Note – This article has been one of our most popular posts since I began writing this column 17 years ago. The message remains true and I’d like to share it again on this Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

MLK uses the Anaphora Effect.

You’re asking, “What’s the Anaphora Effect?!”

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s American federal holiday marking his birthday, celebrated earlier this week, I want to highlight one of the genius components of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

He uses the Anaphora Effect exquisitely.

Definition of Anaphora

It’s the repetition of words.

Q: Why use Anaphora phrases?

A: You make your message easier to remember by creating a rhythm, heightening emotion and adding emphasis.

In MLK’s famous speech:

• “Now is the time” is repeated three times.
• “One hundred years later”, “We can never be satisfied”, “With this faith”, “Let freedom ring”, and “free at last” are also repeated.
• Of course, the most widely cited example of anaphora is “I have a dream”, which is repeated eight times as King paints a picture of an integrated and unified America.

You might have learned in your English writing classes to not repeat words too often in written form. It depends. Using a catchy phrase can enhance your email or Chairman’s Report.

Why use Repeat Phrases?

Whether you’re writing an email, having a casual conversation, or giving a more formal presentation, using catchy phrases will make you more memorable and create more buy-in.

Photos taken by Robin Sachs Photography. Thank you to Robin for joining me in Atlanta to tour the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and the Martin Luther King National Historical Park!

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PS: Many of you have decided to start doing the 2-minute plank exercise that I wrote about last week. For correct form, consult an athletic trainer and good luck!