What technique is a presidential candidate using when she combines broad concepts with specific details in her speech?

• A. Varying the level of abstraction
• B. Using emotional appeal
• C. Employing narrative storytelling
• D. Applying rhetorical questions

Answer: (A)

The technique of combining broad concepts with specific details in a speech is known as varying the level of abstraction. This approach allows the speaker to engage the audience by starting with general ideas that relate to overarching themes or values before diving into concrete examples or specific data that illustrate and support those general concepts.

By using this method, the candidate can connect with the audience on a conceptual level, appealing to their values or beliefs, and then provide tangible evidence or anecdotes that make those concepts more relatable and understandable. This effective balance helps maintain the audience's interest and reinforces the message being conveyed.

Using emotional appeal focuses primarily on evoking feelings rather than the interplay of concepts and details. Employing narrative storytelling typically involves structuring the speech around a story arc, while applying rhetorical questions is about prompting thought or engagement without directly providing information. Although all these techniques enhance a speech, they do not specifically address the combination of abstraction and concreteness as varying the level of abstraction does.