Why Alliteration Is A Writer's Secret Weapon

I’ve been preaching for over 15 years, so certain habits are hardwired into my soul.

I script every syllable of my sermon. I sketch my steps across the stage for drama and depth. I scan the sanctuary for the sharpest eyes — the ones locked in, leaning forward, listening.

And I’m a sucker for alliteration.

If you’re not familiar with the technique, you just read it.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same letter. In this case, “S” from soul to sucker. “D” drama and depth. “L” locked, leaning, listening

Most pastors use it for the main points:

• We Crumble in Concern

• We Collapse into Chaos

• We Conform to Comfort

• We Chase Counterfeits

• We Can’t see the Calling

Each builds to the crescendo call to Confidence in Christ, rounding out the sermon with a redemptive challenge.

You get the idea.

But alliteration isn’t just a preacher’s parlor trick. It’s a time-tested tool used by literary legends and master storytellers throughout history.

Ancient Greek and Roman rhetoricians used alliteration to make their orations more persuasive and memorable.

Cicero, in Pro Caelio, declared:

"Levitas, libidines, luxuries, Lachrymae."
(Frivolity, passions, extravagance, tears.)

Julius Caesar’s famous battle cry went something like:

"Veni, Vidi, Vici."
(I came, I saw, I conquered.)

Shakespeare got in on the action:

"When to the sessions of sweet silent thought, I summon up remembrance of things past..." (Sonnet 30)

And it didn’t stop with the poets and politicians.

J.R.R. Tolkien used it in The Hobbit:

"A sudden splendor slashed the gloom." 

Dr. Seuss built his whimsical worlds with it:

"Barber, baby, bubbles, and a bumblebee."

And today, marketers, screenwriters, and novelists use alliteration to make messages stick.

From "Dunkin' Donuts" to "PayPal", brand names thrive on it. News headlines hook readers with lines like "Crypto Crash Causes Chaos."

So why is it all over the place?

Because alliteration is a psychological shortcut. It makes writing memorable, rhythmic, and impactful.

And if your writing isn’t at least two of those three, what’s even the point?

So, use alliteration.

Use it for these three reasons:

1. It Makes Writing More Memorable

Repetition of sounds helps ideas stick. That’s why we effortlessly recall phrases like “Veni, Vidi, Vici,” “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” or “Best Buy.” A natural rhythm in language makes words linger in the mind.

2. It Creates Rhythm and Flow

Great writing is heard. Alliteration adds a poetic pulse that makes sentences smoother and more engaging.

3. It Strengthens Emotional Impact

Sound shapes emotion. Hard consonants (C, D, T) convey power ("Clash, Crash, Conquer"), while soft sounds (S, M) evoke mystery ("Silent seas shimmer").

The right alliteration in the right place can heighten tension, deepen emotion, or create a sense of calm.

So whether you’re preaching, persuading, or publishing, don’t ignore the ancient art of alliteration.

Use it.

Master it.

Make your words matter.

Write on 🤙

Payton

P.S. The Christian Story Lab has been growing, and a bunch of you found me through Malachi Daily (I’m on the writing team). It’s a fun side project, and I’m pumped to have you here! If you’re new, hit reply and say hey — I’d love to know you made it!

P.P.S. Here is a picture of one of the first times delivering a sermon.