speech_projects

Rhetorical Devices

by Kristian Rother

Goal

Deliver a speech containing a few rhetorical devices.

Background

A speech is something different than a written text. To build rapport with the audience and keep it, language is the main tool of a speaker. In this project, we will focus on using it properly.

Rhetorical devices are an excellent way to construct a pleasant, engaging speech, emphasize key points, and to make it more memorable. Rhetorical devices disrupt monotonous sentences, and the speech gets a more interesting rhythm.

You find excellent examples of rhetorical devices on 25 Giants of Rhetoric by Florian Mueck

In this project, your task is to build several rhetorical devices into your speech. You don’t need to squeeze one into every second sentence. If you place 3-5 in well-chosen locations, you also should see an effect.

Time

5-7 minutes

Questions for evaluators

• Which rhetorical devices die you notice?
• Did the rhetorical devices amplify the speech?
• How was language used in general?
• What did you like about the speech?
• What could be improved in the next speech?