Quick list of terms we used for rhetorical analysis of speeches. Note that poetical devices can be used
rhetorically, since rhetoric is the art of persuasive and effective speech.
Alliteration
Allusion
Musical device – repetition of the same
sound at the begging of several words in
sequence
A brief reference to a historical or
literary figure, event, or document used
to explain or enhance an idea.
Anecdote
A brief story of tale used to illustrate a
point
Assonance
Musical device – the successive use of
syllables with the same or similar vowel
sounds in words with different
consonants.
The direct appeal for action, for change
A figure of speech that has become
commonplace. Although clichés are
criticized for being unoriginal, they can
be effective in establishing tone
The repetition of two or more
consonants with a change in the
intervening vowels
An author’s choice of words to convey a
tone or effect
Call to action
Cliché
Consonance
Diction
Ethos
Euphemism
Figurative
language
Hyperbole
Imagery
Logos
Paradox
Parallel structure,
parallelism
The speaker’s appeal to ethics
The credibility of a speaker or source
A milder or less direct expression for
one that is harsh or blunt
The opposite of literal language and
includes, for examples, metaphor,
simile, hyperbole
An overstatement characterized by
exaggerated language
The use of language that reproduces a
sensory experience, most often visual
Appeal to logic
A statement that seems contradictory
but is actually true
Recurrent syntactical similarity where
several parts of a sentence or several
sentences. In addition to contributing to
the cadence, or rhythm of a passage,
parallelism can emphasize ideas
-- Let us go forth to lead the land we love . . . (JFK)
-- My style is public negotiations for purity, rather than
private negotiations for position (Jesse Jackson)
-- In Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, the protagonist,
George Milton, is aptly name, for his surname is an
allusion to John Milton, author of Paradise Lost. By the
end of the novel, George has lost the dream of having a
little ranch of his own to share with his friend Lennie.
-- In Obama’s 2004 Convention speech, he provides an
anecdote about his parents to support a point he
makes about the American dream
--the repetition of the “0” sound in this phrase from
JFK’s Inaugural speech: “oppose any foe …”
--as old as the hills
--the repetition of the “l” sound in this phrase from
JFK’s Inaugural speech: “whether it wishes us well or ill,
that we shall pay any price…”
--Peer-reviewed articles will be characterized by
academic, scholarly diction whereas personal narratives
will be characterized by more informal language.
-- using “passed away” for “dead”
“If you take my parking spot, you can expect WWIII.”
--JFK “For only when our arms are sufficient beyond
doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will
never be employed.”
--MLK “We must forever conduct our struggle on the
high plan of dignity and discipline. We must not allow
our creative protest to degenerate into physical
violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic
heights of meeting physical force with soul force.”
Pathos
Rebuttal
Refutation
Repetition
Rhetorical
question
Syntax
Thesis
Tricolon
Appeal to emotion
Part of an argument in which the author
discredits an argument by offering an
opposite point of view
Part of an argument in which the author
produces evidence that a claim is untrue
When a word, phrase or sentence is
repeated
The use of questioning to be persuasive.
Rhetorical questions are effective only if
the writer knows how his or her
audience would respond
Word order in a sentence
The focus statement of an essay; the
premise statement upon which the
point of view or discussion is based
A broad term for the use of repetition in
threes
--And what sort of soldiers are those you are to lead?
Are they reliable, are they brace, are they capable of
victory? (MacArthur, The Corps)
We were frightened; the noise had been so loud, so
sharp.
The loud, sharp noise frightened us.
-- Government of the people, by the people, for the
people... (Lincoln)