Parallelism

(noun)

the juxtaposition of two or more identical or equivalent syntactic constructions, especially those expressing the same sentiment with slight modifications, introduced for rhetorical effect.

Related Terms

  • repetition

Examples of Parallelism in the following topics:

  • Repetition and Parallelism

    • Repetition and parallelism can add clarity and dramatic punch to your speech.
    • Parallelism is an especially effective technique to provide structure, order, and balance in your speech, in addition to clarifying your argument.
    • Parallelism works the same way but without rote repetition of words or ideas and instead constructs them from similar examples.
    • Parallelism is a very effective way to break up your use of repetition by laying out many different ways of expressing the same thought or idea.
    • See below how parallelism was used in these two speakers:
  • Persuasive Speeches

    • Drawing parallels between yourself and the audience reduces the distance between you and them, making your speech that much more persuasive.
  • Age

    • The generation gap has created a parallel gap in language that can be difficult to communicate across.
  • Proxemics

    • The concept of terrritoriality parallels proxemics and helps to explain how you lay claim to the space around you.
  • Movement and Gesture

    • Speech-related gestures are used in parallel with verbal speech.
  • Defining a Successful Delivery

    • A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of speech or together with and in parallel to words.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Calculus
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Writing

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