Rhetorical Strategies How to Write a Persuasive Speech

Rhetorical Strategies How to Write a Persuasive Speech Enter

Main Menu Persuasive Mantra Elements of the Speech Rhetorical Strategies

Elements of the Speech Format: 1. Introduction 2. Body 3. Conclusion

How to Structure the Introduction 1 st sentence: In the past, … 2 nd sentence: Today, however, 3 rd sentence (a. k. a. the Thesis): Although some believe (state opposing side’s opinion), (give your belief). Click below to see examples of a thesis written out. Example 1 - Useful if you have three arguments. Example 2 - Useful if you have three or more arguments.

Example Thesis 1 • Although teenagers don’t like dress codes and school uniforms, having expectations about school attire improves student behavior, saves money, and reduces clothing competition. ** Using the above thesis as the structure of your speech, you would write a paragraph about improving student behavior, then a second paragraph about saving money, and a third addressing the reduction of clothing competition. **

Example Thesis 2 • Although teenagers don’t like dress codes and school uniforms, having expectations about school clothing solves many problems in the end. ** This thesis is less specific and leaves you open to writing about the “many problems” that are solved. **

What is a Thesis? • A thesis is the most important sentence in your paper! It becomes the outline of your entire essay.

What to Include in the Body • Arguments for your side • Arguments against your side – It seems weird to bring up the other side, but the best way to win your argument is to point out their argument so you can knock it down with yours! • Evidence, facts, statistics, quotes – a. k. a. CONCRETE DETAILS

What to Include in Your Conclusion • 1 st sentence: Restate your thesis. • 2 nd sentence: This sentence is a passionate sentence that explains why your audience needs to join your side. • 3 rd sentence: This sentence contains the consequence of ignoring your call to action.

Persuasive Mantra • “Take a stand give me 3” – Choose a side! DO NOT WAVER! – Give 3 reasons to support your stand

Rhetorical Strategies Menu What is a Rhetorical Strategy? Alliteration Metaphor/Simile Allusion Repetition Antithesis Rhetorical Question Hyperbole Rule of Three

What is a Rhetorical Strategy? A rhetorical strategy is a specifically chosen type of writing that will help you win your argument.

Alliteration • Definition – the close repetition of consonant sounds, usually at the beginnings of words. • Examples: Dynamic Duo, Terrific Trio, or Magical Math

Allusion • Definition – a reference to a person, object, or event from the Bible, mythology, literature, or popular culture. • Examples: – “If you tell him that, you are opening up Pandora’s Box. ” – “They thought they were Romeo and Juliet. ”

Antithesis • Definition – a technique of putting two opposite ideas near each other in a sentence to create a powerful effect. • Examples: – “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. ” -Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities – “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. ” -John F. Kennedy – “We are caught in a war, wanting peace. ” -Richard Nixon

Hyperbole • Definition – use of exaggeration to emphasize a point. – We use hyperboles naturally and often. • Examples: – “I was waiting a year for you to get off the phone!” – “That bag weighs a ton. ”

Metaphor/Simile • Definition – short comparisons of the characteristics of two unlike things. – A simile uses “like” or “as” to make those comparisons; a metaphor makes a direct comparison. • Examples: – “…the manacles of segregation…” - Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream” • He is comparing manacles (chains) to segregation (separation/discrimination), making it a metaphor. – “Our ignorance is like a vast sea, deep and wide. ” • The comparison is made using the word “like, ” so this is a simile.

Repetition • Definition – repeating a word, phrase, or sentence throughout a speech to create some kind of rhythm. • Example: – “Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” -Martin Luther King

Rhetorical Question • Definition –questions used for effect that are not to be answered. This draws the audience’s attention to a specific area. • Example: – “Are we really free when we cannot walk happily into our closets and choose clothes that allow us to express ourselves? ”

Rule of Three • Definition – a technique of grouping together three words, phrases, or sentences. • Examples: – “I came. I saw. I conquered. ” -Julius Caesar – “… a government of the people, by the people, for the people…” -Abraham Lincoln, “The Gettysburg Address”