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

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.