Rhetorical Strategies
How to Write a Persuasive Speech
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Persuasive Mantra
Elements of the Speech
Rhetorical Strategies
Elements of the Speech
Format:
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
How to Structure
the Introduction
1st sentence: In the past, …
2nd sentence: Today, however,
3rd sentence (a.k.a. the Thesis): Although some believe (state
opposing side’s opinion), (give your belief).
Click below to see examples of a thesis written out.
Example 1 - Useful if you have three arguments.
Example 2 - Useful if you have three or more arguments.
Example Thesis 1
• Although teenagers don’t like dress codes and
school uniforms, having expectations about school
attire improves student behavior, saves money, and
reduces clothing competition.
** Using the above thesis as the structure of your
speech, you would write a paragraph about
improving student behavior, then a second
paragraph about saving money, and a third
addressing the reduction of clothing competition. **
Example Thesis 2
• Although teenagers don’t like dress codes
and school uniforms, having expectations
about school clothing solves many problems
in the end.
** This thesis is less specific and leaves you
open to writing about the “many problems”
that are solved. **
What is a Thesis?
• A thesis is the most important sentence in
your paper! It becomes the outline of your
entire essay.
What to Include
in the Body
• Arguments for your side
• Arguments against your side
– It seems weird to bring up the other side, but the
best way to win your argument is to point out
their argument so you can knock it down with
yours!
• Evidence, facts, statistics, quotes – a.k.a.
CONCRETE DETAILS
What to Include
in Your Conclusion
• 1st sentence: Restate your thesis.
• 2nd sentence: This sentence is a passionate
sentence that explains why your audience
needs to join your side.
• 3rd sentence: This sentence contains the
consequence of ignoring your call to action.
Persuasive Mantra
• “Take a stand and give me 3”
– Choose a side! DO NOT WAVER!
– Give 3 reasons to support your stand
Rhetorical Strategies Menu
What is a
Rhetorical Strategy?
Alliteration
Metaphor/Simile
Allusion
Repetition
Antithesis
Rhetorical Question
Hyperbole
Rule of Three
What is a
Rhetorical Strategy?
A rhetorical strategy is a specifically chosen
type of writing that will help you win your
argument.
Alliteration
• Definition – the close repetition of
consonant sounds, usually at the beginnings
of words.
• Examples: Dynamic Duo, Terrific Trio, or
Magical Math
Allusion
• Definition – a reference to a person, object,
or event from the Bible, mythology,
literature, or popular culture.
• Examples:
– “If you tell him that, you are opening up
Pandora’s Box.”
– “They thought they were Romeo and Juliet.”
Antithesis
• Definition – a technique of putting two opposite
ideas near each other in a sentence to create a
powerful effect.
• Examples:
– “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
-Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
– “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what
you can do for your country.” -John F. Kennedy
– “We are caught in a war, wanting peace.” -Richard Nixon
Hyperbole
• Definition – use of exaggeration to
emphasize a point.
– We use hyperboles naturally and often.
• Examples:
– “I was waiting a year for you to get off the
phone!”
– “That bag weighs a ton.”
Metaphor/Simile
• Definition – short comparisons of the
characteristics of two unlike things.
– A simile uses “like” or “as” to make those comparisons; a
metaphor makes a direct comparison.
• Examples:
– “…the manacles of segregation…” - Martin Luther King,
“I Have a Dream”
• He is comparing manacles (chains) to segregation
(separation/discrimination), making it a metaphor.
– “Our ignorance is like a vast sea, deep and wide.”
• The comparison is made using the word “like,” so this is a simile.
Repetition
• Definition – repeating a word, phrase, or
sentence throughout a speech to create
some kind of rhythm.
• Example:
– “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God
Almighty, we are free at last!” -Martin Luther
King
Rhetorical Question
• Definition –questions used for effect that
are not to be answered. This draws the
audience’s attention to a specific area.
• Example:
– “Are we really free when we cannot walk happily
into our closets and choose clothes that allow us
to express ourselves?”
Rule of Three
• Definition – a technique of grouping
together three words, phrases, or sentences.
• Examples:
– “I came. I saw. I conquered.” -Julius Caesar
– “… a government of the people, by the people,
for the people…” -Abraham Lincoln, “The
Gettysburg Address”