In English class, we worked on developing our public speaking skills by learning how to use rhetorical devices to make presentations more powerful and engaging. First, we studied examples such as rhetorical questions, antithesis, and parallelism. Then, each student chose a global event, researched it, and prepared a TED-style presentation applying these strategies.
For my talk, I focused on the difference between persuasion and manipulation—two ways of influencing people that may seem similar but have very different intentions. To bring the presentation to life, I used rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, contrasts, and repetition to capture attention and make my message clearer.
Preparing and delivering this talk helped me improve the organization of my arguments, practice clear delivery, and use rhetorical devices effectively to connect with the audience. More importantly, it showed me how powerful words can be when used thoughtfully. This project highlighted not only the importance of rhetoric in communication but also how it can shape the way we share ideas in the real world, making our messages more memorable and impactful.