As stated, there are many simple ways a speaker can clarify, capture a thought, assist, drive a point, and/or increase attention-retention.

This example is one of approximately 10 primary rhetorical devices that can help make your points stickier and attention-grabbing.

There are probably a number of sticky ideas and/or statements that you have heard that are still part of your memory bank today.  And there are statements that you have made as a speaker or preacher that others bring to also remember . . . .

“Pastor, I remember when you said . . . . .”

Why did that stick with him/her?   One reason is because of the way it was said.  There are various rhetorical devices that cause people to remember what was said.

What is the advantage of good content or exposition if it is not remembered?  Retention is one of the inherent aims of speaking and preaching.  Rhetorical devices help create both attention and recall! [1]

Sermonic List

Tip #1 – Changing A Day To A Experience:
Tip #2 – Say It In A Way That Highlights An Event:
Tip #3 – Include / Connect The Outcome:
Tip #4 – Creating sticky words and phrases:

Tip #5 – Rhetorical Device #10 / “Epanorthosis” = Using a word or phrase and then immediately saying it even stronger and/or with a greater emphasis:  

“I was happy when I received a call from my granddaughter that she had placed her trust in Jesus — no, I was not happy . . . . I was on cloud nine . . . . . teen.” [2]

You have probably seen this rhetorical method used on television ads with an added twist. . . .

“I did NOT like it . . . . . I loved it!”

The first part of the statement begins with what is not expected, and then stronger words are used to bring even greater emphasis.

“I wasn’t happy when I received a call from my granddaughter that she had placed her trust in Jesus — no, I was not happy . . . . I was on cloud nine . . . . . teen.”

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1.  Alliteration is primarily a poetic device.  It is not one of the strongest in and of itself outside of that genre.
It is when alliteration is married to a biblical principle or truths that it becomes sticky.

 Proof: What were the three alliterative points of the last sermon you listened to?
What biblical sermon, passage,  or book in all of Scripture uses alliteration?  There is none outside of Ecc. 3:1ff – which again uses it poetically.

However, connect the alliteration to a broader statement/concept . . . .

“The three fears of every parent are Law, Love, & Liquor.  Engaging in criminal behavior will affect the rest of your life.  Sex outside of marriage will impact your life for decades, and alcohol / drugs have taken down millions, many down to the grave. ”

or

“The recipe is simple . . . . Read your Bible Once A Day, Every Day, and Start Today.”

. . . .  and alliteration’s effectiveness increases because the concept is carrying the weight, and is now more easily remembered.

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