This week, one of my fellow Quick and Dirty Tips podcasters, Lisa B. Marshall, and the

author of the new book Smart Talk is going to tell you about some unusual figures of

speech you can use to spice up your writing.

Here's Lisa.

What do you think of when you hear the term figures of speech?

Probably, you think of metaphors, similes, or maybe idioms.

I like to think of these as the salt and pepper that spice up words.

But as you know, sometimes, even with salt and pepper, food still tastes bland.

We need a wider array of spices.

Different combinations make the food taste different, and at times, radically different.

Today, I'd like to talk about the slightly more uncommon figures of speech, anaphora,

antithesis, chiasmus, metanomy, and synectically.

I like to think of these as the paprika, cardamom, and saffron of language.

These figures of speech convey meanings in a more vivid and impressive manner, both in

writing and in speaking.

My first tip is to try to use these in different combinations to add depth and emotion to your

writing.

So, let's start with anaphora.

Anaphora means starting two or more sentences phrases or verses with the same word or words.

Anaphora means your words will sound repetitive, but don't let that stop you from using it.

That's the point of anaphora.

That's why it's convincing.

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