Rhetorical Devices Examples

Rhetorical devices are techniques that writers use to try to convey meaning, to persuade the audience, or to evoke an emotion. They can encompass figures of speech, but some sources make a distinction that rhetorical devices are not used merely for metaphorical effect, but are used to convey a more direct meaning or persuade the audience.

There are many different types of rhetorical devices, but here are a few of the more common ones:

Rhetorical question-asking a question when you don't really expect an answer or already know an answer.

Hyperbole-exaggeration for effect

Stereotypes-using stereotypes to make a point

Amplification-repeating a word more than one time for emphasis

Antimetabole-reversing word order for effect

Repetition-repeating a word or phrase to add emphasis or for effect
The repetition of "I Have a Dream" in MLKs speech:

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!