Persuasive Techniques and Rhetorical Devices

Types of speeches Political – usually about an issue or controversial topic usually the speaker tries to persuade people to think or act in a certain way the speaker usually takes a side and wants the audience to agree with him/her Address – A formal speech that honors an occasion or the speaker Sermon – is a speech that is usually based on scriptural text and is intended to provide religious or moral instruction or to teach a lesson. These are all examples of oratory, or formal public speaking

Oratory almost always displays the following elements: It is persuasive, inspiring others to take action It appeals to the emotions It addresses the needs and concerns of its audience It includes expressive and rhythmic language

Persuasive Techniques What are they? Persuasive techniques are the methods or ways that the speaker or the writer uses to appeal to or “reach” the audience. Most speeches use more than one or a variety of different techniques

Types of Persuasive Techniques Logos: or logical appeal, builds a well reasoned argument based on evidence, facts, statistics, or expert testimony Pathos: or emotional appeal, attempts to arouse the audience’s feelings often by using rhetorical devices that get an emotional response or loaded words that convey strong positive or negative connotations Ethos: or ethical appeal, is directed at the audience’s sense of morality or values; often linked to the audience’s perception of the speaker or writer

Rhetorical Devices Effective speeches typically include rhetorical devices – special patterns of words and ideas that create emphasis and stir the audiences emotions What are they?

Types of Rhetorical Devices Repetition - restating the idea using same/similar words Restatement – expressing the same idea in different words Parallelism – repeating the grammatical structure Antithesis – Using strongly contrasting words, images, or ideas Rhetorical Questions – Asking questions with obvious answers (intended to make the reader think about the answer)

Examples….. Antithesis "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate." –JFK Inaugural Address Here, former President Kennedy uses antithesis with inverting statements, to show that America will not be threatened by opposition, but at the same time, will be willing to negotiate. By inverting the first statement into the second one with an antithesis, he creates a very memorable and clever sentence and which is successful in displaying his view of what America should be.

Rhetorical Question “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?” –JFK Inaugural Address Former President Kennedy includes this rhetorical question to call the audience to action. By asking if they will join in the historic effort, Kennedy forces the audience to think about what they are willing to do for their country and at the same time, he inspires them to be.

Parallelism Ask not what your country can do for you, But ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy Faith is harder to shake than knowledge. Love is less subject to change than respect. Hatred is more lasting than dislike. Hitler

Restatement / Repetition “But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.” --Abraham Lincoln, “The Gettysburg Address” The war is inevitable—and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come! --Patrick Henry, “Speech in the Virginia Convention

Now What? In the first part of module 2, we will look at some persuasive pieces, both in print and in video. As we read and watch these pieces, look for the different ways in which the author or speaker uses these techniques and devices and be ready to discuss how effective (or ineffective) they are.