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10 Rhetorical Devices Used in Political Messages
10 Rhetorical Devices Used in Political Messages
10 Rhetorical Devices Used in Political Messages
Though some speech devices are obvious to spot during election season, many are more obscure.
How many of these do you recognize?
In an election year, it’s tough to tune out all the pervasive and invasive political messaging.
It’s on social media, newsfeeds, TV, radio, pop-up ads that you can’t close fast enough.
Although I’m not particularly interested
in politics, I am intrigued by the ways
candidates use rhetorical devices in their
messages.
5. Aposiopesis— stopping abruptly and leaving a statement unfinished, giving the impression
that the writer or speaker is unwilling or unable to continue.
Example: Trying to get an approval from anyone in that department is like . . . but we shouldn’t
talk about that.
6. Analogy— a comparison of two things. Metaphors and similes are both types of analogy.
Example: That meeting was painful, like a long walk in tight shoes.
8. Sententia— quoting a maxim or wise saying to apply a general truth to the situation, thereby
offering a single statement of general wisdom.
Example: The saying “Out of the frying pan and into the fire” applies perfectly to my situation.