorical Devices

Overusing devices.

One of the most common challenges in using rhetorical devices is overusing them. While devices like metaphors, similes, and alliteration can be effective in making your writing more engaging, using them too frequently can make your writing feel forced and unnatural. To avoid this, try to use devices sparingly and only when they truly enhance your message.

Choosing the Right Device

Another challenge is choosing the right device for the occasion. With so many different devices to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one will be the most effective in a given situation. To make the best choice, consider the tone and purpose of your writing, as well as your audience and the effect you want to achieve.

Balancing Devices with Clarity

While rhetorical devices can add interest and flair to your writing, they can also make it more difficult to understand. It’s important to strike a balance between using devices to enhance your message and making sure your writing is clear and easy to follow. When using devices, make sure they don’t obscure your meaning or distract from your main point.

Avoiding Clichés

Finally, one of the biggest challenges in using rhetorical devices is avoiding clichés. Many devices, such as metaphors and similes, can become overused and lose their impact over time. To keep your writing fresh and engaging, try to come up with original and creative ways to use devices, rather than relying on tired old clichés.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common rhetorical devices used in speeches?

Some common rhetorical devices used in speeches include metaphors, similes, alliteration, repetition, rhetorical questions, and hyperbole. These devices are used to capture the audience’s attention, create an emotional connection, and emphasize key points.

What is the difference between a rhetorical question and a regular question?

A rhetorical question is a question that is asked for effect or to make a point, rather than to elicit an answer. It is often used to engage the audience and encourage them to think about the topic being discussed. In contrast, a regular question is asked to elicit an answer from the listener or to gather information.

How do writers use allusion as a rhetorical device?

Writers use allusion as a rhetorical device by referencing a well-known person, event, or work of literature to make a point or to create an emotional connection with the reader. Allusion can be used to add depth and meaning to a piece of writing and to make it more memorable.

What are some common rhetorical strategies used in writing?

Some common rhetorical strategies used in writing include logos, ethos, and pathos. Logos refers to the use of logic and reason to persuade the reader, ethos refers to the use of credibility and trustworthiness, and pathos refers to the use of emotion to create a connection with the reader.

What are the three main rhetorical appeals and how are they used?

The three main rhetorical appeals are ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos appeals to the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer, logos appeals to logic and reason, and pathos appeals to the emotions of the audience. These appeals are used to persuade the audience and to create a connection with them.

Can you provide examples of rhetorical devices used in famous speeches?

Sure! One example is Martin Luther King Jr.’s use of repetition in his “ I Have a Dream ” speech. He repeats the phrase “I have a dream” to emphasize his vision for the future and to create a sense of hope and possibility. Another example is Winston Churchill’s use of parallelism in his “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech. He repeats the phrase “we shall fight” to emphasize the determination and resolve of the British people during World War II.

Rhetorical devices are techniques used by writers to convey their message in a more effective and persuasive manner. Some of the most common rhetorical devices used in writing include:

• Personification
• Rhetorical question
• Understatement

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I identify rhetorical devices in an article?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Identifying rhetorical devices in an article can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here are some tips to help you identify rhetorical devices:

• Look for repetition of words, phrases, or ideas.
• Pay attention to the tone of the article.
• Look for comparisons or contrasts.
• Identify any use of figurative language.
• Look for any use of irony or sarcasm.
• Identify any rhetorical questions.
• Look for any use of emotional language.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Rhetorical appeals are the methods used in persuasive writing or speaking to appeal to the audience's emotions, logic, or ethics. There are three main rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos.

On the other hand, rhetorical devices are techniques used by writers to convey their message in a more effective and persuasive manner. Rhetorical devices include techniques like alliteration, metaphor, simile, and repetition.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of rhetorical choices?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Rhetorical choices are the decisions made by writers to convey their message in a more effective and persuasive manner. Some examples of rhetorical choices include:

• Word choice
• Sentence structure
• Use of figurative language
• Use of rhetorical questions
• Use of repetition

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the vocabulary of rhetorical devices?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The vocabulary of rhetorical devices includes a wide range of terms used to describe the different techniques used by writers. Here are some examples:

• Alliteration: repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words
• Anaphora: repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences
• Metaphor: comparison of two things without using like or as
• Simile: comparison of two things using like or as
• Hyperbole: exaggeration for emphasis
• Irony: use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning
• Personification: giving human qualities to non-human things
• Repetition: repeating a word or phrase for emphasis
• Rhetorical question: a question asked for effect, not requiring an answer
• Understatement: presenting something as less important than it is

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the 7th rhetorical device?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The 7th rhetorical device is not a specific device, but rather a reference to the fact that there are many different rhetorical devices used in writing and speaking. Some of the most common rhetorical devices have been listed above, but there are many more that writers can use to convey their message in a more effective and persuasive manner.

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Rhetorical Devices Make Speeches Spring To Life

A rhetorical device is a verbal technique a speaker or writer uses to make their presentation more compelling to the audience so that listeners are persuaded to accept their position. They can evoke an emotional response, although this is not the main reason why the speaker chooses the device.

Rhetoric is the art of using language to persuade, inform, or entertain an audience. It has been studied and practiced for thousands of years and has produced a variety of techniques and devices that speakers and writers use to achieve their goals.

