Rhetorical device: definition and examples

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Rhetorical device: definition and examples
Rhetorical device: definition and examples
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To reveal the topic of the speech as much as possible, to make the speech live, they use a rhetorical device. Despite the existence of a huge number of them, not all people use techniques in their speeches. There are a huge number of methods that allow you to speak well, attract the attention of the public, and achieve an effective result.

What is the rhetorical device

The success of the speaker
The success of the speaker

Explanatory Dictionary of S. I. Ozhegov shows the following definition of a rhetorical device: an oratorical method that focuses on negation or expressive affirmation. Speech turns will be appropriate if you know how to use them.

Rhetoric is a science aimed at studying the patterns and rules of behavior in speech. With its help, they acquire skills in public speaking skills, develop oratory skills. A person influences the listener through a reasonable and effective expression of thoughts. Visual and expressive means are of particular importance.

With the help of the lawharmonizing dialogue awaken feelings and thoughts, moving from monologue to dialogue. Listeners move forward through orientation and advancement during speech. Effective speech impact with rhetorical techniques occurs using correctly constructed sentences and summarizing phrases. It is important that the speech be emotional and enjoyable.

The laws of eloquence are explained with the help of rhetoric. The concept appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, divided eloquence into two parts: general with the study of the style of speech and private with the preparation of business documentation.

Expressive means of language

Stages of the speaker's work
Stages of the speaker's work

The lexical system has many faces. The constant updating of principles, methods and features within the text provides an opportunity to update speech expressiveness. Rhetorical devices and figurative and expressive means of the language are supported by the reader's figurative thinking. Creating certain conditions will make speech more expressive.

You need independent thinking, consciousness, activity of the author of the speech. He should be interested in what he talks about and writes about. It is important to know the expressive possibilities of the language. The speaker must train systematically and consciously.

Expressiveness affects the amplification and attenuation of all elements. These include sounds, syntactic units, intonation, articulatory fuzziness, lexical poverty, monotony in the construction of speech. Vocabulary suggests the use of rhetorical techniques of argumentation, evidence, presentation of material usingspecial funds. Speakers often refer to:

  • Epithets.
  • Synecdoche.
  • Metonymy.
  • Allegories.
  • Irony.
  • Incarnation.
  • Periphrase.
  • Comparison.

It is possible to make speech expressive with the help of syntax and its stylistic figures. The speaker uses a rhetorical question, an appeal, an oxymoron.

Genres of oratory

Expressive means of language
Expressive means of language

Oratory consists of different rhetorical genres. These include a lecture, report, discussion, dispute, thesis, slogan. A variety of journalistic style is oral public speech. It differs in such characteristics as the collectivity and mass character of the addressee, the importance of the topic, and preparation for the speech.

The formed skills and abilities are considered oratory. Rhetoric studies these skills. Now these two terms are interpreted more widely. They are a kind of interaction that occurs after setting a goal, planning an impact, predicting a result. Eloquence has been present in the Russian language for a long time. Types differ depending on the field of performance.

  • Political refers to a parliamentary speech, rally, appeal of a deputy or president.
  • Academic scope includes a report, lecture, scientific discussion.
  • The trial includes the speech of a lawyer, defendant, prosecutor.
  • Ordinary life is a social sphere with a compliment, table speech.
  • Relates to the spiritual and moralsermon, missionary speech.
  • Negotiations, note, government statement are classified as diplomatic.

Oratory is considered an art. Ancient figures believe that it can be learned.

Rules of eloquence

Rules of eloquence
Rules of eloquence

There are a few rules a future speaker must follow. By sticking to them, he can easily win over an audience:

  1. Listeners should be the center of attention. It is necessary to focus on the interests of the audience, to monitor the reaction to the words spoken.
  2. Relationships are important: the speaker to the audience, the speaker to the content of the speech, the listeners to the content of the speech.
  3. Be sure to set performance goals.
  4. Apply body language.
  5. Give expression to the voice.
  6. Know how to answer questions.

Every thought is proved, argued. Speech is distinguished by harmony, dignity. The performance should bring maximum benefit and aesthetic pleasure. These rules must be remembered, made a guide to action.

Stages of a speaker

Appearances in literature
Appearances in literature

At each stage of oratory activity, rhetorical devices are provided in the text, which differ depending on the purpose of the prepared speech. The first is called an invention. The speaker develops the subject of speech, strategy, selects the material.

The speech will be impressive, based on deep thought. Rhetorical devices with examples will help determine which communication methods you need to choose forcommunicating with the audience.

Invention is not an invention of something new, but the use of rules and techniques to collect the most complete information, establishing a connection between thoughts. When selecting material, they use their own developments, observation, reasoning, literature.

The next step is argumentation. The speaker selects theses, confirming or refuting the opinion. Rhetoric involves bringing cases from life, examples. Logic is the rationale for what has been said and the conclusion. Both of these concepts are closely intertwined.

