When we talk about language, we mean speech (spoken language), or writing (written language). Of course, speech is spoken and heard, while writing is written and read. This seminar focuses on writing speeches in a language that is written to be heard. A rhetorical device uses words in a certain way to convey meaning or to persuade. It can also be a technique used to evoke emotions. Some types of rhetorical devices can also be considered figurative language because they depend on a non-literal usage of certain words or phrases.