Diacope
Repeat a word or phrase with intervening words for emphasis.
What & why
Repeating a word after a short interruption lets the key term land twice, with the inserted words coloring it the second time around. The brief gap creates a small tension that the return resolves, which makes the phrase feel emphatic and complete, and the repetition itself helps the word stick. Because the structure is compact and rhythmic, audiences tend to remember diacope lines close to word for word, which is why so many memorable slogans take this shape.
Before & after
“Success, success is what we're after.”
“Success - real success - comes from consistent daily habits.”
When you’ll use it
Keynote speeches: "Innovation (true innovation) comes from thinking differently about familiar problems"
Change announcements: "This transformation (meaningful transformation) requires commitment from everyone"
Product launches: "Quality (uncompromising quality) defines everything we create and deliver"
Team meetings: "Communication (clear communication) prevents most project failures"
Pro tip
Sandwich important words around descriptive phrases.
Questions & answers
What is diacope in speaking?
When should I use diacope in business presentations?
How is diacope different from other repetition techniques?
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