3.3 Repetition and parallelism
10 min read•august 20, 2024
and are powerful tools in speech and debate. These techniques help speakers emphasize key points, create rhythm, and make their messages more memorable. By strategically repeating words or phrases and using parallel structures, orators can captivate audiences and drive home their main ideas.
From 's "" to 's "," history's most impactful speeches have masterfully employed repetition and parallelism. These devices not only make speeches more engaging but also enhance their persuasive power, helping speakers connect with listeners on both intellectual and emotional levels.
Types of repetition
- Repetition involves the deliberate reiteration of words, phrases, or ideas within a speech or piece of writing
- Different types of repetition can be employed strategically to achieve specific rhetorical effects and enhance the impact of the message on the audience
Anaphora in speeches
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- is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences
- Creates a sense of rhythm and builds momentum in the speech
- Emphasizes key ideas by placing them in a prominent position
- Examples:
- "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills" (Winston Churchill)
- "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed... 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" (Martin Luther King Jr.)
Epistrophe for emphasis
- is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences
- Emphasizes the repeated words, making them more memorable and impactful
- Creates a sense of closure or finality to the ideas being expressed
- Examples:
- "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child" (1 Corinthians 13:11)
- "Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth" ()
Symploce in rhetoric
- is the combination of anaphora and epistrophe, with repetition at both the beginning and end of successive clauses or sentences
- Amplifies the rhetorical effect by creating a strong sense of parallelism and balance
- Reinforces the central message and makes it more memorable
- Example: "When there is talk of violence, let us stand up and talk against it. When there is talk of hatred, let us stand up and talk against it" (Bill Clinton)
Epizeuxis for intensity
- is the immediate repetition of a word or phrase for or intensity
- Conveys a sense of urgency, passion, or strong emotion
- Draws attention to the repeated word or phrase, making it stand out
- Examples:
- "Never, never, never give up" (Winston Churchill)
- "Tonight, tonight, tonight, I'm gonna make it up to you" (Lyrics from the musical "West Side Story")
Anadiplosis for continuity
- is the repetition of the last word or phrase of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next
- Creates a sense of continuity and progression in the speech
- Links ideas together and shows their interconnectedness
- Example: "The Egyptians built the pyramids, the pyramids that stand eternal in the desert" (Anadiplosis connecting "pyramids" at the end of one clause and the beginning of the next)
Benefits of repetition
- Repetition serves multiple purposes in speeches and can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the message being conveyed
- When used strategically, repetition can engage the audience, reinforce key ideas, and create a lasting impact
Enhancing memorability of ideas
- Repeating important words, phrases, or concepts helps the audience remember them more easily
- The repetition creates a stronger impression in the listeners' minds, making the ideas more likely to stick
- Examples:
- "I have a dream" repeated multiple times in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, making the phrase iconic and unforgettable
- "" used as a recurring slogan in 's 2008 presidential campaign, becoming a memorable rallying cry
Emphasizing key points
- Repetition can be used to highlight the most crucial aspects of the speech
- By repeating certain words or phrases, the speaker signals to the audience that these are the main takeaways or central themes
- Example: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world" (Mahatma Gandhi) emphasizes the importance of individual action and responsibility
Creating a sense of rhythm
- Repetition can give a speech a rhythmic quality, making it more engaging and pleasant to listen to
- The patterns created by repeated words or phrases can create a musical or poetic effect
- Example: "I came, I saw, I conquered" (Julius Caesar) has a strong rhythmic quality due to the repetition of "I" and the parallel structure
Evoking emotional responses
- Repetition can be used to stir emotions in the audience, such as enthusiasm, anger, or compassion
- By repeating emotionally charged words or phrases, the speaker can intensify the impact of the message
- Example: "We are not afraid" repeated in a speech can evoke feelings of courage and unity in the face of adversity
Unifying speech elements
- Repetition can help tie different parts of the speech together, creating a sense of coherence and unity
- By repeating certain words, phrases, or themes throughout the speech, the speaker can show how the various elements are interconnected
- Example: Repeating the phrase "We the People" throughout a speech on democracy can serve as a unifying thread, connecting different aspects of the topic
Effective use of repetition
- While repetition can be a powerful tool in speeches, it must be used judiciously and effectively to achieve the desired impact
- Speakers should consider various factors when incorporating repetition into their speeches to ensure it enhances rather than detracts from the message
Balancing repetition and variety
- Too much repetition can become monotonous and lose its impact, so it's important to strike a balance
- Speakers should vary their language and use repetition selectively for maximum effect
- Example: Instead of repeating the same phrase verbatim throughout the speech, the speaker can use variations or synonyms to maintain interest while still reinforcing the key idea
Choosing impactful words
- The words or phrases chosen for repetition should be carefully selected for their impact and relevance to the message
- Speakers should opt for words that are memorable, evocative, and aligned with the purpose of the speech
