How do rhetorical questions benefit a speech?

Rhetorical questions are a powerful tool in speechmaking primarily because they engage the audience and provoke thought. By posing a question that doesn't necessarily require an answer from the audience, the speaker encourages listeners to reflect on the topic at hand and consider their own views or feelings related to the question. This interactive element captivates the audience’s attention and fosters a deeper connection between the speaker and the listeners. As a result, rhetorical questions can enhance the overall impact of the speech, prompting an emotional or intellectual response that aids the delivery of the message.

Other options, like distracting the audience or complicating the message, take away from the effectiveness of rhetorical questions. They are intended to clarify concepts and invite engagement rather than create confusion, thus reinforcing the central theme of the speech. Additionally, while rhetorical questions can indeed be used strategically to manage the flow of a speech, they do not inherently shorten its duration.