Rhetorical Devices and Persuasive Techniques

What are Rhetorical Devices?

• Rhetoric: Technique of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form.
• Rhetorical Device: Technique used by an author or speaker to persuade the reader or listener to:
  • Consider a topic from a different perspective.
  • Take the writer or speaker's position or take action.

Common Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical Question

• Definition: A question not answered by the writer or speaker, with an obvious answer.
• Purpose: To make a point.
• Example: "Why would you want to vote for somebody who does not keep his promises?"

Allusions

• Definition: A brief or indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.
• Types:
  • Biblical Allusion: "Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."
  • Mythological/Literary Allusion: "His Achilles heel was gambling."

Repetition

• Definition: Repeating a word or phrase several times for emphasis.
• Example: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address emphasizes "government of the people, by the people, for the people."

Parallel Structure (Parallelism)

• Definition: Using phrases or sentences with the same grammatical structure.
• Examples:
  • "We were told to either reduce the staff or find new customers."
  • "Agnes was neither going to classes nor doing her assignments."

The Communication/Rhetorical Triangle

Ethos

• Definition: Credibility of the writer or speaker.
• Criteria: Trusted, liked, and knowledgeable.
• Examples:
  • "As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you..."
  • "If my age doesn't convince you..."

Logos

• Definition: Logical reasoning and evidence.
• Criteria: Logical arguments supported by facts.
• Examples:
  • Legal arguments with fingerprints and video evidence.
  • Research on moon colony viability.

Pathos

• Definition: Emotional appeal.
• Criteria: Creates emotional impact, such as sadness, anger, or fear.
• Examples:
  • Fear of being the last to buy a school shirt.
  • Warning about dangerous streets.

Combining Strategies

• Best arguments often combine ethos, logos, and pathos.
• Effective communication involves credibility, logical arguments, and emotional responses.

Summary

• Rhetoric involves language used effectively and persuasively.
• Common devices include rhetorical questions, allusions, repetition, and parallel structure.
• Key rhetorical strategies involve ethos, logos, and pathos.
• Understanding these devices can help in identifying their use in texts or using them in writing and speaking.