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Rhetorical Devices in Persuasive Writing-Handout

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106 views

Rhetorical Devices in Persuasive Writing-Handout

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sachingarg4595
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Rhetorical Devices in Persuasive Writing

What are rhetorical devices in persuasive writing?


Rhetorical devices in persuasive writing are techniques used by the writer or author
to persuade their reader to take up their point of view. The word “rhetoric” itself
means the art of persuasion through either writing or speech. Rhetorical devices can
be used for different reasons, but they are always designed to have an impressive
effect on their audience.

We can see rhetorical devices used today all the time. If you turn on a political
debate, the candidates will use a number of techniques to convince the voters to
align with their policies. Advertisements will use rhetoric for promoting or announcing
their products. Almost all academic essays use rhetorical devices to increase the
influence of their work on their reader. Although in school you may just use rhetorical
devices in persuasive writing tasks, they’ll be important for the future.

Rhetorical devices in persuasive writing have been recognised for a long time.
Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher, is famous for describing rhetorical devices
2000 years ago. His work Rhetoric was an ancient treatise on the art of persuasion,
which is still relevant today.

Logos, pathos and ethos.


Aristotle spoke largely that rhetorical devices can be sorted into three forms. These
are logos, pathos and ethos. Commonly these are known as the 3 pillars of
persuasion or persuasive appeals. Often skilled persuaders will utilise all three forms
in their speeches or writing.
Ethos
Ethos is a Greek word that is roughly translated as “moral character”. Hence, the
word ethical tends to be related to Ethos. This mode of persuasion is used by the
speaker or writer to convince an audience of their point of view through their own
character or credibility. You show that you have the right character and temperament
to be believable. Rhetorical devices in persuasive writing which use ethos are:

Direct address

This is used when the writer or speaker purposefully directs their message to an
individual or group of people. This could be by using the pronoun you, their name or
names, or nicknames.

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are used to create a mood, impression or atmosphere. Some modal
verbs are should, could and ought.

Pathos
Pathos could be related to words like sympathy and empathy. When a speaker uses
pathos, they are appealing to their audience’s emotions to convince them of their
argument. Pathos is a powerful tool. It engages your audience through their
emotions or values, which can eclipse their rational thought.

Aristotle thought that the most effective use of pathos was in the introduction or
conclusion of an argument. When you structure your work, think about using pathos
in these paragraphs.

Devices that can be attributed to pathos include:

Emotive language

Emotive language is a technique where you pick specific words you can get your
audience to feel a certain way. For example, you may use the words tragic, appalling
or outrageous to create angry emotions in your reader or listener.

Anecdotes

An anecdote is a short story that relates to the subject in a different context. These
often contain real people or actions. They are used to create an emotion in their
reader or listener.

Logos
The final pillar of persuasion is logos. Logos is used when the speaker or writer
appeals to their audience's sense of logical reasoning. It is used to create meaning
for your argument. You can use logos with these rhetorical devices in persuasive
writing:

Facts

Facts are statements which are true. By using facts as a rhetorical device, you can
convince the audience that your argument is the truth, too.

Statistical data

Statistics are made from raw data. Using statical data provides your audience with a
representation of why your argument is the correct solution.

Sonic devices
Another set of rhetorical devices for persuasive writing outside Aristotle’s 3 pillars are
sonic devices. These relate to how the words sound to the audience. It doesn’t
matter if the words are written, they will appeal to the reader from the way the words
sound to the reader. They can be used to evoke different emotions and thoughts.
You may be able to relate these rhetorical devices to align to Aristotle’s features.
Examples of sonic devices are:

Alliteration

This is when words begin with the same letters. Have a look at
the alliteration example below.

Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of similar vowel sounds within sentences.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a rhetorical device that uses words which are used to represent a
sound.

Imagery
Some rhetorical devices are used to create a certain image in your audience’s mind.
This is a great way of making an audience feel the same way about your subject as
you do. Some rhetorical devices which use imagery are:

Metaphor

This device describes something as something else for effect. This is a powerful way
of highlighting the importance of your argument by linking two things. Metaphors will
help the audience understand your point if you connect it to something they already
know.

Personification

To personify your writing, you describe something to have human characteristics.


This will help the audience understand and engage with your argument. If they feel
they can relate to what you are writing or speaking about, they are more likely to
agree with you.

Simile

A simile directly compares two things to show the similarities between the two.
Similes can be used similarly to metaphors. If you highlight similarities between two
things, your audience will be able to access your point better.

Other rhetorical devices in persuasive writing or speech


There is an endless list of rhetorical devices that can be used in persuasive writing or
speech. Again, these can be linked back to the three pillars of persuasion. Some key
devices you may want to use to sway your audience are:

Amplification

You can repeat your point to emphasise its importance. Repetition is a great way to
make sure your audience understands and remembers your point.

Flattery

Appeal to your audience by complimenting them. Complimenting your audience will


make them feel as if they are important to you. Flattery is one of the best ways to
ensure your audience feels as if you respect them. If they think you respect them, it
will be easier for them to be persuaded by your writing.

Hyperbole

This technique uses exaggerated language to create a bigger effect on your


audience. Persuasive writers and speakers often make their audience feel their
argument has a bigger impact than may actually be true.

Imperative command

You may want to use instructional words to create a call to action or make your
audience think. An example of an imperative command is saying “you must act now”.

Rhetorical question
These types of questions don’t require an answer, they are used to create a dramatic
effect or make a point. Rhetorical questions are great for making your audience
think.

Triplets or the rule of three

Writing in threes is a powerful tool. It could be utilised in a sentence. Using three


adjectives within in a sentence is more memorable than just using one. Famous
speakers such as Martin Luther King and Churchill were known for using triplets in
their speeches.

Similarly, you can use the rule of three to structure your whole piece. If you want to
persuade your audience, give them three points to remember. You can plan each
paragraph around one of the points of your subject.

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