Rhetorical Devices

Used in Persuasion

Oratory/ Orator• A form of public speaking• A qualified speaker• Contents of speech to add emphasis include:– Charged Words– Rhetorical questions– Restatement– Repetition– Parallelism– Exclamation

Charged Words• Charged words are words with strong connotations

beyond their literal meaning that are likely to produce an emotional response.– Tyranny (evokes a feeling of fear, suggests living in

a state of terror)– Liberty (suggests an ideal life characterized by

freedom)– Justice (can be associated with freedom and

equality)– Honor (evokes a sense of morality and dignity)

Rhetorical Questions

• Rhetorical question/questions are the questions the speaker asks the audience. However, the audience internalizes the answer. Nothing is answered orally.

Restatement• Restatement is stating the same idea in

different words

Repetition• Repetition is repeating the exact same words

over again.

Parallelism• Parallelism refers to the repeated use of

phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in structure or meaning. Writers use this technique to emphasize important ideas, create rhythm, and make their writing more forceful and direct.

Exclamation• Exclamation an abrupt or forceful utterance –

a highly emotional or provocative statement(s)

Now Let’s Practice

• Read Patrick Henry’s Speech and see if we can pick out these Rhetorical Devices