The disposition is the structure of the speech. Together with the use of rhetorical devices, a consistent presentation of the material is necessary. This happens when the topics are divided into micro-genres, which make up the complete composition. In the usual sense, this is an introduction, main part and conclusion. The beginning and end are the most informative.

Elocution is a section that is necessary for the preparation of expressiveness and showiness. It goes hand in hand with style. This is how the image of reality is created, the syllable becomes alive, light, harmonious. The purpose of the speaker is to build the text and each individual part. The speaker improves thoughts, constructs phrases competently, selects appropriate vocabulary.

Homogeneity and heterogeneity of the audience

The complexity of the performance depends on whether the audience is homogeneous or heterogeneous. The first category of listeners has approximately the same age. Their intelligence and awareness are on the same level. They are presented with information in a simplified form, for example, when the audience is children.

For schoolchildren and preschoolers, visual material will also be needed. The speech should be short, listeners are praised and encouraged. Speaking to young people takes place without edification and "reading morality." Young people can be interested in a story with notes of humor, revelations, personal assessments. To convey information to the older generation, a rhetorical device with a slow sound is chosen. They appeal to the experience of the audience, facts from history, back up the words with a link to the source.

When viewers show indifference, use capture and retention of the audience through emotionality, vivid images, appeal to individual listeners, there should be a feeling of informing, and not of wanting to change something.

Speech to experts involves a rhetorical device with the presentation of new information. It is important to use dialogue, persuasion through arguments. Speech is delivered at a fast pace. Rigid listeners are not ready to change their point of view, so the speech is being prepared in an informational version.

For a successful speaker

Rhetorical devices and principles of constructing public speech are based not only on facts. They evoke certain emotions and feelings, make speech lively and animated. The speaker will undoubtedly be a success with the public. With the help of speech create vivid images in the minds of people. The purpose of the techniques used is the desire to captivate, capture the attention of the public, make speech understandable and interesting. Cicero said: "There is no eloquence if there is no admiration of the listeners." Each approach should be consideredseparately.

Speeches in Literature

How to prepare for a speech
How to prepare for a speech

Synecdoche. It helps to transfer the name of the particular to the general and vice versa, increases the aesthetics of speech, gives it depth of content. “I want to take a walk and breathe” - take a walk.

Comparison and metaphor. One of the main rhetorical devices is comparison. It is used so often that people themselves do not notice that they use it in various speeches. It is necessary when you need to convey numerical information. It is difficult to understand what a diameter of two billion kilometers is, but if you compare the size with Mount Everest, it becomes clear.

Metaphor is one of the rhetorical devices in literature, when the properties of one object are transferred to another. For example: “The sunset was ablaze. The quiet whisper of the waves is heard. This technique is less common, but it enhances the effect on the listener.

Repeat. Important key points are repeated at least twice. This should be done in order for the listener to return to the topic of the speaker. It seems that the information is new, but in fact it is conveyed in other words. The listener will pass off the speaker's thought as his own, the speech will become convincing. You need to insert repetition where necessary to increase interest.

There are several ways to use rhetorical devices in the form of repetition. To emphasize, the thought is conveyed to a tee. Variatively change the sentence, leaving the main idea. With the help of the extension, the proposal is drawn up with new images. This is necessary when the key thesis is lost in the masssaid.

Quote. This method is necessary to inspire trust among unfamiliar people. Use the statements of leaders and public figures. Excerpts from historical documents, sayings of philosophers make the transmission of information reliable.

Antithesis. They use rhetorical devices in the text to contrast completely different phenomena, processes, concepts that are opposite in meaning. “The weather was terrible, the princess was beautiful.”

Allegory. Transmission of an abstract concept through a concrete image. You can often find the personification of an ant and diligence, a donkey and stubbornness. This is a difficult technique that requires good oratory and preparation.

Hyperbole. It is used when the speaker is sure that what he said will not be perceived as fiction. The speech should not be too emotional and pretentious. Such rhetorical devices are used in a literature lesson to clearly show how the author emphasizes certain properties of the subject.

Rhetorical appeal. The utterance is addressed to an inanimate object. The reception of rhetorical appeal enhances the expressiveness of speech. The main task is the desire to express the attitude to the subject, to give it a description. A peculiar turn of speech is used with interrogative or exclamatory intonation.

How to influence the public

Genres of oratory
Genres of oratory

Rhetorical question. They are asked to make the audience actively think, reason. The speaker asks an unanswered question and gives them time to think.

Insert. An important rhetorical device in which the phrase is inserted as if by the way. And the audience becomes an accomplice, not an outside observer. This is a way to help engage the audience in the issue under discussion.

Crossing (chiasmus). A way to cross-change the endings of phrases. A. Griboyedov said: "Contrary to reason, contrary to the elements." People often say, "Eat to live, not live to eat."

Hint. Some rhetorical devices in public speaking are necessary in order not to speak directly about an event or phenomenon. Not suitable for sophisticated listeners. If it is not clear what the speaker is talking about, the hint will go unnoticed.

Chain. A way to convey information with a sensation phrase to cause shock. After that, a logical chain is built, during which the meaning of the first phrase will become clear. The method helps to attract the attention of the public for a long time. The longer the chain, the stronger the tension.

