We have a new post in our research section –
http://www.gpb.eu/2012/04/rhetorical-tools-list.html
The paper is a long and comprehensive list of useful and commonly used rhetorical tools with examples and descriptions. Here is a small extract from it:
Conduplicato
Figure of repetition in which the key word or words in one phrase, clause, or sentence is/are repeated at or very near the beginning of successive sentences, clauses, or phrases; repetition of a key word over successive phrases or clauses.
“This afternoon in this room I testified before the Office of Independent Council and the Grand Jury. I answered their questions truthfully, including questions about my private life. Questions no American citizen would ever want to answer.” Bill Clinton
“We are in a deadly competition. A competition not only with the men in the Kremlin, but the men in Peking. We’re ahead in this competition Senator Kennedy as I think has implied. But when you’re in a race, the only way to stay ahead is to move ahead.” Richard M. Nixon, Opening Statement, First Debate with John F. Kennedy.
Paraprosdokians
Figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous.
Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.
“The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on my list.”
“Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.”
“If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.”
“We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.”
“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”
