Final answer:
The model of social judgment theory helps a speaker craft messages within the audience's latitude of acceptance, enhancing the likelihood of reaching their goals. It encourages preparation and the use of rhetorical strategies to effectively appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos.
Step-by-step explanation:
The model of social judgment theory posits that audience members have different positions on a particular issue, ranging from their most preferred position (anchor point) to positions they would reject (latitude of rejection). As a speaker, understanding this theory helps you to craft your messages to fall within the audience's latitude of acceptance – the range of ideas that they find plausible or worth considering. The closer your message aligns with this range, the more likely the audience is to be persuaded or to engage positively with your speech.
Applying the model implies acknowledging that not all parts of an audience will receive your message the same way. Some might be immediately supportive, others neutral, and some might be opposed. Tailoring your strategy to reach the different segments within your audience can enhance the effectiveness of your speech. This can involve the persuasive use of rhetorical devices that appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos. Additionally, awareness of these differences encourages speakers to adequately prepare their speeches rather than "winging it" to ensure they address their audience in an effective manner.