One such device is the rhetorical device, a technique that creates a memorable and effective message. Rhetorical devices include  figures of speech , such as  similes and metaphor s, as well as techniques like  repetition and parallelism .

This article explores the different types of rhetorical devices and how they can be used in written and spoken communication to enhance the impact of a message.

Table of Contents

What Is A Rhetorical Device?

A speaker or writer uses  a rhetorical device  to convey meaning and persuade their audience. These devices can include figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes, as well as techniques like repetition and parallelism.

The purpose of rhetorical devices is to make language more memorable, persuasive, or entertaining. Using these techniques effectively, a speaker or writer can create a more impactful message that resonates with their audience.

How Does This Compare With A Literary Device?

Rhetorical devices focus primarily on persuasion and communication, while literary devices create artistic effects in literature. They are straightforward and often used in non-fiction writing and speeches, while literary devices are more commonly used in fiction, poetry, and drama. 

Literary devices may be more subtle and complex. Some literary devices include allegory, symbolism, and imagery, while rhetorical devices center around the use of words.

What Are The Four Modes Of Persuasion Aided by Rhetorical Devices?

The four modes of persuasion, also known as the rhetorical appeals, are ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos. These modes are aided by various rhetorical devices to create a persuasive message.

• Ethos  appeals to the audience’s sense of  ethics and credibility . Rhetorical devices that aid ethos include using expert testimony, presenting a speaker’s or writer’s credentials, and establishing trustworthiness.
•   Logos  appeals to the audience’s  logic and reasoning . Examples of logos include statistics and facts, logical arguments, analogies, and illustrations.
•   Pathos  appeals to the audience’s  emotions . Pathos uses vivid imagery, personal stories, and figurative language to create an emotional impact.
•   Kairos  appeals to the  timing and context  of the message. It would use current events and news stories to make a persuasive case, as well as timing and urgency to make the audience feel compelled to act.

Aristotle’s Setup

Aristotle’s Setup , also known as  Aristotle’s dramatic or narrative arc , is a structure used in storytelling first described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle in his work “Poetics.” The system consists of three parts: the beginning or exposition, the middle or complication, and the end or resolution.

The beginning or exposition sets the stage for the story by introducing the characters, setting, and conflict. The middle or complication builds tension and develops the competition through rising action, leading to a climax or turning point. The end or resolution resolves the conflict and ties up loose ends.

Aristotle’s Setup is still used today as a framework for storytelling in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. It provides a clear structure for creating a compelling narrative that engages the audience and keeps them invested in the story.

How Do A Rhetorical Device And A Rhetorical Technique Differ?

A rhetorical device is a specific technique a speaker or writer uses to create a particular effect, such as a metaphor or repetition. It is a specific tool in the writer or speaker’s toolbox that achieves a particular goal.

Rhetorical technique, on the other hand, refers to the strategies and methods a speaker or writer employs to persuade or communicate effectively. It encompasses a broader range of tools and techniques, including rhetorical devices.

In other words,  rhetorical technique is the larger umbrella under which rhetorical devices fall.  Rhetorical devices are specific examples of the techniques used in rhetoric, but they only encompass a partial range of strategies used to communicate effectively.

What is A Rhetorical Strategy

Here are 10 examples of  rhetorical strategies :

• Appeal to emotion: “Don’t you want to keep your family safe?”
• Appeal to authority: “As the leading expert in this field, I can tell you that this product is the best.”
• Call to action: “Join our cause and help make a difference in the world!”
• Comparison and contrast: “This product is not only more effective but also more affordable than our competitors.”
•  Testimonial: “I tried this product, and it completely changed my life.”
•  Cause and effect: “If we don’t take action now, the consequences will be catastrophic.”
•  Humor: “Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!”
•  Narration: “Let me tell you a story about how this product changed my life.”
•  Logical appeal: “Based on the evidence presented, it’s clear that this is the best choice.”
•  Storytelling: “Once upon a time, a young girl dreamed of changing the world.”

What Are The Most Common Rhetorical Devices?

Rhetorical Devices are  powerful tools that add emphasis, clarity, and emotion to written and spoken language.  From the time of Shakespeare to the famous speeches of John F. Kennedy, rhetorical devices have played a crucial part in shaping the way we communicate.

Ten examples of rhetorical devices are as follows:

• Metaphor  – using a comparison to make a point or create an image in the audience’s mind
•   Simile  – the comparison of two things using “like” or “as” to create a vivid picture.
•   Alliteration  – the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a phrase or sentence to create rhythm and emphasis.
•   Hyperbole  – using exaggeration to create a dramatic effect or to emphasize a point.
•   Personification  – attributing human qualities or actions to non-human objects or ideas to make a point or create a vivid image.
•   Irony  – using language to convey the opposite of its literal meaning for humorous or dramatic effect.
•   Repetition  – the most commonly used device involves repeating a word or phrase to create emphasis or to reinforce a point.
•   Onomatopoeia  – using words that imitate the sound they represent to create a vivid image.
•   Oxymoron  – using two contradictory words together to create a paradoxical effect.
•   Rhetorical question  – asking a question to make a point or to emphasize a message without expecting a direct answer.

Consonant sounds can also be emphasized through devices like  consonance and alliteration. Metonymy and synecdoche  are two devices that involve substituting one word or phrase for another, with the former using a related term and the latter using a part to represent the whole.

Which Rhetorical Device Is Most Often Used In Speeches?