- Example: "I have a dream" is a powerful phrase that encapsulates the aspirations and hopes expressed in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech
Timing and delivery of repetition
- The timing and delivery of repeated words or phrases can greatly influence their effectiveness
- Speakers should consider factors such as pacing, intonation, and pauses when using repetition
- Example: Pausing before and after a repeated phrase can heighten its impact and give the audience time to absorb its significance
Adapting to audience and context
- The use of repetition should be tailored to the specific audience and context of the speech
- Speakers should consider the cultural background, age, and interests of the audience when choosing words or phrases to repeat
- Example: A speech aimed at a younger audience might benefit from the repetition of more contemporary or colloquial phrases compared to a speech for a more formal setting
Avoiding overuse of repetition
- While repetition can be effective, overusing it can diminish its impact and make the speech seem artificial or contrived
- Speakers should use repetition sparingly and only when it genuinely enhances the message
- Example: Repeating a word or phrase in every sentence throughout the speech would likely be excessive and detract from the overall effectiveness
Parallelism in speech structure
- Parallelism involves using similar grammatical structures or patterns in a speech to create a sense of balance and coherence
- When combined with repetition, parallelism can greatly enhance the rhetorical impact of a speech
Parallel sentence construction
- Parallel sentence construction involves using the same grammatical structure for related ideas or elements in a sentence
- Creates a sense of balance and symmetry, making the ideas more memorable and impactful
- Example: "I came, I saw, I conquered" (Julius Caesar) uses parallel construction with the repetition of "I" followed by a verb in each clause
Tricolons for powerful statements
- A is a rhetorical device that involves using three parallel words, phrases, or clauses in succession
- Creates a strong rhythmic effect and emphasizes the importance of the ideas being expressed
- Example: "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (United States Declaration of Independence) is a famous tricolon that encapsulates key American values
Antithesis for contrasting ideas
- involves placing contrasting ideas in parallel structures to emphasize their differences
- Highlights the distinctions between opposing concepts and can make the speaker's position more persuasive
- Example: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" (John F. Kennedy) uses antithesis to contrast the ideas of receiving and giving
Isocolons for equal emphasis
- An is a series of parallel phrases or clauses of similar length and structure
- Gives equal weight and emphasis to each element in the series, creating a sense of balance and importance
- Example: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" (Abraham Lincoln) uses an isocolon to emphasize the democratic principles of government
Chiasmus for mirrored structure
- involves reversing the order of words or phrases in parallel clauses, creating a mirrored structure
- Creates a memorable and engaging effect, drawing attention to the ideas being expressed
- Example: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" uses chiasmus to create a catchy and motivational phrase
Combining repetition and parallelism
- When repetition and parallelism are used together in a speech, they can create a powerful synergistic effect
- The combination of these rhetorical devices can greatly enhance the impact and memorability of the message
Amplifying rhetorical effect
- Repetition and parallelism work together to amplify the rhetorical effect of the speech
- The recurring patterns and structures created by these devices make the ideas more compelling and persuasive
- Example: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills" (Winston Churchill) combines anaphora and parallel structure to create a powerful rallying cry
Creating memorable soundbites
- The use of repetition and parallelism can result in memorable soundbites that stick in the audience's minds long after the speech is over
- These soundbites often become iconic phrases associated with the speaker or the message
- Example: "I have a dream" (Martin Luther King Jr.) and "Yes we can" (Barack Obama) are memorable soundbites that have become synonymous with the respective speakers and their messages
Enhancing persuasive impact
- Repetition and parallelism can make a speech more persuasive by emphasizing key ideas and creating a sense of unity and coherence
- The recurring patterns and structures can make the speaker's arguments more compelling and harder to refute
- Example: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world" (Mahatma Gandhi) uses repetition and parallel structure to persuade listeners to take personal responsibility for creating change
Demonstrating linguistic skill
- The effective use of repetition and parallelism in a speech can showcase the speaker's linguistic skill and mastery of language
- The ability to craft memorable and impactful phrases using these devices can enhance the speaker's credibility and authority
- Example: The speeches of great orators like Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, and John F. Kennedy are often admired for their skillful use of repetition and parallelism
Elevating speech style
- Repetition and parallelism can elevate the overall style and aesthetic appeal of a speech
- The use of these devices can make the speech more poetic, rhythmic, and pleasing to the ear
- Example: "Veni, vidi, vici" (Julius Caesar) is a concise and stylistically impressive phrase that has endured through history due to its use of repetition and parallel structure
Famous examples of repetition and parallelism
- Throughout history, many famous speeches have effectively employed repetition and parallelism to create a lasting impact on their audiences
- These speeches serve as powerful examples of how these rhetorical devices can be used to convey important messages and inspire change
"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.
