What is the term for using opinions or experiences from individuals within the audience?

The term for using opinions or experiences from individuals within the audience is peer testimony. This approach allows speakers to incorporate the perspectives and stories of audience members, enhancing relatability and making the speech more engaging. By referencing the experiences of peers, speakers create a sense of communal understanding and can connect more deeply with their listeners.

Utilizing peer testimony is effective because it contributes to the overall credibility of the argument, as it reflects real-world experiences that resonate with the audience. This contrasts with expert testimony, which relies on the authority of recognized experts in a field, and personal anecdotes, which stem from the speaker's own experiences but do not necessarily reflect the audience's viewpoint. Case studies illustrate broader phenomena through specific examples but also differ from the intimate, personal touch that peer testimony offers.