Past as Prologue, Develop Rhetorical Tools

Add to your metaphorical toolbox every day. That's analogy. For example, you have smashes, cut shots, tips, roll shots, and more.

Diacope... "A, B, A"

Language is power. As communicators, add more arrows to your quiver. Historically, elite schools taught rhetoric to the children of patricians. The Forsyth video shares a few cookies, particularly diacope and chiasmus. 

Years ago after a match where an opponent hammered the team, Ralph Labella was understandably frustrated to give the post-game talk. He asked me. The team had lacked physical and mental toughness. I subconsciously chose a variant of progression. I said two lines. "How you play reflects how you live. You respond to challenges or you don't." 

Six months later, Kiki Kiernan came up to me and said, "that 'how you play reflects how you live' really got to me." She went on to study at The College of the Holy Cross, a highly competitive school. 

Here are a couple more rhetorical tools: 

Tricolon employs a series of three. Julius Caesar wrote, "I came. I saw. I conquered. Superman fought for "truth, justice, and the American Way." General Douglas MacArthur famously delivered commencement at West Point, preaching "duty, honor, country." Volleyball performance follows "bump, set, spike." The honors ensue, "MVP, All-Scholastic, All-State."

Anaphora uses the same beginnings to each line. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi said, "Winning isn't everything. Winning is the only thing." Melrose volleyball sustains a learning culture. Melrose volleyball flourishes with teamwork. Melrose volleyball succeeds with a commitment to excellence. 

Summary (your new rhetorical tools): 

• Diacope
• Chiasmus
• Progression
• Tricolon
• Anaphora

Lagniappe. For more on rhetoric:

Lagniappe 2. Getting more touches with demands on concentration and accuracy builds skill. 

You're inside five weeks until tryouts.