The most commonly used rhetorical device in a speech is  repetition .

Anaphora i nvolves  repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.  This can create a rhythmic effect and draw attention to the repeated phrase. John F. Kennedy’s famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” is a great example of anaphora.

Another device is  chiasmus,  which involves repeating words or ideas in reverse order. For example, “Do not let your schooling interfere with your education” is a famous quote by Mark Twain that uses chiasmus.

Repetition of a word or phrase can be used to reinforce a point or idea and can be seen in famous speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. As seen in Yoda’s unique speech pattern, sentence structure and syntax can also be manipulated for emphasis.

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My Favorite Speeches for Rhetorical Analysis: 10 Speeches for Middle School ELA and High School English

Teaching rhetorical analysis is one of my absolute favorite units to complete with my students. I love teaching my students about rhetorical strategies and devices, analyzing what makes an effective and persuasive argument, and reading critical speeches with my students. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite speeches for rhetorical analysis.

I absolutely LOVE teaching rhetorical analysis. I think it might be one of my favorite units to teach to my high school students. There are just so many different text options to choose from. Here is a list of some of my favorite speeches to include in my rhetorical analysis teaching unit.

10 Speeches for Teaching Rhetorical Analysis

1. the gettysburg address (abraham lincoln).

Some notable things to mention in this speech include allusion and parallel structure. To make your analysis more meaningful, point out these devices to students and explain how these devices enhance the meaning of the text.

Teaching Resource : The Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis Activity Packet

2. Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech (Lou Gehrig)

This speech is one that many of my athletes love to analyze, and it is an excellent exemplar text to teach pathos. And like The Gettysburg Address, it is short. This is another speech that you can read, analyze, and even write about in one class period.

When I use this speech in my class, I have students look for examples of pathos. Mainly, I have them look at word choice, tone, and mood. How does Lou Gehrig’s choice of words affect his tone and the overall mood of the speech?

3. I Have a Dream (Martin Luther King,  Jr.)

In the classroom, it is important to point out the sermonic feel to the speech and also to have your students look for calls to action and pathos. Have your students look for tone, allusions, and word choice to help them notice these rhetoric expressions throughout it.

Teaching Resource : I Have a Dream Close Read and Rhetorical Analysis

4. Speech at the March on Washington (Josephine Baker)

This is another important speech that held a lot of importance for the changes that needed to be made in America. The speech is a shorter one, so in the classroom, it will not take as long to analyze it, and students can understand the significance of the use of rhetoric in a shorter amount of time than some other speeches.

When teaching this speech, I like to remind my students to search for devices that portray an excellent example of the pathos that is so present in this speech. Some of these devices could be mood, repetition, and diction.

5. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech (Steve Jobs)

In class, it is good to have your students annotate and analyze the speech just as they have done for the others. The organization of the speech will help them to notice the similarities and differences between each point Jobs makes.

6. Space Shuttle Challenger (Ronald Reagan)

This speech represents a strong sense of pathos as a movement to help the American people cope with loss after the deaths of the astronauts aboard the Challenger. It is another speech that is not too long, so it should not take a long time to both analyze and annotate the entire speech.

When teaching this speech in class, be sure to mention how pathos is the driving force behind the speech, through the tone and the diction. How does Reagan use emotion to focus on the astronauts as humans, rather than solely focusing on the tragedy?

7. The Perils of Indifference (Elie Wiesel)

This speech is a good one to teach because it both makes students question their own lives, but also how the world works. The speech relies on pathos, and a little ethos too, to get the audience to feel the full effect of the tragedy of the Holocaust and what the speaker went through. It is a long speech so it may take longer for the students to fully grasp all the details that make it such a persuasive speech.

When I teach this speech, I like to have students annotate every place they notice an example of pathos, and then have them explain why in their annotations this makes them feel an emotion. The same with the ethos, and then we can further analyze the rest together.

8. 9/11 Address to the Nation (George W. Bush)

This speech shows another example of the use of pathos in the midst of a tragedy. The President wanted to show the American people how much he was feeling for those lost in the tragedy of 9/11. It is not a long speech, but the amount of emotion within the words is significant for students to notice.

When teaching this speech, it is essential that students look very closely at each part of it, noticing each piece that reveals tone, mood, and other literary devices. How do the different devices add to the pathos of the speech?

FREE TEACHING ACTIVITY : September 11 Address to the Nation Sampler

Teaching Resource : September 11 Address to the Nation Rhetorical Analysis Unit

9. We are Virginia Tech (Nikki Giovanni)

This speech is probably the shortest speech on this list but provides one of the most emotional and pathos-filled rhetoric. This describes another tragedy that is spoken about with pathos to give the audience a safe feeling after such an emotional thing. Students can spend time analyzing the different devices that make the piece so strong in its emotion.

In the classroom, make sure your students make a note of the repetition, and what that does for the speech. Does it make the emotion more impactful? How does it make the audience feel like they are a part of something bigger?

10. Woman’s Right to the Suffrage (Susan B. Anthony)

This is another short speech that holds a lot of power within it. A lot of students will enjoy reading this to see how much the country has changed, and how this speech may have some part in influencing this change. It is a great speech to help teach logos in the classroom, and it will not take a long time to analyze.

Make sure your students notice, and they also understand, the use of allusions within the speech. These allusions help to establish the use of logos, as Anthony wants the use of American historical documents to show how logical her argument is.

