Identification

Identification is the common ground between the speaker and their audience through physical characteristics, talents, occupation, experiences, personality, beliefs, and attituteds; consubstantiation.  This information can be found on page 290 of chapter 22 in our textbook.  

I think that identification is extremely important because it can be the difference between a speaker's message being accepted or rejected by his/her audience.  If the audience doesn't feel connected and as though they can trust the speaker, then they are far more likely to be skeptical of their message.  This leads the audience to question many aspects of the speaker's message that they may not have questioned had they felt a deeper connection with the speaker. As a speaker one must understand this and try to be the most likable person in every situation where speaking.

~Tornn