This book is essentially a list of techniques—rhetorical devices—that writers and speakers use to make their words more memorable, moving, and powerful. Forsyth breaks down each device in a short chapter (most only 3–4 pages long), giving a brief explanation followed by great examples. His style is smart, funny, and effective—he even uses the techniques while explaining them, which makes it fun and easy to understand.
There are 39 rhetorical devices in total, most of which used to be taught in schools. Reading this in prison made me really appreciate how powerful language can be—and how much of it we’ve forgotten. Here are some of my favorite devices from the book:
Alliteration
Starting multiple words in a sentence with the same letter or sound. It just makes things fun to read and hear.
Examples:
- “Dead as a doornail”
- “Final farewell”
- “Curiosity killed the cat”
- “A final farewell to my faithful female agent”
Hyperbaton
Changing the usual order of words to draw attention or sound poetic.
Examples:
- “Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage.”
- “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”
- Yoda is the king of hyperbaton: “Much to learn, you still have.”
Hendiadys
One of my favorites – taking an adjective-noun combo and turning it into two nouns.
Examples:
- “I’m going to the noisy city” becomes “I’m going to the noise and the city.”
- “I walked in the morning rain” becomes “I walked through the rain and the morning.”
- “Going to see them” becomes “Go and see them.”
- “The dead of night” becomes “The dead waste and middle of the night.”
Epistrophe
Repeating the same word or phrase at the end of sentences or clauses.
Used a lot in speeches and songs.
Examples:
- “Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie.”
- “…of the people, by the people, for the people.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.: “…we will be free one day. We will be free one day. We will be free one day.”
Isocolon
Parallel clauses that are structurally similar.
Examples:
- “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” – Muhammad Ali
- “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered)
- “Fill the armories, rule the skies, pour out the munitions.” – Winston Churchill
Paradox
Statements that seem contradictory but contain a hidden truth.
Examples:
- “There are two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, the other is getting it.”
- “There is only one thing worse than being talked about—and that is not being talked about.”
- “All women become like their mothers—that is their tragedy. No man does—and that is his.” – Oscar Wilde
This book made me smile often and think deeply about how much power a well-crafted sentence can carry. Thanks to ChatGPT for recommending it, and thanks especially to the anonymous donor who sent it to me—I couldn’t be more grateful.Whether you’re into writing, public speaking, or just want to notice the tricks that make words pop, this is a book you’ll enjoy. I highly recommend it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
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