📞Intro to Public Speaking Unit 7 – Supporting Materials and Arguments

What Are Supporting Materials?

• Supporting materials refer to the evidence, examples, and explanations used to reinforce the main points of a speech
• Help to clarify, illustrate, and substantiate the speaker's arguments and ideas
• Can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, personal anecdotes, and visual aids
• Enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of the speech by providing concrete evidence
• Enable the audience to better understand and relate to the topic being discussed
• Should be carefully selected to ensure they are relevant, accurate, and appropriate for the audience and purpose of the speech
• Play a crucial role in making the speech more engaging, memorable, and impactful

Types of Supporting Materials

• Examples provide specific instances or illustrations to clarify or support a point (case studies, personal experiences, hypothetical scenarios)
• Statistics offer numerical data to quantify or compare information (percentages, ratios, averages)
• Testimonies include expert opinions, eyewitness accounts, or personal stories that lend credibility to the argument
• Analogies draw comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar concepts to help the audience understand complex ideas
• Definitions explain the meaning of technical terms, jargon, or unfamiliar concepts
• Audiovisual aids such as images, videos, charts, and graphs can visually reinforce the message and make the speech more engaging
• Quotations from respected sources can add authority and credibility to the speaker's arguments

Finding Credible Sources

• Credible sources are essential for providing reliable and trustworthy supporting materials
• Academic journals, peer-reviewed publications, and reputable news outlets are generally considered credible sources
• Government websites, industry reports, and expert interviews can also provide valuable information
• Evaluate the authority, accuracy, objectivity, and currency of the sources before using them in the speech
• Cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure consistency and reliability
• Avoid using sources that are biased, outdated, or lacking in credibility, as they can undermine the persuasiveness of the argument
• Properly cite all sources used in the speech to maintain academic integrity and allow the audience to verify the information

Integrating Evidence into Your Speech

• Smoothly incorporate supporting materials into the flow of the speech to maintain coherence and clarity
• Introduce the evidence by providing context and explaining its relevance to the main point being discussed
• Use transitional phrases to signal the introduction of supporting materials (according to, as shown by, for example)
• Explain the significance of the evidence and how it supports the argument being made
• Avoid overloading the speech with too much evidence, as it can overwhelm the audience and detract from the main message
• Balance the use of different types of supporting materials to keep the speech varied and engaging
• Practice integrating evidence into the speech to ensure a natural and seamless delivery

Strengthening Arguments with Data

• Data, such as statistics and research findings, can provide powerful support for arguments
• Use data to quantify the extent or impact of an issue, making the argument more concrete and persuasive
• Present data in a clear and easily understandable format, such as percentages or simple fractions
• Round off complex numbers to make them more memorable and accessible to the audience
• Provide the source of the data to establish credibility and allow the audience to verify the information
• Explain the implications of the data and how it relates to the main argument being made
• Use data sparingly and strategically to avoid overwhelming the audience with too many numbers
• Combine data with other types of supporting materials, such as examples or anecdotes, to make the argument more relatable and engaging

Using Visual Aids Effectively

• Visual aids can enhance the impact and clarity of supporting materials by providing a visual representation of the information
• Choose visual aids that are appropriate for the content and purpose of the speech (charts, graphs, images, videos)
• Ensure that visual aids are clear, legible, and easily visible to the entire audience
• Keep visual aids simple and uncluttered to avoid distracting from the main message
• Use consistent formatting, such as colors and fonts, to create a cohesive and professional look
• Integrate visual aids smoothly into the speech, using verbal cues to direct the audience's attention
• Practice using visual aids during the speech to ensure a smooth and confident delivery
• Provide handouts or digital copies of visual aids for the audience to refer to after the speech

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overreliance on a single type of supporting material can make the speech monotonous and less persuasive
• Using irrelevant or unrelated evidence can confuse the audience and detract from the main argument
• Presenting too much information can overwhelm the audience and make it difficult for them to follow the main points
• Failing to cite sources properly can undermine the credibility of the speaker and the arguments being made
• Using outdated or inaccurate information can mislead the audience and damage the speaker's reputation
• Overusing visual aids can distract from the main message and make the speech appear disjointed
• Neglecting to practice the integration of supporting materials can lead to awkward or disruptive delivery

Practicing with Supporting Materials

• Incorporate supporting materials into the speech outline to ensure they are well-integrated and flow naturally
• Rehearse the speech multiple times, focusing on the smooth integration of evidence and examples
• Practice using visual aids to ensure they are easily visible and effectively support the main points
• Time the speech to ensure that the use of supporting materials does not exceed the allotted time
• Seek feedback from others on the effectiveness and clarity of the supporting materials used
• Make adjustments based on feedback to improve the impact and persuasiveness of the supporting materials
• Record yourself delivering the speech to identify areas for improvement in the use of supporting materials
• Continuously refine the selection and integration of supporting materials to create a strong, well-supported argument