Have you heard any great speeches or read any written works which have really impressed you recently? If you have, chances are that the orator or writer concerned has learned to use some of the tools which have been available to great communicators throughout history. These tools which have made them great are available for you to use also. Learning and practicing their use will significantly add to your credibility as a public speaker or competent writer. The author has compiled a comprehensive list of effective rhetorical devices, explained how they can be used and has given numerous examples of them. They will not all become a part of your personal repertoire of tools to use when delivering talks or writing documents. The names you don't need to remember, but even learning to use a few of these devices will add to your skills in public speaking and/or writing.