Ready-For-You Rhetorical Analysis Teaching Unit

You might also be interested in my blog post about 15 rhetorical analysis questions to ask your students.

Teaching rhetorical analysis and speeches in the classroom is a great way to teach informational text reading standards.

Rhetorical Analysis Teaching Resources:

These resources follow reading standards for informational text and are ideal for secondary ELA teachers.

• Rhetorical Analysis Unit with Sticky Notes
• Ethos, Pathos, Logos: Understanding Rhetorical Appeals\
• Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book

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10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speeches

Why do you need rhetorical devices in speeches? Using rhetorical devices brings life to your speeches. It engages your audience and adds special effects to your talk. 

People are less likely to remember a bland, straightforward speech in years to come. Powerful speeches like Martin Luther King Jr’s famous “I have a dream” are timeless. Apart from having a remarkable delivery, this speech also contains many rhetorical devices. 

So here are a few rhetorical devices in speeches you should know about. Practicing and applying them will take your oratory skills to new heights.

10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speech

An analogy is a rhetorical device that helps describe the relationship between one thing and another.

Speakers often use analogies to help their audience understand something better. For example, “The sky resembles a huge bowl of clear water” can help people visualize a clear sky. 

When you use an analogy to compare two things, your goal should not just be to show similarity. Rather, it should illustrate a point about reality. You can use analogies to explain your thoughts and express your ideas more clearly .

Examples of Analogy

• “It has been well said that an author who expects results from a first novel is in a position similar to that of a man who drops a rose petal down the Grand Canyon of Arizona and listens for the echo.” (P.G. Wodehouse)
• “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” (Elisabeth Kubler-Ross)

2. Anaphora

Anaphora is one of the rhetorical devices in speeches that have proven effective for excellent speakers. To use anaphora, you must repeat a particular word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences or phrases. 

Anaphora lets a speaker emphasize a given word that drives the ideas they wish to communicate. Additionally, anaphora is not only a great device in speeches but also in poetry and prose.

Examples of Anaphora

• “Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
• “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness….” (Charles Dickens)
• “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” (Mark Twain)

3. Epiphora

Epiphora, unlike anaphora, is a word or phrase repetition at the end of consecutive sentences, clauses, or phrases. Epiphora offers an equal amount of power to your words as anaphora does.

Additionally, you can use this device to emphasize a certain area in your speech and apply it in persuasive writing.

Examples of Epiphora

• “Take whatever idiot they have at the top of whatever agency and give me a better idiot. Give me a caring idiot. Give me a sensitive idiot. Just don’t give me the same idiot.” (Aaron Broussard)
• “She’s safe, just like I promised. She’s all set to marry Norrington, just like she promised. And you get to die for her, just like you promised.” (Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean)
• “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” (Bill Clinton)

Puns let you play on word meanings, homographs, and homophones to achieve humorous effects . It involves using witty expressions that can lighten up your audience and bring some fun into your speech. 

Puns, also known as paronomasia, can help you bring your speech to life. However, you should also pick your puns carefully. A bad pun can elicit undesired effects.

Additionally, your audience should be able to decipher the hidden joke for the pun to be effective.

Examples of Pun

• “Give me a torch: I am not for this ambling; Being but heavy I will bear the light.” (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet)
• “You can tune a guitar, but you can’t tuna fish. Unless, of course, you play bass.” (Douglas Adams)
• “Hanging is too good for a man who makes puns; he should be drawn and quoted.” (Fred Allen)

5. Aphorism

If you want to sound philosophical in your speech, an aphorism is a suitable rhetorical device. You use short, pithy statements that express a general truth or observation to present a moral or philosophical idea.

Aphorism uses metaphor to help the audience relate to the situation you are presenting. While these statements may be general knowledge, aphorisms inspire more profound thoughts in your audience and can take a few seconds to sink in for some of your audience. 

Aphorisms are easy to remember because they are short. They also apply to many situations, so you can use them for different speeches.

Examples of Aphorism

• “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, it will spend its whole life thinking it is stupid.” (Albert Einstein)
• “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” (Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings)
• “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you get what you need.” (The Rolling Stones)

6. Metanoia

Metanoia is a method of self-correction when you deliberately return to an earlier part of your speech and correct something you said. This is particularly useful for softening parts of a sentence where one might otherwise appear arrogant or condescending. 

On the other hand, you can sound harsher than you were and still get away with the harshness.

Metanoia, also known as an afterthought figure, helps you clarify a point with additional definitions. You can also use it to emphasize an idea through paraphrasing.

Examples of Metanoia

• “To help or, at least, to not harm.” ( The Hippocratic Oath )
• “It was Gatsby’s mansion. Or rather, as I did not yet know Mr. Gatsby, it was a mansion inhabited by a gentleman of that name.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby)
• “Shortly after I came to Washington, I was told in a way that showed me it was no loosely thought out—let me correct that statement. I was told in a serious way that Mr. Finletter—or rather, I was told by Mr. Finletter that he had a serious question as to the loyalty of Dr. Oppenheimer.” (David Tressel Griggs)

7. Asyndeton

To use asyndeton, all you need to do is remove the coordinating conjunctions from a sentence.

These include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Asyndeton helps you maintain concision and keep the focus on essential words in a sentence or phrase.