Surprise. Suitable for an inactive audience. Takes by surprise, impresses. They are rarely used, at the right time, so as not to smooth out the effect.

Framing. It is important that the speaker be able to present the same material in different circumstances. This is one of the rhetorical principles and techniques for manipulating a mass audience, and is an integral part of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Helps to change the tone of perception of things.

The effect of novelty. The attention of the audience dissipates after 20 minutes, then it is difficult to keep it. The human brain does not perceive one information for a long time. in the reportthere should be short speeches. These include jokes, funny examples from life. This gives listeners a chance to relax. After that, the information is again perceived by the audience. In addition, it is important to enter new information on the main topic. It should not be revealed at the beginning of a speech.

Summon. A way to appeal to something. It works when the listeners have a positive attitude towards the speaker and support his ideas. The audience is addressed with two or three phrases, calling for some action. The speaker must be fully confident in the sympathy of the audience, have the desire to create a vivid image of the idea in the minds of the listener with their direct participation.

How to develop rhetorical speech: steps

For the development of rhetorical speech, several stages must be passed. This will allow you to apply basic rhetorical techniques to any speech, regardless of the audience.

At the first stage, an idea appears that needs to be developed. But this must be done on paper. They ask themselves the question, how to write so that it is clear to everyone present? The first draft is reread several times. After correcting errors, read with intonation. This will fill in the gaps, correct what you don't like.

The second stage is more difficult. Brevity is considered the sister of talent, so the written report must be reduced. To do this, the text is read twice: the first slowly, the second quickly. The speaker will see if there are extra entries or words, repetitions. If revision is not required, proceed to the next step.

You will need a voice recorder or a gadget with the functionrecords. It is necessary to record the prepared speech so that there is no inconvenience. The speaker himself should be surprised at his achievements. Frequent practice of this method will help to make thoughts understandable. The voice becomes intonation rich, the mind works faster.

How to talk difficult

Speaking in front of experts is easy enough. If you have to speak to an audience that does not understand the topic, careful preparation will be required. Use examples and images, tell a short story, draw an imaginary situation.

In business oratory, rhetorical devices with examples in colloquial speech are selected taking into account several factors. The first is the characteristics of those present. The speaker must take into account the nationality of those present, whether the audience understands the topic of the speech, whether it is culturally developed. The second involves the content and nature of the speech. They do not allow an authoritarian tone, they show trust in people, they consult in the process of submitting information. The third factor is the speaker's objective assessment of personal qualities.

There are several types of communication:

  • Teach with the help of a mentor.
  • The inspiring is necessary for the upliftment of people, in order to instill in them faith in personal qualities.
  • Confrontational variety suggests a desire not to object, to agree with the speaker.
  • Informational - necessary to convey information to listeners.

Business people don't use the latter kind of speech. More often they choose an inspiring manner of communication, in some situations confrontational. Speakerapplies such principles of influence as associativity, accessibility, intensity, expressiveness.

Image
Image

In colloquial speech, a certain set of tools is used. They apply a visual image, the effect of the first phrases, argumentation, relaxation, intonation and pauses. The first type involves impressions about the appearance of the speaker. It causes sympathy or antipathy in listeners. An elegant manner of communication, goodwill and openness has a positive effect.

To correct the first impression, the effect of the first phrases is needed. The main criterion is the information contained in them. It may already be known, but be presented in a new interpretation with original examples. The speaker needs to have a set of phrases targeted at specific listeners.

The effect of argumentation is connected with the logic of the speech. This gives the presentation soundness and persuasiveness. The theory includes a concept, a scientific position, a hypothesis. Empirical reasoning is facts and figures with statistical indicators. Both methods are present in every performance.

Quantum burst of information is a rhetorical device necessary to keep the audience's attention. The speaker needs to think through thoughts and arguments throughout the speech. This will activate the attention of listeners with the help of periodic release of new information.

The science of teaching eloquence

In ancient Greece, rhetoric was taught to young men. Modern people need to learn this on their own. If “the tongue is well suspended”, then there will be no difficulties with public speaking. Daily communication will help correct the situation.

You can solve the problem in courses or training. With self-preparation, they will find out what the audience will be. Knowing who is in the mass of those present, the speech is adjusted in such a way as to arouse interest. The performance plan is made in advance. He will help when the speaker does not know how to improvise, he is too worried. Highlight key points, include graphs, tables, diagrams. In conclusion, be sure to repeat the main idea.

You can not delay the performance, as not every interested listener will be able to sit out for a long time. It is important to be concise, use clear and understandable phrases. Rhetoric is not only the ability to express one's thoughts, but also the ability to make them understandable. The speaker learns to charge the audience with his ideas. The voice must be delivered, facial expressions are developed. This will make the presentation of the text emotional, closer to the public.

The main goal of the speech is not information, but the presentation of one's point of view. If the speaker managed to convince the audience, the speech took place. The use of techniques is an important component to achieve a persuasive effect.

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