The fifth edition offers an innovative approach to presentational speaking. In invitational rhetoric, the speaker and audience work together so that everyone gains a greater understanding of the subtlety, richness, and complexity of an issue. Interactional goals cover the multiple reasons why individuals choose to speak—to assert individuality, articulate a perspective, build community, seek adherence, and discover knowledge and belief. The exceptionally accessible writing style is an aid to readers in thinking through strategies for meeting their interactional goals and designing effective presentations. Discussions of all the processes of presenting—selecting a speaking goal, organizing ideas, elaborating on ideas, and delivering the presentation—emphasize inclusive speaking practices. Sample presentations provide clear and contemporary examples of the best invitational speaking practices.

The authors’ primary intent is to help you communicate effectively in a wide range of situations. An increasing number of presentations now take place online, including Zoom meetings, podcasts, social media posts, and YouTube videos. The challenges and opportunities of speaking in digital contexts are addressed throughout the book.

Inviting Transformation helps you refine your skills and rehearse for significant future moments—a job interview, a closing argument to a jury, a podcast, a pitch to investors to fund your app, or a lifechanging conversation. You learn how to organize your ideas, how to express your ideas vividly and clearly, and how to deliver your ideas in an engaging way. Like any other skill, presentational speaking can be learned, and it improves with deliberate practice. With this concise, reasonably priced toolkit, you hone a life skill of presenting effectively that will help you achieve your goals.