Rhetorical Devices & Language

Deception & Logical Fallacies | Persuasion Techniques | Rhetoric & Strategic Communication | Rhetorical Devices & Language

Semantic Manipulation: Playing Games with Meaning
By May 3, 2026

This entire section of the catalog of deceptive tactics addresses various forms of semantic manipulation: the manipulation of word meanings leading to misdirection. This includes redefining terms mid-argument, using euphemisms to obscure reality, deploying loaded language to trigger emotional responses, and exploiting ambiguity in key terms (equivocation). What these techniques share: they manipulate the meaning…

Read More Semantic Manipulation: Playing Games with Meaning
Deception & Logical Fallacies | Persuasion Techniques | Rhetorical Devices & Language

Equivocation: Exploiting Multiple Meanings
By May 1, 2026

When a word has multiple meanings and you switch between those meanings mid-argument to make a conclusion seem to follow the premise that is false equivocation. Similar to redefinition but exploiting words that already have multiple established meanings. Examples: "Evolution is just a theory": This exploits two meanings of "theory." In some, less educated, colloquial…

Read More Equivocation: Exploiting Multiple Meanings
Persuasion Techniques | Propaganda & Mass Influence | Rhetoric & Strategic Communication | Rhetorical Devices & Language

Euphemisms: Hiding Reality Behind Pleasant Words
By May 1, 2026

He bought the farm, popped his clogs, kicked the bucket, their wicket has fallen, they’ve snuffed it and is now pushing up daisies. We love euphemisms. Euphemisms are fun. Euphemisms help avoid social anxiety. Euphemisms illustrate social belonging and enhance rapport. The problem comes when euphemisms are used to obscure or distract from the underlying…

Read More Euphemisms: Hiding Reality Behind Pleasant Words
Intelligence & HUMINT | Rhetoric & Strategic Communication | Rhetorical Devices & Language

The Royal Order of Adjectives: A HUMINT Behavioral Specialist’s Secret Weapon
By August 22, 2025March 21, 2026

Table of Contents The Royal Order of Adjectives The Royal Order of Adjectives is used to refer an unconscious rule that native English speakers instinctively apply when using multiple adjectives (before a noun). Consider the following phrase:“A green velvet Turkish fitted elegant large smoking jacket.” It doesn’t sound quite right does it? Now consider:“An elegant…

Read More The Royal Order of Adjectives: A HUMINT Behavioral Specialist’s Secret Weapon
Persuasion Frameworks & Models | Persuasion Techniques | Rhetoric & Strategic Communication | Rhetorical Devices & Language

Rhetorical Devices Used By Master Persuaders (and how you can start using them today) – Vol. 1
By February 24, 2025March 21, 2026

In this issue we discuss the epiphanic bridge and some simple presuppositions. Two classic rhetorical techniques that have been tried and tested by persuasive experts from politicians to professional copywriters. Simple yet powerful pieces of rhetoric and work on both the conscious and unconscious mind when executed properly. Table of Contents The Epiphanic Bridge People…

Read More Rhetorical Devices Used By Master Persuaders (and how you can start using them today) – Vol. 1
Persuasion Frameworks & Models | Rhetoric & Strategic Communication | Rhetorical Devices & Language

The Three Pillars of Persuasion
By February 6, 2025March 21, 2026

Understanding the Three Pillars of Influence Over 2,000 years ago Aristotle created a framework to describe effective persuasion that was brilliant for both its comprehensiveness and its simplicity. To persuade any person of anything you need the correct balance of the following 3 rhetorical appeals ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion) and logos (logic). These three elements…

Read More The Three Pillars of Persuasion