For example, the famous quote by Julius Caesar is a quick way to understand asyndeton. The saying “I came, I saw, I conquered” could have been “I came, I saw, and I conquered.” The omission of the conjunction ‘ and ’ makes the saying more concise, straightforward, and powerful.

Examples of Asyndeton

• “We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be...” (Winston Churchill)
• “An empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest. The air was thick, warm, heavy, sluggish.” (Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness)
• “We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” (President John F. Kennedy)

8. Polysyndeton

Polysyndeton is an opposite rhetorical device to asyndeton. Instead of omitting the conjunctions, this device lets you include as many of them as possible. 

With polysyndeton, you get to use conjunctions where they are unnecessary. However, your use of conjunctions must still be grammatical.

Polysyndeton generally lets your speech flow with a sense of excitement or urgency. It helps the listener focus on each item in your list. It further enriches your language use without over-flowery embellishment. Additionally, it is common in everyday speech.

Examples of Polysyndeton

• “In years gone by, there were in every community men and women who spoke the language of duty and morality and loyalty and obligation.” (William F. Buckley)
• “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers.” (The U.S. Postal Service Creed)
• “We will always remember them, these skilled professionals, scientists and adventurers, these artists and teachers and family men and women, and we will cherish each of their stories—stories of triumph and bravery, stories of true American heroes.” (President Ronald Reagan)

9. Symploce

Symploce is another rhetorical device that involves repetition. It combines anaphora with epistrophe to create an effect.

In symploce, you repeat certain words or phrases at the beginning and end of successive sentences.

You can use symploce to tell the difference between two or more ideas by changing only a few words in the middle of a given sentence. This small change gives a whole new meaning to your words.

Examples of Symploce

• “The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason.” (G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy)
• “Much of what I say might sound bitter, but it’s the truth. Much of what I say might sound like it’s stirring up trouble, but it’s the truth. Much of what I say might sound like it is hate, but it’s the truth.” (Malcolm X)
• “Let us let our own children know that we will stand against the forces of fear. When there is talk of hatred, let us stand up and talk against it. When there is talk of violence, let us stand up and talk against it.” (William Jefferson Clinton)

10. Anastrophe

Anastrophe, also known as hyperbaton, is an inversion of a sentence’s regular order of words.

Where a sentence traditionally follows the subject-verb-object order, an anastrophe makes it an object-subject-verb structure.

Anastrophe is useful when you intend to emphasize a particular word. Therefore, you bring the word to the beginning of the structure and let other words follow. This rhetorical device is used in George Lucas’s Star Wars series as a peculiar language style for Master Yoda.

Examples of Anastrophe

• “Named must your fear be before banish it you can.” (Yoda)
• “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” (J.R. Tolkien, Hobbit)
• Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever. (Chief Joseph, 1877 Surrender)

Conclusion: Rhetorical Devices in Speeches

Speeches can be much better with deliberate efforts. You can make a lasting impression on your audience using proper rhetorical devices.

So, it would be best if you spent some more time and effort to fine-tune your speeches with these rhetorical devices. The results will be worthwhile, and the response from your audience will be rewarding.

You might also like: How to Prepare for a Speech

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25 Examples of Rhetorical Strategies in Famous Speeches

I’m not trying to be cheesy! An emotional response is a meaningful response, and that reaction stays with you long after the presentation is over. Whenever you think of that speaker or of that topic, your brain will bring back those feelings for you- whether they be of motivation, inspiration, sadness, empathy, or otherwise.

Rhetorical strategies use language to convey special meaning and/or to persuade someone. Basically, these strategies can be used to intentionally invoke feelings in others.

If your first reaction to all this is “Huh?” that’s okay- so was mine. Here’s how I understand it now: rhetorical strategies = emotional connection = memorability.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a master presenter (no judgement if you have), you need these tools in your repertoire ASAP. They’re just so effective!

Don’t believe me? All the cool kids are using (or used) them – I’m talking about thought leader Simon Sinek , technology guru Steve Jobs, past American president Barack Obama, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and even good old William Shakespeare.

Unless you’re above any of these greatly respected people, I’m betting that you could benefit from a little rhetorical strategy in your next speech!

25 rhetorical strategies from the best minds

We’ve compiled 25 rhetorical strategies from the most memorable presentations on the planet so that your next presentation is undeniably memorable. Ready to begin?

1. Alliteration:

Two or more words in a row that start with the same sound.

“They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different, and difficult places.” – Barack Obama

2. Allusion:

A statement that hints at something instead of being direct about it.

“You must borrow me Gargantua’s mouth first. ‘Tis a word too great for any mouth of this age’s size” – Shakespeare

3. Anadiplosis:

Repeating the last word (or words) of a sentence at the beginning of the next sentence.

“Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution.” – George W. Bush

4. Analogy:

A literal comparison of two things.

“A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt: long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.” – Winston Churchill

5. Anaphora:

Using the same word (or words) to begin 2 or more sentences (or paragraphs) that follow each other.

“I trust Hillary to lead this country because I’ve seen her lifelong devotion to our nation’s children – not just her own daughter, who she has raised to perfection but every child who needs a champion: Kids who take the long way to school to avoid the gangs. Kids who wonder how they’ll ever afford college. Kids whose parents don’t speak a word of English but dream of a better life. Kids who look to us to determine who and what they can be.” – Michelle Obama

6. Anastrophe:

A reversal of the typical ordering of a sentence.

