Signposts
DIRECT THE AUDIENCE from one point in your speech to the next with signpost words or phrases, such as “similarly” or “on the other hand.” Jonathan Larsen/Veer
Effective speakers make regular use of signposts, key words or phrases within sentences that signify transitions between points. Think of signposts as links or pivot points at which you either connect one point to another (“similarly,” “next,” “once again,”) or move from one point to a related but perhaps opposing or alternative point (“however,” “on the other hand”).
- “Another way you can help to fight puppy mills is to boycott pet stores that sell animals from disreputable sources.”
- “The third problem with our current emergency room system is that there simply isn’t enough money to fund our ERs.”
Table 13.1 details various examples of signposts and considers how they function effectively to achieve a specific purpose.
Table :
TABLE 13.1 USEFUL SIGNPOSTS
Source: O’Hair, Stewart, & Rubenstein (2012), p. 189. Adapted with permission.
| Function | Example |
|---|---|
| To show comparison | Similarly In the same way In comparison |
| To contrast ideas, facts, or data | On the other hand Alternatively In spite of |
| To illustrate cause and effect | It follows, then, that Consequently Therefore Thus |
| To indicate explanation | For example In other words To clarify |
| To introduce additional examples | Another way in which Just as Likewise In a similar fashion |
| To emphasize significance | It’s important to remember that Above all Bear in mind |
| To indicate sequence of time or events | First, Second, Third Finally First and foremost Once Now, Then Until now Before, After Earlier, Later Primarily |
| To summarize | As we’ve seen Altogether Finally In conclusion |