What This Document Is
This guide supports students in Indiana University Bloomington’s COLLP 155: Public Oral Communication course, specifically focusing on the development and execution of an “Invitational Speech.” It outlines key concepts and strategies for crafting a persuasive speech that aims to build common ground and understanding with an audience, rather than simply advocating for a position.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students assigned the invitational speech project. It’s used during the speech preparation phase – from topic selection to final delivery – to ensure the speech adheres to the unique principles of invitational rhetoric. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective and ethical public speaking, particularly when addressing controversial topics.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This guide provides a framework and key considerations, but it doesn’t offer a complete, step-by-step instruction manual for speechwriting. It requires students to apply the concepts to their specific topic and audience. It also references a separate 2-page explainer document, which is not included here. This preview does not provide examples of fully constructed speeches.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* An explanation of the core principle of finding common ground with your audience.
* Discussion of “Degrees of Adherence” and how to invite audience members closer to your perspective.
* Guidance on selecting appropriate language and avoiding polarizing terms.
* An overview of two organizational patterns: the Reflective Thinking Sequence and the Motivated Sequence.
* A breakdown of the components of an argument: Starting Points, Warrants, and Claims.
* Different types of Starting Points (Empirical and Topical) and their characteristics.
* Information on how to calibrate your speech for maximum impact.
