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Through explanation, you analyze something clearly and specifically by tracing a line of reasoning or a series of causal connections between events. In this process of interpretation, you also may offer examples to illustrate the information you’re sharing. Explanation works well when you’re giving a speech about a process, tracing the end of an important event, or describing how an interesting object works. For instance, you could use explanation to help your audience understand any one of the following:

Let’s assume you are giving a speech to explain how Skype technology can be used by private citizens for civic engagement with local government (a topic mentioned in Chapter 15). Your speech might begin by explaining how residents used to have to travel to city council meetings and wait for a chance to make short presentations on matters that were of concern to them. You might talk about how this effort showed a commitment to democracy—but wasn’t feasible for people who had family and work-related obligations. You also could explain how Skype allows a speaker to be present at the city council meetings without having to be there in person.