Supporting Your Speech

Summary

This video script focuses on the importance of supporting evidence in crafting persuasive speeches. It explores four key types of evidence: illustrations and examples, definitions, statistics, and testimony. Each type is explained with practical tips for effective use, such as ensuring relevance, clarity, and emotional engagement with the audience. The script also emphasizes tailoring evidence to the audience’s preferences, whether logic-driven or emotional. By integrating various forms of evidence, speakers can enhance their credibility and make a compelling case, improving the overall impact of their speeches.

Takeaways

• 😀 Supporting evidence is essential for backing up your claims in a speech, helping make your argument more credible and persuasive.
• 😀 There are four main types of supporting evidence: illustrations/examples, definitions, statistics, and testimony.
• 😀 Illustrations and examples make your speech more relatable and emotional. They include brief, extended, and hypothetical examples.
• 😀 Brief examples are short, specific cases mentioned in passing, while extended examples involve detailed stories or anecdotes.
• 😀 Hypothetical examples ask the audience to imagine a situation, commonly used in persuasive speeches to visualize potential outcomes.
• 😀 Definitions clarify key terms and concepts. There are two types: classification (dictionary-style) and operational (defined for the context of your speech).
• 😀 Statistics quantify and provide scale to an issue. Key types include mean (average), median (middle value), and mode (most frequent value).
• 😀 When using statistics, make sure they are representative, explain them in simple terms, and use visual aids like graphs for clarity.
• 😀 Testimony comes from experts or peers, offering credibility through quotes or paraphrased insights. Always cite your sources properly.
• 😀 It's important to mix different types of evidence (stories, statistics, quotes) to appeal to both logical and emotional aspects of your audience.
• 😀 Tailor your evidence to the preferences of your audience—some may prefer logical data (statistics, expert testimony), while others may connect more with emotional appeals (stories, peer testimony).

Q & A

What is supporting evidence in a speech?

Supporting evidence refers to information used to back up the main points of a speech. It includes various types of evidence such as examples, statistics, definitions, and testimony to strengthen the argument and make it more credible.

What are the four main types of supporting material in a speech?

The four main types of supporting material in a speech are: 1) Illustrations/Examples, 2) Definitions, 3) Statistics, and 4) Testimony.

What is the difference between a brief example and an extended example?

A brief example is a short, specific instance that illustrates a point quickly, while an extended example is a longer, more detailed story or anecdote that provides a deeper connection or explanation of the point.

How can hypothetical examples be used in speeches?

Hypothetical examples are used to ask the audience to imagine a scenario that could potentially happen. These examples help the audience visualize what could occur under certain circumstances, often used in persuasive speeches to demonstrate the impact of a proposed solution.

What is the purpose of definitions in a speech?

Definitions in a speech are used to clarify terms or concepts, ensuring the audience understands the specific meaning of words or phrases as they are intended in the context of the speech. They can be standard dictionary definitions or operational definitions specific to the speech.

What are the three common statistical measures discussed in the script?

The three common statistical measures are: 1) The Mean (average), 2) The Median (the middle value), and 3) The Mode (the most frequently occurring value).

How should statistics be presented in a speech?

Statistics should be used sparingly and explained thoroughly to ensure the audience understands their significance. They should be representative of the topic being discussed and presented in simple terms, often with the help of visual aids such as graphs.

What is the difference between expert testimony and peer testimony?

Expert testimony comes from professionals with specialized knowledge or experience in a particular field, while peer testimony is from individuals with first-hand experience or insight into a topic, but not necessarily formal expertise.

What are some tips for using illustrations and examples in a speech?

When using illustrations and examples, make sure they are relevant to the audience, avoid irrelevant details, and use descriptive language to make the story or example come to life. Personal experiences are particularly effective, and practicing the delivery of a story is essential.

Why is it important to paraphrase testimony in a speech?

Paraphrasing testimony is important because it allows you to simplify complex quotes or information for clarity and flow. However, it’s crucial to remain true to the original meaning of the testimony and give proper credit to the source.