Rhetorical devices
This is a question that doesn’t require an answer but is used to engage the audience.
What is a rhetorical question?
An argument that uses facts, statistics, or expert opinions to convince an audience.
What is logos?
An argument that tries to stir up feelings like sympathy, anger, or excitement.
What is pathos?
The repetition of the same sound at the start of consecutive words.
What is alliteration?
"Just Do It" is an example of this persuasive device.
What is a slogan?
A short personal story used to make a point.
What is an anecdote?
The credibility of a speaker, often built through expertise or trustworthiness.
What is ethos?
A technique that makes the audience feel as though they will be left out if they don’t agree.
What is bandwagon appeal?
A comparison using "like" or "as."
What is a simile?
"If we don’t act now, our planet will be beyond saving!" is an example of this technique.
What are fear tactics or fear appeal?
A speech that directly addresses the audience using "you" to create a personal connection.
What is direct address?
The fallacy where a conclusion is drawn from too little evidence.
What is a (hasty) generalisation?
A technique that makes the audience feel a strong sense of national pride or identity.
What is patriotic appeal?
A contrast between two things placed side by side for effect.
What is juxtaposition?
"More doctors recommend this brand than any other" relies on this persuasive appeal.
What is expert opinion (ethos)?
A technique where the speaker exaggerates something for effect.
What is hyperbole?
The logical mistake where someone presents only two extreme options, ignoring possible middle ground.
What is a false dichotomy (or false dilemma)?
The term for language designed to provoke strong negative emotions, often using words like "disaster" or "evil."
What is emotive or (emotionally loaded) language?
A statement that contradicts itself but still makes sense.
What is a paradox?
"Every second, three people sign up for our app!" This is an example of what persuasive device?
What is statistics (logos)?
The repetition of a phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences, famously used in MLK’s I Have a Dream speech.
What is anaphora?
A reasoning technique that starts with a general principle and applies it to a specific case.
What is deductive reasoning?
When a speaker makes the audience feel like they share the same values and experiences.
What is inclusive language?
A play on words used for humorous or rhetorical effect.
What is a pun?
"I still remember the day my grandmother gave me my first book. It changed my life forever." What is this an example of?
What is an anecdote?