The Power of Repetition: Why It Matters in Public Speaking

Public speaking is an art; the ability to enrapture an audience with one's words, movements, and ideas is a talent that is difficult to master. Every seasoned speaker knows that one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools in their arsenal is repetition. Repeating a word, phrase, or idea might seem like a cheap trick to some, but if used correctly, it can connect with an audience, drive a point home, and make the whole speech memorable. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind why repetition is important, how to use it, and examples of strong and weak repetition.


The human brain is wired to respond to patterns and familiarity.

Repetition creates a pattern that our brain can latch onto and understand. Therefore, when a speaker uses repetition, it increases the audience's ability to recall and retain information, making the speech more memorable. Studies have found that repetition enhances learning and memory retention. By repeating critical points, ideas, and concepts, speakers help their audience retain what is essential long after the speech is over.

Moreover, repetition works by leading the audience into a state of receptiveness. When someone hears a familiar idea or phrase again and again, they're more likely to believe it, even if it doesn't make sense. As a result, repetition can influence people's beliefs and opinions. After all, it's difficult to argue with something that you have heard ad nauseam. While this may seem manipulative, speakers can use repetition ethically to establish a connection with their audience and persuade them towards their point of view.

However, repetition doesn't always work. Repetition becomes annoying when it's not done correctly. A speaker who repeats the same word or phrase too often might seem patronizing or worse come off as though they're talking down to their audience. In such situations, the repetition becomes counter-productive, and the audience might tune the speaker out entirely.

To use repetition effectively, speakers need to mix it up.

There are different types of repetition – exact repetition, partial repetition, synonym repetition, and conditional repetition. Speakers need to vary their repetition techniques, use different tones, emphasize or deemphasize their phrases, and change the pace and the duration to keep their audience engaged.

Strong repetition is used by speakers like Martin Luther King Jr. who repeated phrases like "I have a dream," in his iconic speech, making it one of the most memorable speeches of the 20th century. He used repetition to connect his audience emotionally to his vision, helping them see it as their own. Similarly, Barack Obama used repetition in his speeches, using the phrase "Yes, We Can" repetitively, inspiring hope and belief in the American people.

In contrast, weak repetition is overdone, overused, or misplaced. It can be dull, boring, and even annoying.

In conclusion, repetition is a powerful tool that can augment a speaker's skills, connect an audience emotionally, and convey a message effectively. The science behind repetition helps the brain recall and retain information, leading to better memorization of ideas and concepts. However, there is a right and wrong way to use repetition. Speakers must use it ethically, vary their techniques, and use different tones, speeds, and durations. They must also tailor their repetition to the audience and the context of their speech.

Strong repetition connects with people emotionally, while weak repetition can be cringe-worthy and unproductive. By mastering repetition, you can elevate your public speaking skills and leave your audience motivated, inspired, and informed.