Persuasive Speech Unit - Rhetorical Devices
Survey of Composition and Literature
Oratory is the art of formal public speaking. A skilled orator uses rhetorical devices to make his/her speech more effective. The seven common types of rhetorical
devices are listed below.
Device
Definition
Concession
Acknowledging the good points of an
It may seem impossible for kids our age to
opposing argument. Declaring respect for a make a difference, but it is really the same
part of your opponent’s argument.
things that we all do that can impact someone
else’s life.
A question that the speaker does not
expect people to answer verbally. Because
people generally will try to answer the
questions in their mind, however, the
questions force them to think actively
about what the speaker is saying.
Rhetorical questions can almost always be
answered with a “yes” or “no.” The answer
is almost always clearly answered in the
text of the speech.
Comparison/Contrast Comparing or contrasting two ideas or
people in order to illustrate a larger point.
Rhetorical Question
Model
How would you feel if you were put to
strenuous work every day at a low wage? Is it
just or fair?
What if your childhood were filled with
memories of injuries and hardships?
Bangladesh children under 14 years old are
paid 400-700 takas a month. An average adult
would earn 5000 takas for the same job. The
cheap labor of children is what encourages
people to use kids instead of adults.
Examples you’ll use in your persuasive
speech
Device
Repetition
Definition
Repetition of an idea in the same words
Model
Imagine. Imagine that your family has barely
any money. .. Just imagine. Imagine that you
are going to be the next one.
Restatement
Restating a key idea in a different way.
How can we stand here and watch this? How
can we go on with our luxurious lives while
other children who are younger than us
struggle every day?
Parallelism
The repeated use of the same words or a
pattern to begin or end a series of
sentences.
How can we stand here and watch this? How
can we go on with our luxurious lives while
other children who are younger than us
struggle every day? How can we buy the
products that are made by these children?
Exclamation
The use of a highly emotional or
provocative statement
Child labor is cruel, and is a global issue that
should be stopped now!
Examples you’ll use in your persuasive speech