Pronunciation: pro-ther-a-pei'-a
Alternate Spelling: Gk. "previous care or treatment" from pro, "before" and therapeia, "service"
Preparing one's audience for what one is about to say through conciliating words. If what is to come will be shocking, the figure is called prodiorthosis.
Paul the apostle warms up his audience by beginning his speech on Mars hill with protherapeia: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are very religious...