“This much we pledge, and more” – JF Kennedy

7. Antistrophe:

Repeating one (or more) words at the end of a sentence.

“It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation: Yes, we can. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail towards freedom through the darkest of nights: Yes, we can. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness: Yes, we can” – Barack Obama

8. Antithesis:

A contrast of thoughts.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

9. Asyndeton:

Leaving out conjunction words (as or and) from a sentence.

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln

10. Assonance:

Repeating a vowel sound in a sentence.

“I feel the need, the need for speed” – Tom Cruise (from the movie Top Gun)

11. Chiasmus:

The reversal of the latter of two parallel sentences.

“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” – John F. Kennedy

12. Diacope/Tmesis:

Inserting a word (or more) between the components of a compound word.

“Free at last, free at last; thank God almighty, free at last!” – Martin Luther King

13. Epistrophe:

Another name for antistrophe (see above).

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth” – Abraham Lincoln

14. Expletive:

Using a word or phrase only to fill out a sentence for grammar, rhythm or balance.

“… we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving …” – Winston Churchill

15. Germinatio:

The repetition of a word within the sentence.

“That’s 58 songs every second of every minute of every hour of every day.” – Steve Jobs

16. Hyperbole:

Exaggerating a description for emphasis.

“Best version of Google Maps on the planet, widgets, and all with Edge and Wi-Fi networking.” – Steve Jobs

17. Hypophora:

Posing a question that you will answer yourself.

“When the enemy struck on that June day of 1950, what did America do? It did what it always has done in all its times of peril. It appealed to the heroism of its youth” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

18. Litotes:

An understatement that expresses an affirmative by negating its opposite.

“I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

19. Meiosis:

A massive understatement.

“The situation has developed, not necessarily to our advantage” – Emperor Hirohito, announcing to the Japanese people that atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

20. Metaphor:

Comparing two unlike objects to provide a clearer description.

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare

21. Parallelism:

using a sequence of identical constructions in writing

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

22. Scesis Onomaton:

Repeating two (or more) different words with identical or similar meaning within the same sentence.

“That is heart-breaking, it is wrong, and no one should be treated that way in the United States of America” – Barack Obama

23. Simile:

Comparing two unlike things using the words “like” or “as” with an example.

“We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

24. Symploce:

Repeating one (or more) words at the beginning and end of successive sentences.

“In the struggle for peace and justice, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle for opportunity and equality, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle to heal this nation and repair this world, we cannot walk alone” – Barack Obama

25. Tricolon:

A sentence with three clearly defined parts of equal length

Rhetorical strategies improve audience engagement

If you got a little lost amidst the English jargon, here are the 2 main takeaways you need to know:

• Repetition emphasizes meaning Repetition is perhaps the most common rhetorical strategy. Whether it be the repetition of a word, a phrase, or a specific sound, it is incredibly effective. Use this strategy to build meaning behind the essential points you need to get across.
• Comparisons facilitate understanding Comparisons are also an extremely popular strategy, likely because they make the subject matter more relatable. If your audience can identify with what you’re saying, that creates an opportunity for you to cultivate a connection with them.

In sum, the best designed presentations , a slick new outfit, or a commanding voice may impress an audience initially, and can be important to gain their attention, but they lack true substance for any long-term retention. Rhetorical strategies are the single greatest tool for memorability. If you recognized even one of these examples, you just proved that rhetoric strategies are memorable. Why not start using them to your advantage?

Incorporating rhetorical strategies is kind of like learning how to ride a bike – you’re going to think you look unsure the first few times you try and you’re probably going to walk away with some scrapes and bruises. But, once you gain confidence, you’ll be able to ride circles around everyone else.

See what I did there? Here’s to being memorable!

Note: All definitions have been adapted from Your Dictionary .

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Stylistic Devices (Rhetorical Devices, Figures of Speech)

On the following pages, we will explain some of the most important stylistic devices (also called rhetorical devices or figures of speech) – they are not only useful for analysing texts, but also for creating your own texts.

Stylistic devices make your speeches, essays etc. more interesting and lively and help you to get and keep your reader ’ s / listener ’ s attention.

The Throughline Blog

Practical Media Training and Public Speaking Tips

Nine Rhetorical Devices For Your Next Speech

Many speakers are good at conveying information to their audiences. But how many of them are actually interesting ?

Rhetorical devices are too often cast aside as the province of the great Roman orators. They shouldn’t be. When executed well, they can spice up your speeches, presentations, even your one-on-one conversations.

Here are nine of my favorite rhetorical devices. Instead of just reading this article, try inserting a few of these devices in your next speech!

1. Alliteration: The repetition of a sound in the first syllable of each phrase. In the example below, you will see one string of three words beginning with “f,” and another with three words beginning with “d.”

