Defining the Climb
This rhetorical device arranges words, phrases, or ideas in order of increasing importance.
What is climax?
“He whispered, he spoke, he shouted.” What structural pattern is being used?
What is ascending intensity (climax)?
Rhetorical climax primarily appeals to which rhetorical strategy when used in persuasive speeches?
What is pathos?
“He came, he saw, he won.”
Yes.
An author uses climax in a speech about war to make the audience feel what?
Urgency or emotional intensity.
Climax is often confused with this device, which reverses grammatical structure in successive phrases.
What is parallelism?
“We will not falter. We will not fail. We will not surrender.” What technique supports the climax here?
What is parallelism?
Building ideas gradually helps the audience feel this emotional effect.
What is anticipation or momentum?
“She studied for hours, took the exam, and sharpened her pencil.”
No.
In political rhetoric, climax often frames the final idea as this.
The most important issue.
When a writer builds ideas upward in intensity through repetition of structure, it strengthens this element of rhetoric.
What is emphasis?
Identify the climactic progression:
“From a spark, to a flame, to a wildfire.”
The ideas increase in magnitude.
Why does placing the strongest idea last increase persuasive power?
It leaves the audience with the most impactful idea.
“We must educate our children, strengthen our communities, and protect our democracy.”
Yes.
Why might a preacher use rhetorical climax in a sermon?
To build emotional momentum toward a spiritual conclusion.
The opposite of climax, where ideas descend in importance for ironic or humorous effect.
What is anticlimax?
What makes this a rhetorical climax?
“She looked, she examined, she dissected the truth.”
The verbs increase in intensity.
Climax strengthens speeches by reinforcing this structural principle: audiences remember the ____ most.
What is the ending?
“They whispered rumors, spread lies, and destroyed reputations.”
Yes.
When an author uses climax to move from personal story to national issue, what strategy is being used?
Broadening scope to universalize the message.
Climax differs from narrative climax because rhetorical climax focuses on this element rather than plot.
What is language structure / persuasive emphasis?
Why is this NOT a strong climax?
“He was tired, hungry, and existentially devastated.”
The final idea doesn't corelate with the previous ones.
How does climax help establish ethos in a speech?
It shows control and sophistication.
“We want better grades, better schools, and better weather.”
No.
If an author builds toward a climactic moral claim, what persuasive goal is likely intended?
To leave a lasting conviction in the audience.