A speaker comparing two different objects using "like" or "as" employs which rhetorical device?

The correct answer is based on the definition of simile, which is specifically characterized by the use of "like" or "as" to draw a comparison between two different objects or concepts. This rhetorical device creates a vivid image or connection in the audience's mind, helping them understand a concept or feeling by relating it to something familiar.

For instance, saying "Her smile was like sunshine" utilizes the word "like" to establish a comparison that illuminates the qualities of the smile in a relatable manner. Similes are particularly effective in evoking emotions or creating strong imagery because they directly link one thing to another in an easily understandable way.

In contrast, a metaphor makes a direct comparison without using "like" or "as," saying something is something else, which can lead to a different kind of imagery. An analogy, while also a comparison, usually explains an idea or thing by comparing it to a similar thing in a more extended way, offering clarity and understanding through relationships. A cliché refers to an overused expression that has lost its originality and impact.

Thus, the employment of "like" or "as" is what distinctly qualifies the comparison as a simile, making it the correct choice in this context.