Page 231 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

198 Part 3 Putting Theory Into Practice

Have you ever purchased a product that warns, “Requires some assembly?” If
you have, then you also know what it’s like to learn that the process described on
the box is seldom as easy as described. Assembling the parts of your speech can
also prove more diffi cult than initially envisioned. After spending time in the ac-
tual or virtual library and systematically searching the Web, for example, it’s not
uncommon to look at the the notes we’ve compiled and wonder how we will ever
make sense of them in a speech. This chapter is designed to help you translate
your research into a meaningful speech. To that end, we fi rst introduce you to a
model of reasoning that can guide you in using the materials you’ve gathered to
support your overall message, whether its purpose is to inform or persuade.

Toulmin’s Model of Reasoning

A three-part model we have found useful was proposed by philosopher Stephen
claim
2
Toulmin. First, a reasoner has a claim, or conclusion, that he or she wishes
A conclusion that speak-
to establish. Second, there must be grounds or evidence to support the claim.
ers want their audience
Finally, there needs to be linkage between the grounds and the claim, which is
to reach as a result of
their speech. provided by a warrant.
For example, let’s assume a speaker wants to discourage the audience from
grounds buying an SUV. The speaker is making the claim that you should not buy an
The evidence a speaker SUV. A claim alone, however, does not make an argument; there must be
offers in support of a some evidence, or grounds, to support the claim. The speaker might point out
claim.
that SUVs get lousy gas mileage. On the surface this might seem to be reason
enough, but keep in mind that gas mileage per se is not the only thing a buyer
warrant
evaluates. The buyer may be more concerned about performance, vehicle size,
The connection between
or safety than gas mileage. Thus there must be a warrant, or a reason, to value
grounds and claim.
gas mileage over other considerations. In this case the warrant would be that gas
mileage is an important factor in choosing a vehicle.
Exhibit 8.1
The Toulmin Model of
Reasoning Backing

Grounds Warrant Claim

Qualifier

Rebuttal

8/24/07 3:20:51 PM
M4344.indb 198
M4344.indb 198 8/24/07 3:20:51 PM