- King's iconic speech is renowned for its use of anaphora, with the phrase "I have a dream" repeated multiple times throughout
- The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the speaker's vision for a more just and equal society
- The speech also employs parallelism, with similar grammatical structures used to highlight the contrasts between the current reality and the desired future
"We Shall Fight on the Beaches" by Winston Churchill
- Churchill's wartime speech uses anaphora, repeating the phrase "we shall fight" to rally the British people in the face of adversity
- The repetition creates a sense of determination and resilience, inspiring the audience to persevere
- The speech also employs parallel structure, with each clause describing a different location where the fight will take place
"Government of the People, by the People, for the People" by Abraham Lincoln
- Lincoln's Gettysburg Address includes this famous tricolon, which emphasizes the democratic principles of government
- The repetition of "the people" highlights the centrality of citizens in the functioning of a democracy
- The parallel structure of the three phrases gives equal importance to each aspect of government's relationship to the people
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" by Julius Caesar
- This concise phrase, meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered," is attributed to Julius Caesar
- The repetition of "I" followed by a verb in each clause creates a strong rhythmic effect and emphasizes the speaker's agency and success
- The parallel structure of the three clauses makes the phrase memorable and impactful
"Yes We Can" by Barack Obama
- Obama's 2008 presidential campaign slogan used anaphora, with the phrase "Yes we can" repeated throughout his speeches
- The repetition of this affirmative phrase created a sense of hope and possibility, inspiring voters to believe in the potential for change
- The simplicity and parallel structure of the phrase made it a memorable and effective campaign slogan
Key Terms to Review (24)
Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is best known for leading the country during the Civil War and working to end slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. His speeches and debates often employed rhetorical techniques like repetition and parallelism, which were pivotal in communicating his ideas effectively.
Anadiplosis: Anadiplosis is a rhetorical device in which the last word or phrase of a sentence or clause is repeated at the beginning of the next sentence or clause. This technique creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes important concepts by linking ideas closely together. By connecting sentences in this way, anadiplosis can enhance the overall coherence and persuasiveness of speech or writing, making it a powerful tool in effective communication.
Anaphora: Anaphora is a rhetorical device that involves the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This technique creates emphasis and helps to establish a rhythm, making the message more persuasive and memorable. It's often used to evoke strong emotions and reinforce key points in speeches and writing.
Antithesis: Antithesis is a rhetorical device that contrasts opposing ideas or concepts within a parallel structure to create emphasis and highlight differences. This technique not only draws attention to conflicting ideas but also enhances the overall persuasive impact of a speech or piece of writing by inviting the audience to consider contrasting viewpoints in a cohesive manner.
Audience Engagement: Audience engagement refers to the methods and strategies used to capture and maintain the interest, attention, and involvement of the audience during a presentation or discussion. It is crucial for effective communication, as it fosters a connection between the speaker and the audience, encouraging active participation and interaction. Engaging an audience effectively can be achieved through various techniques, including repetition, visual aids, and promoting respect and civility in discourse.
Barack Obama: Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017. His speeches often utilized repetition and parallelism to create powerful, memorable messages that resonated with a diverse audience. These rhetorical devices helped him articulate his vision for America, engaging listeners and reinforcing key themes in his presidency, such as hope, change, and unity.
Building Momentum: Building momentum refers to the process of gaining energy, enthusiasm, and engagement as a speech progresses. This technique can enhance the overall impact of the presentation, encouraging listeners to become more involved and responsive as key points are repeated or structured in a parallel fashion. The use of repetition and parallelism in crafting messages can significantly contribute to this momentum by reinforcing important ideas and creating a rhythm that captivates the audience.
Chiasmus: Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where words, phrases, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, creating a mirrored structure. This technique emphasizes the relationship between the two parts of the phrase and can enhance the memorability and impact of a message. Chiasmus often adds depth to a statement by contrasting ideas or reinforcing connections through repetition, making it a powerful tool in persuasive speaking and writing.
Creating rhythm: Creating rhythm refers to the technique of establishing a patterned flow of sounds, phrases, or ideas in spoken or written language. This technique helps engage the audience and emphasizes key points by employing repetition and parallelism, making the message more memorable and impactful. By crafting a rhythmic delivery, speakers can maintain listener interest and enhance the emotional resonance of their arguments.
