Invitational Communication

This article discusses invitational communication and emotional correctness through Sally Kohn's TED Talk. The author explains how invitational communication can create a supportive climate that leads to civility in communication. The article also provides tips on how to make communication more invitational.

Running head: INVITATIONAL COMMUNICATION
INVITATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Name of the Student
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Author note

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1. Sally Kohn, a liberal political commentator and a contributor to Fox News Channel,
talks about “emotional correctness” at the TED Talk platform (Sallykohn.com). Emotional
correctness, as the speaker describes, is when people allow others who might not agree with their
views to respond politely and create a bond where there is respect (Kohn). In addition, emotional
correctness also means that politically differing individuals demonstrate compassion for each
other. It is not what an individual says to other but the way he or she says it.
The author very effectively uses invitational communication to make those who dislike
her or disagree with her view listen to her. Invitational communication refers to the approach
where others are welcomed to see one’s own point of view and allows them to share their own as
well. The author uses emotional correctness as a segment of invitational communication that
allows her to feel positive and compassionate even when she receives a flurry of hate mails for
her liberal ideologies and homosexuality. As the author explains, when one reacts or responds in
an emotionally correct way, he or she makes sure that the listener or receiver is not forced to
accept his or her views. The author makes use of invitational communication to express her
views about political ideologies she believes in and about her being a lesbian. She attempts to
create a “supportive climate” that leads to civility in communication. She allows her haters to
speak out and then responds to them without attempting to force her ideas but with grace and
dignity.
2. As described in the previous section, invitational communication means a more civil
approach towards communicating with others who hold opposing views. To make one’s
communication more invitational, it is important to listen first what the other is saying or trying
to convey. Then, when they are finished, one must respond by appreciating them at first for
investing their valuable time to share their opinion for one. Then, one must state one’s own point

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of view by carefully using words that do not hurt or resent the listener. Further, it should be made
sure that the tone of the communication is such that the listener does not feel he or she is being
forced to accept one’s views. A compassionate approach towards even one’s enemies is what
invitational communication is all about.
It must be bore in mind that communication can only be effective when one values the
thoughts and ideas of others. In this way, one creates an invitational climate where the two-way
communication takes place safely and each one has the freedom to express his or her own ideas
without the fear of being obliterated. Sally Kohn provided examples like using derogatory or
abusive words to bring forth one’s views and shut others. She stated that people must be
emotionally correct when they express their thoughts even if their thoughts are against the
listener’s thoughts. The author made a valid point in this and it could go a long way in ensuring
that the communication one uses is more invitational.

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References:
Kohn, Sally. "Let’S Try Emotional Correctness". Ted.Com, 2018,
https://www.ted.com/talks/sally_kohn_let_s_try_emotional_correctness#t-339421. Accessed 26
June 2018.
Sallykohn.com. "BOOK". SALLY KOHN, 2018, http://www.sallykohn.com/. Accessed 26 June
2018.