Supporting material

Definition

Supporting material refers to the evidence and examples used to reinforce and clarify the main points of a speech. It can include facts, statistics, anecdotes, and quotations that provide depth and credibility to the speaker's arguments, making the content more relatable and persuasive.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supporting material enhances the audience's understanding by providing concrete examples and evidence related to the speaker's main ideas.
2. Using a variety of supporting materials can cater to different learning styles within the audience, making the presentation more effective.
3. Quality and credibility of supporting materials are crucial; using outdated or unreliable sources can weaken the overall message.
4. Visual aids can also serve as supporting material by providing graphical representations of data, which can make complex information easier to digest.
5. Incorporating personal stories or testimonials as supporting materials can create a stronger emotional connection with the audience.

Review Questions

• How can diverse types of supporting material contribute to a speaker's effectiveness during a presentation?
  • Diverse types of supporting material, such as statistics, anecdotes, and expert testimony, enhance a speaker's effectiveness by addressing various audience learning styles and preferences. This variety not only keeps the audience engaged but also strengthens the credibility of the speaker’s arguments. By presenting information in multiple formats, speakers can clarify their points and ensure their message resonates more deeply with listeners.
• Evaluate how the credibility of supporting materials affects the overall impact of a speech.
  • The credibility of supporting materials is vital for establishing trust with the audience. If a speaker uses unreliable or biased sources, it undermines their arguments and can lead to skepticism among listeners. Conversely, well-researched and reputable evidence bolsters the speaker's authority and reinforces their message, making it more persuasive. Therefore, selecting high-quality supporting materials directly influences the speech's effectiveness.
• Create a plan for integrating different types of supporting materials in a speech to maximize audience engagement and comprehension.
  • To effectively integrate different types of supporting materials in a speech, start by outlining the key points you want to make. For each point, select various forms of evidence such as statistics for credibility, anecdotes for relatability, and quotes from experts for authority. Incorporate visual aids like charts or infographics to represent complex data clearly. Finally, practice delivering these materials seamlessly within your narrative, ensuring transitions between them feel natural and keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation.

Related terms

Evidence: Information or data presented to support a claim or argument, often derived from credible sources to enhance reliability.

Testimony:

A form of supporting material that includes firsthand accounts or expert opinions to validate the speaker's message.

Anecdote: A brief, personal story that illustrates a point and helps engage the audience emotionally, often used as a form of supporting material.