“They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different, and difficult places.” – President Barack Obama

  2. Anadiplosis: The last word or phrase is repeated to begin the next.

“Suffering breeds character; character breeds faith.” – Rev. Jesse Jackson “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda

    3. Antimetabole: The repetition of words or phrases in successive clauses, but in reverse order.

“Not all schooling is education nor all education, schooling.” – Economist Milton Friedman “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” – Scientist Carl Sagan

    4. Antithesis:  A word, phrase, or sentence opposes the original proposition.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

5. Asyndeton: Omits conjunctions, which helps to increase the tempo and highlight a specific idea.

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln “He was a bag of bones, a floppy doll, a broken stick, a maniac.” – Jack Kerouac

6. Diacope: A repeated word or phrase split up by other words; typically used to express a strong emotion.

“Put out the light, and then put out the light.” – William Shakespeare, Othello “For the love of God, man, for the love of God.” – Me, all the time “You’re not fully clean unless you’re Zest fully clean .” – Zest Soap commercial  

  7. Litotes: You’ve probably heard this if a friend ever told you her first date was “not bad.” Litotes is essentially a double negative, expressed by denying an opposite idea; often used ironically.

“She’s no dummy” (she’s smart) “This is no small problem” (this is a big problem)

  8. Metaphor: An analogy that compares one thing or idea to another, using a term or phrase it literally isn’t to suggest similarity.

“Homeowners are the innocent bystanders in a drive-by shooting by Wall Street and Washington.” – Sen. John McCain “It’s raining men.” – The Weather Girls

  9. Simile: A comparison between two unalike things, usually using the words “as” or “like.”

“We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “You’re as cold as ice.” – Foreigner

Do you want to learn even more ways to spice up your speeches and presentations? Become the speaker you always wanted to be with our free public speaking tips guide . 

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Comments (9)

Useful list, but I’m rather surprised by your use of all these obscure Greek words to describe the techniques. I’ve been teaching people how to use rhetorical devices for more than 25 years and have found it perfectly possible to describe them in instantly accessible modern English that anyone can easily understand. For the same reason – instant accessibility so that people can benefit from using them – also did this in my book ‘Lend Me Your Ears: All You Need to Know About Making Speeches and Presentations’ http://amzn.to/g7NgAL

Hi Max, Thank you for your comment, and you raise a fair point. I certainly agree that jargon is lousy for all forms of communication. Would you mind sharing a few of the terms you use to replace the ancient Greek words? Thank you, Brad

I think it’s important to note that it’s not necessary to use ALL of these devices in a speech or presentation. Two similes, a bunch of alliteration and some antimetabole can be too much. It’s a presentation, not Shakespeare. Don’t let the message get muddied in order to show how clever you are. Simplicity, in many cases, is the best rhetorical device.

Hi Betsy, Thank you for making that point – you’re exactly right. Rhetorical devices should be used to help achieve a specific purpose, such as making a key point more memorable. Speakers should feel free to experiment with a device or two in every speech, but should be careful not to go over-the-top. If you’re unsure how many devices to use, I’d err on the side of too few (at least at first). As you suggested, a little goes a long way. Thanks for stopping by the blog! Brad

AWESOME AND EDUCATIONAL

I would like to point out, that I am fairly certain that your second example for alliteration, given by Martin Luther King Jr., is not alliteration at all. I believe it is actually an example of anaphora.

First commenter (Max) is clearly self promoting and not adding value here. Why say that and then not offer examples? Thank you author Brad for providing these examples and the names that are used for them.

Jack is correct! H.S. was 10 years ago for me (I took a public speaking class), but I DO recall falling in love with anaphora, particularly when I was crafting a rousing speech. It gets me FIRED UP! BTW, is there any way in which an apposition can be qualified as a rhetorical device? I feel in love with them from about age 9– I read a lot. I do love them in informative pieces, but it would be fun to see them used convincingly in a persuasive piece. I faintly recall trying to squeeze A FEW into just one sentence for a particularly militant English professor, just to piss her off. . . IT WORKED. She loved me by the end of the semester, however.

For those who did not appreciate the technical terms for the devices. I loved It, as it helped focus my attention. I got a real kick out of it, the specific terms, the love of language for the sake of language. Mmm. A rhetorical device?

