Five Easy Rhetorical Devices to Transform your Talks and Presentations
April 26, 2017
Updated 15 May 2026
Updated Simple Rhetorical Devices for Talks and Presentations
Spoken language is the most powerful communication tool we possess. Unfortunately, many of us use it like amateurs.
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of London-based Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London. Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
While we may all have worked away at our written English, few of us learn how to craft outstanding spoken language. Using just a few simple rhetorical devices, you can quickly bring your talks and presentations to life. Based on our 15+ years of coaching senior executives in presentation skills, you have here some easy-to-use rhetorical devices that you can apply easily to your next presentation.
The following five rhetorical techniques are some of the easiest, most frequently used and powerful spoken language devices
Try these out today.
To show the tricks in action, we have highlighted how President Obama used them in his Inauguration Address, further down the page.
The most useful rhetorical devices for speeches and presentations
The brain likes to listen in threes. Hence the Rule of Three. Try starting three phrases the same way, ending three sentences the same way, or finding a third phrase that completes the first two. Also, try and find phrases that break up into groups of three.
For example, Steve Jobs in his Stamford Commencement Speech used the line: “Today I’m going to tell you three stories from my life. That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.”
See examples or triples in red in the speech below.
Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bearwitness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Rhetorical Device #2. Contrasts
A phrase is either balanced or it’s not balanced. You’ll agree or not agree. Contrasting pairs create tension between two opposites, and tension keeps your audience attentive.
See examples of contrasts in green in the speech below.
Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth. The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed.
Spoken Language Technique #3. Questions
Why do questions work so well?
What is it that gets people thinking as you want?
How can you ask questions that bring your talks to life?
Questions are very powerful to connect with your audience and to get your audience thinking in the way you want.
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“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Imagine if your audience could see what you are saying. Imagery is the pinnacle of spoken language.
It helps you to grab your audience by the ears and drag them to where you want them to be.
See examples or imagery in blue in the speech below.
Through blood drawn by lash and blood drawn by sword, we learned that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half-slave and half-free. We made ourselves anew, and vowed to move forward together.
This is sound advice for speaking in public too. If it feels like you are going too far by using the techniques above, you are probably getting it right.
See examples of exaggeration in orange in the speech below.
Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth.
The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed.
These few simple tools can help transform a caterpillar of a talk into a butterfly. You can use them to shape your words and phrases; to shape your stories and structure; and to shape your presentation and your performance.
Example talk: President Obama’s Inaugural Address (2009)
Snippets of the talk are colour-coded to show how the above rhetorical language techniques have been applied:
In red – examples of triples
In green – examples of contrasts
In blue – examples of imagery
In orange – examples of exaggeration
Examples of simple rhetorical devices in a speech
Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bearwitness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth. The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed.
For more than two hundred years, we have.
Through blood drawn by lash and blood drawn by sword, we learned that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half-slave and half-free. We made ourselves anew, and vowed to move forward together.
Together, we determined that a modern economy requires railroads and highways to speed travel and commerce; schools and colleges to train our workers.
Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play.
Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Using Rhetorical Devices for Powerful Presentations
What are rhetorical devices and why should I use them in a presentation?
Rhetorical devices are specialised linguistic tools used to make spoken language more persuasive, memorable and impactful. While many professionals work on the accuracy of their data, they often overlook the delivery of their message. By using these devices you move beyond being an “amateur” speaker, allowing you to craft a narrative that resonates emotionally and intellectually with your audience.
How does the ‘Rule of Three’ (Triads) improve my public speaking?
The human brain is naturally attuned to patterns, and triples or triads are the most satisfying pattern we can process. By grouping ideas into threes—such as “I came, I saw, I conquered”—you create a sense of completeness and rhythm. Whether you are starting three consecutive phrases the same way or listing three core benefits, the “Rule of Three” makes your points significantly easier for an audience to remember and repeat.
Why is creating ‘contrast’ effective during a leadership talk?
Contrasting pairs (e.g., “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”) create mental tension. This tension keeps an audience attentive because they are forced to weigh two opposites against each other. By highlighting the difference between “where we are” and “where we could be,” you clarify your position and make your call to action feel more urgent and balanced.
How can I use imagery to make my business presentation more visual?
Imagery is the “pinnacle” of spoken language. It involves using descriptive, evocative words that allow your audience to “see” your message. Instead of using dry corporate jargon, use metaphors or vivid descriptions that grab your audience by the ears and transport them to your perspective. For example, describing a difficult period as “blood drawn by lash” is far more visceral and memorable than calling it a “challenging fiscal quarter.”
Is exaggeration actually a good idea for professional speeches?
Yes, when used strategically. As Geoffrey Crowther, former editor of The Economist, famously advised: “Simplify, then exaggerate.” In a live presentation, subtle points often get lost. By slightly overstating a concept or an outcome, you ensure the core truth of your message lands with the audience. If it feels like you are pushing the boundaries of your language slightly, you are likely hitting the right level of impact for a live room.
How do rhetorical questions help me connect with an audience?
Rhetorical questions are not meant to be answered aloud; they are designed to trigger an internal dialogue within your listeners. By asking a well-timed question, you force the audience to think in the direction you want them to go. It changes the dynamic from a passive lecture to an active, shared experience where the audience feels they are discovering the “truth” alongside you.
Where can I get one-to-one public speaking coaching in London?
Benjamin Ball Associates provides intensive, tailored public speaking and presentation coaching for senior executives and pitch teams. With over 20 years of experience in the City of London, Ben Ball and his team use the proven PitchPoint™ Process to transform your delivery in just a few hours. To book a session or get a quote, contact Louise Angus at +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com.
Do you want to see these techniques in action? Our article breaks down President Obama’s 2009 Inaugural Address to show exactly how he used triads, contrasts, and imagery to move a nation. Would you like to know more about how we can apply these specific tools to your upcoming investor pitch?
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