How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Diallage

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Diallage

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Diallage is the consideration of arguments from different viewpoints to and then turned to make a single point.

Example

John says we need to go South. Jane wants to go West. What is important is that we can't stay here.

If we put up our prices, then revenue may increase but sales will drop. If we put effort into marketing, then we may well more but margins will be thinner. Maybe we can combine these, funding marketing through an increase in prices.

Discussion

In negotiation and other forms of argument and debate, it is common for people to take sides and polarize their positions. With a collaborative facilitation, the parties are brought together and the best of both arguments are combined for a solution that helps everyone.

Diallage uses this principle, combining diverse viewpoints. In persuasion this can make the speaker seem fair and even-handed. It can also defuse opponents if you are seen to consider their position.

Diallage comes from Greek and means 'through making other than it is'.

Classification: Rearrangement