Speaking: Fluency & Coherence C1 - Lesson 5: Using Rhetorical Devices (Repetition, Questions)
Welcome to our final lesson on C1 fluency! At this level, we move beyond simply being understood to speaking with impact. The world's most effective speakers use rhetorical devices1—special language techniques—to make their ideas more persuasive and memorable. Today, we'll focus on two of the most powerful: strategic repetition and rhetorical questions.
The Power of Strategic Repetition
This is not about repeating yourself because you are nervous. It is the conscious, deliberate repetition of a word or phrase to create rhythm and emphasize a key idea.
- Anaphora2 (Repetition at the Beginning)
- Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses. It builds momentum and makes a message powerful.
- Famous Example: Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream that one day... I have a dream that my four little children..."
- Your Example: "To succeed in this project, we need commitment. We need creativity. We need teamwork."
- Epistrophe3 (Repetition at the End)
- Repeating a word or phrase at the end of successive sentences or clauses. It creates a strong, conclusive feeling.
- Famous Example: Abraham Lincoln's "...government of the people, by the people, for the people."
- Your Example: "When we face a challenge, we find a solution. When the world changes, we change with it. When our customers call, we answer the call." (The repetition of the structure is also a powerful device).
The Power of Rhetorical Questions
A rhetorical question is a question you ask not to get an answer, but to make a point, make your audience think, or introduce a new topic. It's a way to engage the listener's mind.
- To Introduce a Topic:
"So, what is the single biggest opportunity for our company in the next five years?" - To Make the Audience Agree with an Obvious Answer:
"Do we want to be followers, or do we want to be leaders? The choice is simple." - To Challenge an Opposing Viewpoint:
"Some people say we don't have the resources to attempt this. But I ask you: can we afford not to?"
Scenario: A Motivational Speech
Listen to this short, motivational speech from a team leader. Notice how she uses both repetition and rhetorical questions to inspire her team.
"Good morning, team. We have a new challenge in front of us. **And what is our purpose here?** (Rhetorical Question) Is it just to do our jobs? Is it just to earn a salary?
No. **Our purpose is to innovate.** **Our purpose is to lead.** **Our purpose is to build something** that will last for generations. (Anaphora)
The path will not be easy. There will be obstacles. There will be setbacks. But let me ask you one final question. **Are you going to let that stop you?** (Rhetorical Question) I didn't think so. Let's get to work."
When to Use Rhetorical Devices
Rhetorical devices are like strong spices. Used carefully, they make your speech amazing. Used too much, they can overwhelm the message. The best moments to use them are:
- In your introduction: A rhetorical question is a fantastic way to hook your audience's attention from the very beginning.
- In your conclusion: Repetition or a powerful rhetorical question can make your final message memorable and impactful.
- At a key transition point: To signal a major shift in your argument.
Practice Quiz: Identify the Device
Read the phrase and identify the rhetorical device being used.
1. "We invested in our people. We invested in our technology. We invested in our future."
A) Rhetorical Question
B) Anaphora
C) Epistrophe
→ Answer: B. The phrase "We invested in" is repeated at the beginning of each clause for emphasis.
2. "So what does this all mean for us? It means we have a unique opportunity to change the market."
A) Anaphora
B) Epistrophe
C) Rhetorical Question
→ Answer: C. The first sentence is a question asked to introduce the topic and make the audience think, not to receive an answer.
Your Mission: The "Key Message" Challenge
Your mission is to practice using a rhetorical device to make a simple message more powerful.
- Choose a simple, strong message you believe in. (e.g., "Education is the key to the future," "We must protect our environment.")
- Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) to express this message, using either **Anaphora (repetition at the beginning)** or a **Rhetorical Question**.
- Record yourself delivering your message. Use your voice and pauses to give it power.
- Example (Message: We must protect the environment):
(Using a Rhetorical Question) "For generations, our forests have given us clean air. Our rivers have given us life. Our land has given us a home. So the only question left to ask is this: **What will we give back to them?**"
Vocabulary Glossary
- Rhetorical Device: (Noun Phrase) - ឧបករណ៍វោហាសាស្ត្រ - A language technique used to make speech or writing more effective, persuasive, or impactful. ↩
- Anaphora: (Noun) - ការនិយាយច្រំដែល - The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. ↩
- Epistrophe: (Noun) - វិធីនិយាយបញ្ចប់ប្រយោគ - The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. ↩
- Persuasive: (Adjective) - ដែលងាយបញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល - Good at convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. ↩
- Repetition: (Noun) - ពាក្យផ្ទួន / ពាក្យដដែលៗ - The action of repeating something that has already been said or written. ↩