Introduction to rhetoric

2. Rhetoric
Rhetoric is using language persuasively.
Both written and spoken language can use features of
rhetoric. Adverts and politicians speeches (remember those
are scripts, not transcripts) are classic examples of where
rhetoric is used.
Look out for:

3. Using rhetoric
1.Rhetorical question
the most obvious rhetorical feature, where a question is asked
with an obvious answer than needs no response: Do you want to
pay higher taxes? Should this slaughter continue?
2. Lexical choices
the connotations (psychological associations) of words are
particularly important. "Field sports" has very different
connotations to "blood sports."

4. Using rhetoric
3. Phonology, such as:
Alliteration, (repetition of the consonant at the beginning of
words). Many mulberries made up the magical pie.
Assonance, (repetition of vowel sound).
Triadic structure: (pattern of three): "We have sought
justice in the past, we seek justice today, and we will seek
justice in the future.“

5. Using rhetoric
4. Figurative language
using similes, metaphors and other imagery to create
powerful and emotive images in the reader's mind.
"Use your head when you've lost your heart. Find out about
Mortgage choices" is an example of a metaphor. You cannot
literally lose your head or your heart.
Metonymy is using a word or phrase to stand in for a noun.
For example: "No 10 issued a denial" refers to the Prime
Minister.

6. Using rhetoric
5. Repetition
"Victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror,
victory however long the road may be.”
6. Hyperbole
exaggeration. "Unbelievable! Unrepeatable! Massive sale!“
7. Litotes
understatements. "He wasn't short of money.“
Adapted from http://www.allinfo.org.uk