Rhetorical Devices

Appeal to logic. Ex: Numbers, statistics, percentages, graphs, etc.

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Kairos

Appeal to emotion. Ex: Invoking sympathy, pity, fear of missing out, etc.

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Kairos

Appeal to credibility. Ex: Celebrities or experts endorsing a product.

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Kairos

Depending on the idea that the time has come for a particular idea of action.

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Kairos

Repetition of the initial consonant sound of each word. Ex: Critics cry for crumbs of Columbus.

• Alliteration

• Cacohony

• Onomatopoeia

• Humor

Repetition of certain words or phrases at the beginning of sentences to increase the power of a sentiment. Ex: MLKJ repeating the phrase "I have a dream."

• Anaphora

• Alliteration

• Cacophony

• Humor

Connecting and identifying with audience members by making them laugh.

• Humor

• Anaphora

• Meiosis

• Hyperbole

A type of euphemism that intentionally understates the size or importance of its subject. It can be used to dismiss or diminish a debate opponent's argument.

• Meiosis

• Anaphora

• Apophasis

• Anacoluthon

An exaggeration statement that conveys emotion and raises the bar for other speakers.

• Hyperbole

• Chiasmus

• Dialogismus

• Eutrepismus

Bringing up a subject by denying that the very subject should be brought up at all.

• Apophasis

• Anadiplosis

• Dialogismus

• Expeditio