When a Subpoint Doesn’t Fit

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In developing a speech, you may discover that some of the supporting materials you researched do not relate to any of the main points you selected. Nevertheless, you believe that these materials would improve your speech. What should you do?

One option is to reword one or more main points to encompass the additional information. In the first example that follows, the main point is that healthy eating is essential for college students. Note in this example how subpoint B focuses on getting exercise, not on healthy eating. Thus, it does not relate to the main point. In the second example, the speaker has rewritten the main point to make both subpoints subordinate.

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First Example

  1. Healthy eating is essential for college students.
    1. Limiting fried foods, whole milk, and sweetened drinks helps you avoid the “freshman fifteen.”
    2. Participating in intramural sports and walking to campus help you stay fit.

SECOND EXAMPLE

  1. A healthy lifestyle is essential for college students.
    1. Limiting fried foods, whole milk, and sweetened drinks helps you avoid the “freshman fifteen.”
    2. Participating in intramural sports and walking to campus help you stay fit.

A second option is to create an additional main point to include the supporting material in question. If you use this option, be sure you have enough supporting materials to develop the new main point. Also, be sure the new main point relates to your topic or thesis statement.