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your speech does not become a song or poem, Speech Element 4: “A” Alliteration

but used sparingly, this can have a lasting effect. Alliteration is defined as the commencement of
Proof? When you think of Muhammed Ali, what two or more words of a word group with the same
fight titles do you think of? It is likely that the letter. Remember “She sells seashells by the sea
“Thrilla in Manilla” or “Rumble in the Jungle” shore.”? It does not have to be that many words,

were the first to pop into your head. That is no just a few will do. Humes suggests consonants are
accident!! (The naming of those fights was not better than vowels. You can apply alliteration in
accidental either). a much more subtle way and achieve the same
effect. (Hint: Look at the title of this article!)
Speech Element 3: “E” Echo
Echo is simply using the same word multiple Speech Element 5: “M” Metaphor

times in a short space – a sentence or 2. John F. A Metaphor is a comparison. It relates the
Kennedy probably has the most famous use of unknown to the known. It creates a visual

the Echo in history. “Ask not what your country comparison of your topic to something that
can do for you, but rather what you can do for everyone can relate to, to get them to connect
your country.” Six words are repeated in this to what you have to say. When Muhammad Ali,
ONE sentence: What, You, Can, Do, Country, and “floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee”, he was

For. Echoing words in your delivery sinks your comparing how he moved in the ring, to the
message into your listener’s brain. gentle and graceful movement of a butterfly.
He compared how he punched his opponents
to the harsh sting of a bee. He used 2 metaphors

beautifully to relate boxing, which most of us
have not ever done, to the common experiences
of watching a butterfly move, and getting stung
by a bee. Adding “CREAM” to your speeches are

like adding cream to your coffee. It will make
your words go down more smoothly, and leave
an awesome sweet taste in your listener’s mouths.
And just like your local coffee shop, it will keep

them coming back for more!
Kwesi Sekou Millington is aworld clas public
speaking coach, speaker, and Toastmaster in Ottawa,
Canada. You can find more articles by Kwesi by

clicking here.

VOICES! | MAY, 2018 39