Common Rhetorical Devices Used in Speeches

UNDERSTANDING THE STRUCTURE

The basic structure of a political speech includes the following:
1. Acknowledgements mentioning who is present and who they are addressing (shoutouts)this may be short or omitted, depending on the setting of the speech.

2. Description of the present situation What is the issue? Whats going on?
3. Proof of unfairness Describing & proving why the situation is undesirable or unfair.
4. Vision of a better way What would conditions be like if they were better than they are
now?
5. Call for action What must be done to achieve better conditions?
What is it called?

1. Parallelism

What IS it?

The intentional use of parts of a

sentence (or a series of sentences) that
are grammatically similar in
construction.

What does it do?

EFFECT

Gives ideas a smoother flow

Provides balance of ideas
Allows writers to maintain
consistency

Whenever you need me, wherever you

need me, I will be there for you

2. Anaphora

3. Allusion

Repetition of a word or phrase at

the beginning of a series of
sentences.

Reference in literature to another

work of literature, art, historical
event or current event

Asking a question without

expecting a response.

Emphasizes a point
May help to convey a sense
of determination, intensity or
seriousness
Contributes to emotional
appeal because it draws in
the audience
Enables writers or poets to
simplify complex ideas and
emotions
Builds a connection or
relationship with the
audience by appealing to
common understandings or
beliefs.
often used to make the
audience reflect on an idea

4. Rhetorical
Question

5. Anthypophora

Speaker asks a question and then

immediately answers it.
Reasoning aloud.
(also called hypophora)
Ex. "You ask, what is our aim? I
can answer in one word: Victory.
Victory at all costs

6. Imagery

7. 1st person
pronouns

9. Metaphor &
Simile

Neutralizes the opposition

Makes the speaker seem
neutral by addressing both
sides of an argument
Establishes logos

Use of descriptive language that

appeals to the physical senses
- Visual = sights
- Auditory = sounds
- Gustatory = taste
- Tactile = texture/touch
- Olfactory = smells

Creates a vibrant and graphic

illustration
Helps audience imagine the
scene/situation
Appeals to emotion

Personal pronouns where the

speaker refers to himself using
and others using

Builds a more intimate

connection with the audience
Creates an inclusive feel, a
sense of collaboration

I, we, us, me, mine, etc.

8. Facts/Statistics

leads the audience to a

certain line of reasoning

Proven or researched
information that is
widely-accepted as truth.
Data that has been
collected and can be
verified.
Metaphor comparing two
distinctly different things by
saying they are equal.

appeals to logic
makes claims seem provable,
therefore more credible

draw connections
make difficult or unfamiliar
concepts easier to understand
by connecting to prior
knowledge

Simile comparing two

distinctly different things using
like or as
10. Anecdote

A short, interesting story about a

real person or incident

can be emotionally evocative

depending on the connecting
ideas

Illustrates a point or idea

Builds a connection with the
audience by appealing to emotions
(Pathos)
Builds credibility with the
audience (Ethos)

11. Connotative
Diction

Word choice that has an implied

or suggested meaning. Words
that carry cultural and emotional
associations or meanings in
addition to their literal meanings

Creates a particular emotion in the

audience (pathos)