Mark Forsyth: How to Make Your Writing Memorable | How I Write Podcast
How I Write
The Power of Chiasmus in Speechwriting
Chiasmus, the art of using parallel phrases in reverse order, is a key technique in speechwriting to create memorable and impactful speeches. John F. Kennedy masterfully used chiasmus in his inaugural speech with lines like 'Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.' Chiasmus appeals to humans' love for symmetry and creates clarity and eloquence, making statements instantly powerful and believable. Other notable figures like George Bush Jr. and Obama have also successfully used chiasmus in their speeches, demonstrating how this technique can produce memorable lines that resonate with the audience and stand the test of time.
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