What are rhetorical questions used for in a speech?

Rhetorical questions are a powerful tool in public speaking primarily designed to engage the audience and provoke thought. By posing a question that does not require an actual answer, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on the topic at hand, stimulating their critical thinking and emotional response. This engagement can make the audience feel more involved in the speech, as they are prompted to consider their own views and beliefs in light of the question posed.

Using rhetorical questions effectively can also reinforce key points, create a sense of anticipation, and drive home the subject matter's importance. This strategy helps illuminate concepts and keeps the audience attentive, as they mentally participate in the discussion, making the overall experience more dynamic and impactful.

While the other options touch on aspects of audience interaction, they do not fully capture the primary purpose of rhetorical questions, which is to enhance engagement and provoke deeper consideration rather than eliciting straightforward answers or replacing factual information.