Figures of Speech
Symploce

Combine anaphora and epistrophe - repeat words at both beginning and end of clauses.

In Figures of SpeechLast updated

What it is

A rhetorical device that combines anaphora (repetition at the beginning) with epistrophe (repetition at the end) in the same passage. This creates powerful emphasis through dual repetition patterns that reinforce key messages from both directions.

Before & after

Before

“We need to work harder and be more innovative to succeed.”

After

“When times are tough, we innovate. When competition is fierce, we innovate. When times are tough, we lead. When competition is fierce, we lead.”

When you’ll use it

Motivational speeches: 'We will fight for justice, we will stand for justice, we will prevail for justice'

Brand messaging campaigns: 'Quality drives us, innovation drives us, quality defines us, innovation defines us'

Crisis leadership communications: 'Today we face challenges, tomorrow we face challenges, today we overcome, tomorrow we overcome'

Pro tip

Sandwich your message: repeat key words at both the beginning and end of each statement.

Questions & answers

What is symploce in speaking?

Symploce combines anaphora and epistrophe, repeating words at both the beginning and end of successive clauses. This creates powerful rhythm and emphasis, like 'When I was young, I was told this. When I grew up, I was told this.'

When should I use symploce in presentations?

Use symploce for critical moments requiring maximum emphasis—key values, important transitions, or powerful conclusions. The dual repetition creates strong rhythm and makes messages highly memorable, perfect for mission statements or calls to action.

How is symploce different from anaphora or epistrophe alone?

Symploce combines both patterns for amplified effect. While anaphora repeats at the beginning and epistrophe at the end, symploce uses both simultaneously, creating stronger rhythm, balance, and emphasis than either technique alone.

Learn more

American Rhetoric - Rhetorical Figures in Sound: Symploce
Wikipedia - Symploce

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