Rhetorical Devices

Credentials

Author's professional experience on topic

Expert Testimony

Quoting an expert from a particular field

Evidence

Support from outside credible sources

Statistics

Facts and data represented in numerical form

Cause and Effect

Speaker analyzes reasons for an action, event, decision

Analogy

Comparing two things for the purpose of explaining or clarifying an idea

Diction

Author's word choice

Anecdote

A short story that illustrates or makes a point

Rebuttal

A form of evidence that is presented to contradict or nullify other evidence that has been presented by the opposing side

Repetition

A word or phrase being repeated, two or more times in close proximity, along with new information

Rhetorical Question

A question that's being asked, but doesn't need an answer, used to pose an idea for the audience

Prediction

Forecasting what will happen in the future using reasonable evidence

Logical Appeal

The use of statements, evidence, or other testimony that logically point to the speaker's stance