Emphasis: Emphasis is the strategic stress placed on certain words or phrases to highlight their importance and convey meaning more effectively. This technique can be used to capture the audience's attention, enhance the emotional tone, and clarify the message being delivered. By manipulating vocal delivery and employing literary devices, emphasis can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of communication.
Epistrophe: Epistrophe is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. This technique emphasizes a particular idea or theme, creating a rhythm and reinforcing the message being conveyed. By using epistrophe, speakers can create a sense of closure or urgency, drawing attention to the repeated phrase and leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Epizeuxis: Epizeuxis is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession for emphasis. This technique is often used to convey strong emotion, urgency, or importance in speech or writing. It enhances the impact of the message by making certain words stand out, thus influencing the audience's perception and understanding.
I Have a Dream: 'I Have a Dream' is a pivotal phrase from Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This phrase is renowned for its powerful use of repetition and parallelism, emphasizing the vision of racial equality and justice. The speech not only inspired millions during the Civil Rights Movement but also continues to resonate today, becoming a benchmark for impactful oratory and viral speeches that mobilize audiences across generations.
Isocolon: Isocolon is a rhetorical device that involves the use of parallel structures in successive phrases or clauses, where each part is of the same length and similar structure. This technique not only enhances rhythm and balance in speech but also emphasizes the ideas presented, making them more memorable and impactful. It often appears in persuasive writing and speeches, contributing to a sense of harmony and reinforcing the speaker's message.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance to combat racial injustice in America during the 1950s and 1960s. His powerful speeches and writings, particularly his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech, highlight his masterful use of rhetoric, including techniques like rhetorical questions, hyperbole, repetition, parallelism, metaphor, simile, and analogy, to inspire change and promote equality.
Memorable Impact: Memorable impact refers to the lasting impression or effect that a speech or message leaves on its audience. It plays a crucial role in effective communication, as it helps ensure that the core message resonates and remains in the minds of listeners long after the presentation is over. The use of strategies such as repetition and parallelism can significantly enhance memorable impact, making key points stand out and ensuring they are retained.
Parallelism: Parallelism is a rhetorical device that involves the use of similar structures in a series of phrases or sentences to create rhythm and enhance clarity. This technique helps emphasize ideas, making them more memorable and impactful. It often appears in speeches and writing to draw connections between related concepts, making arguments more persuasive and engaging.
Reinforcement: Reinforcement refers to the process of encouraging or establishing a pattern of behavior through repetition and support, enhancing the effectiveness of communication. In speech and debate, using reinforcement helps to solidify key messages and ideas, ensuring that they resonate with the audience. This can be achieved through various techniques such as repetition of important points, parallel structures, and crafting impactful introductions and conclusions that leave a lasting impression.
Repetition: Repetition is a rhetorical device that involves the deliberate use of the same word or phrase multiple times in a speech or written work to emphasize a point and make it more memorable. It can enhance the impact of a message by reinforcing key ideas and creating rhythm, making it especially effective in oral communication.
Symploce: Symploce is a rhetorical device that combines anaphora and epistrophe, where a word or phrase is repeated at both the beginning and the end of successive clauses or sentences. This technique creates a powerful rhythm and emphasis, reinforcing key ideas while enhancing the persuasive quality of the speech. By linking the beginning and end of phrases, symploce adds a memorable structure that can significantly impact an audience's understanding and retention of the message.
Tricolon: A tricolon is a rhetorical device that involves the use of three parallel elements or phrases in a series, creating a rhythm and emphasizing a point. This structure often helps to make statements more memorable and impactful, drawing attention to the speaker's message. By organizing ideas in threes, a tricolon takes advantage of repetition and parallelism, enhancing clarity and persuasion in speech or writing.
We shall fight on the beaches: This phrase comes from Winston Churchill's famous speech delivered during World War II, emphasizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It captures the spirit of fighting on various fronts, serving as a rallying cry that employs powerful literary techniques, highlighting both repetition and emotional intensity while showcasing a relentless commitment to victory.
Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill was a British statesman, military leader, and author who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during crucial periods, most notably during World War II. His speeches and public addresses were characterized by powerful rhetoric, employing techniques such as rhetorical questions and hyperbole to inspire and mobilize the British people during the war, while also using repetition and parallelism to emphasize key points and create memorable phrases that resonated with audiences.
Yes We Can: The phrase 'Yes We Can' is a motivational slogan often associated with perseverance, optimism, and the belief in collective action. It emphasizes the power of unity and determination to achieve goals, making it a powerful rhetorical device in speeches and debates that aim to inspire and mobilize audiences.