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© Copyright 2001-Present. American Rhetoric by Michael E. Eidenmuller All rights reserved. 108 COMMENTS 31 Common Rhetorical Devices and Examples An expression of real or pretended doubt or uncertainty especially for rhetorical effect. to be, or not to be: that is the question. cacophony | see definition ». Harshness in the sound of words or phrases. chiasmus | see definition ». An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases. 60+ Rhetorical Devices with Examples for Effective Persuasion Example: "Passed away" instead of "died.". Parallelism: Repeating a grammatical structure for emphasis or balance. Example: "Like father, like son.". These are just a few examples of the many rhetorical devices that writers and speakers use to convey their messages effectively and memorably. By using repetition, sound patterns ... 15 Examples of Powerful Rhetorical Devices to Level Up Your Rhetorical devices like repetition, amplification, and antithesis, for example, can highlight key ideas or arguments, making them stand out in the reader's mind. By strategically emphasizing certain points, you can guide your audience's attention and ensure your most important messages hit home. The 20 Most Useful Rhetorical Devices Eutrepismus is another rhetorical device you've probably used before without realizing it. This device separates speech into numbered parts, giving your reader or listener a clear line of thinking to follow. Eutrepismus is a great rhetorical device—let me tell you why. First, it's efficient and clear. Top 41 Rhetorical Devices For Speaking & Writing Review this list of the essential rhetorical devices, including their meanings and examples, so you can add pizazz to your speaking and writing skills. What Is a Rhetorical Device? Definition, List, Examples Updated on June 07, 2024. A rhetorical device is a linguistic tool that employs a particular type of sentence structure, sound, or pattern of meaning in order to evoke a particular reaction from an audience. Each rhetorical device is a distinct tool that can be used to construct an argument or make an existing argument more compelling. 44 Rhetorical Devices: Complete Guide to Effective Rhetoric Rhetorical devices are the tools that give language its power, transforming ordinary prose into something that resonates with readers. ... Hypophora is a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then immediately answers it. This approach is used to engage the reader and guide them toward a particular line of thought or argument. Common Rhetorical Devices List Argumentative rhetorical devices —Devices whose structures are conducive to the advancement of a certain argument. Emphatic rhetorical devices —Devices that underscore or emphasize certain ideas. Stylistic rhetorical devices —Devices that use word play and diction to advance an argument. Let's examine these 5 categories now, with a look ... Rhetorical Device There are many types of rhetorical devices such as: Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the first letter of the word in the same line.; Antithesis: An antithesis is a figure of speech that refers to the juxtaposition of opposing or contrasting ideas.; Anaphora: It refers to the repetition of a word or expression in the first part of some verses. What Is a Rhetorical Device? Meaning, Types, and Examples A rhetorical device is a linguistic tool that evokes a specific kind of understanding in a reader or listener. Generally, rhetorical devices are used to make arguments or bolster existing arguments. To understand rhetorical devices, you need to first understand rhetoric. Rhetoric is language that's used to connect with audiences and inform ... Rhetorical Device: Definition and Examples Example 1. Hyperbole is a word- or sentence-level rhetorical device in which the author exaggerates a particular point for dramatic effect. For example: Berlin was flattened during the bombing. Because the city was not literally left flat, this is an exaggeration, and therefore hyperbole. But it still helps express the author's main point ... Examples of Rhetorical Devices: 25 Techniques to Recognize Browsing rhetorical devices examples can help you learn different ways to embolden your writing. Uncover what they look like and their impact with our list. ... Analogies that are very well known sometimes fall into the categories of idioms or figures of speech. Anaphora. The 20 Most Common Rhetorical Devices (With Examples) The most famous examples are alliteration, assonance and puns. Order-related rhetorical devices: these devices modify the normal order of words within a phrase or sentence. The most well-known examples are anaphoras, anastrophes, asyndeton, chiasmus, omissions, hyperbaton and polysyndeton. Meaning-related rhetorical devices: these types of ... List of Rhetorical Devices for Lasting Impressions Some of the most common rhetorical devices include: Alliteration: the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Metaphor: a figure of speech that compares two things without using "like" or "as.". Simile: a figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as.". PDF Rhetorical Devices for Speeches question raised and answered by the author / speaker. The author / speaker raises a question and also gives an answer to the question. Hypophora is used to get the audience's attention and make them curious. Often the question is raised at the beginning of a paragraph and answered in the course of that paragraph. Rhetorical Devices Make Speeches Spring To Life A rhetorical device is a verbal technique a speaker or writer uses to make their presentation more compelling to the audience so that listeners are persuaded to accept their position. They can evoke an emotional response, although this is not the main reason why the speaker chooses the device. Rhetoric is the art of using language to persuade ... My Favorite Speeches for Rhetorical Analysis: 10 Speeches for Middle Teaching rhetorical analysis is one of my absolute favorite units to complete with my students. I love teaching my students about rhetorical strategies and devices, analyzing what makes an effective and persuasive argument, and reading critical speeches with my students. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite speeches for rhetorical analysis. 10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speeches 10 Rhetorical Devices to Enhance Your Speech 1. Analogy. An analogy is a rhetorical device that helps describe the relationship between one thing and another. Speakers often use analogies to help their audience understand something better. For example, "The sky resembles a huge bowl of clear water" can help people visualize a clear sky. 25 Examples of Rhetorical Strategies in Famous Speeches Leaving out conjunction words (as or and) from a sentence. "…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.". - Abraham Lincoln. 10. Assonance: Repeating a vowel sound in a sentence. "I feel the need, the need for speed". - Tom Cruise (from the movie Top Gun) 11. Rhetorical device In rhetoric, a rhetorical device, persuasive device, or stylistic device is a technique that an author or speaker uses to convey to the listener or reader a meaning with the goal of persuading them towards considering a topic from a perspective, using language designed to encourage or provoke an emotional display of a given perspective or action. . They seek to make a position or argument more ... Stylistic Devices (Rhetorical Devices, Figures of Speech) Parenthesis. Personification. Points of view. Repetition. Rhetorical Question. Simile. Synecdoche. Understatement. Make your speeches, essays etc. more interesting and lively by using stylistic devices (also called rhetorical devices). Nine Rhetorical Devices For Your Next Speech Instead of just reading this article, try inserting a few of these devices in your next speech! 1. Alliteration: The repetition of a sound in the first syllable of each phrase. In the example below, you will see one string of three words beginning with "f," and another with three words beginning with "d.". "They are part of the finest ... Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century by Rank Speech Bank: Top 100 Speeches: Great New Speeches: Obama Speeches: GWB Speeches: Movie Speeches: Rhetorical Figures: Christian Rhetoric: 9/11 Speeches: News and Research: For Scholars: Rhetoric Defined: Corax v. Tisias: Plato on Rhetoric: Aristotle on Rhetoric: Comm Journals: Comm Associations: Cool Exercises: Rodman & de Ref: Speech Quiz #1 ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis