Glossary of Rhetorical Devices

Our rage is a hammer, and if change does not come soon, our elected officials will become the nails that feel our force.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Anecdote

• Alliteration

It's important to put your full care and attention into everything you do. One time, I was baking a cake and I used salt instead of sugar because I was not paying close attention. As I'm sure you can guess, that cake did not taste very good!

• Alliteration

• Euphemism

• Anecdote

• Hyperbole

She is as fierce as a tiger, never backing down from any battle that comes her way. This is why we should elect her to be our new state representative.

• Simile

• Anecdote

• Hyperbole

• Parallel Structure

I could talk more deeply about all the troubles our country faces, but I do not wish to open Pandora's Box today. Instead, I am here to motivate you.

• Repetition

• Metaphor

• Sarcasm

• Allusion

Every choice you make is like spinning the wheel of fortune—sometimes you will get the result that you desire, while other times you will end up with something you hoped to avoid.

• Analogy

• Euphemism

• Sarcasm

• Procatalepsis

We are gathered here today to honor our beloved family dog who was put to sleep last week after being hit by a car. We need to take action against reckless drivers speeding through neighborhoods.

• Hyperbole

• Euphemism

• Sarcasm

• Alliteration

I know you are bold, brilliant, and brave. I believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to!

• Sarcasm

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Repetition

The Chipotle in Manchester is the worst restaurant in the entire world. We need to get it shut down and replace it with a Moe's!

• Metaphor

• Analogy

• Anecdote

• Hyperbole

I know what you must be thinking: this teacher has no idea what we go through as high schoolers. However, she graduated high school only 7 years ago, so she gets it!

• Procatalepsis

• Sarcasm

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

I am sure we all would absolutely hate to earn a million dollars, right? We definitely do not need to hear about this new business opportunity that would turn us into millionaires. That would be awful!

• Parallel Structure

• Sarcasm

• Euphemism

• Metaphor