Use a Variety of Supporting Materials

Virtually any speech you deliver will require a variety of supporting material other than your own personal opinion or experience. This holds true whether or not you possess expert knowledge on a topic. People want to know the truth about a given matter, and, unless they view you as a true authority on the subject, they will not merely accept your word for it. In general, listeners respond most favorably to a variety of supporting materials derived from multiple sources to illustrate each main point.1

Alternating among different types of supporting material—moving from a story to a statistic, for example—will make the presentation more interesting and credible while simultaneously appealing to your audience members’ different learning styles.

Consider the Target Audience

Bear in mind your target audience as you decide upon your particular mix of supporting materials. Depending on how the audience feels about your topic, it may be wise to weight your evidence in favor of facts and expert testimony, or, conversely, personal stories and examples (see Chapter 26 on appealing to different types of audiences). Think as well about your choice of sources. Even if reputable, not every source is appropriate for every audience. A politically conservative audience may reject testimony you quote from a liberal publication, and a devoutly religious audience may resist examples drawn from certain secular sources. Focusing on the audience as you develop supporting materials will help avoid potential mismatches between audience and support for your speech.

TABLE 8.1 Types and Functions of Supporting Material

Type of Supporting Material Definition Purpose
Example Illustrates, describes, or represents things; it can be brief or extended, and real or hypothetical. Aids understanding by making ideas, items, or events more concrete; creates interest.
Narrative A story, either real or imaginary, and short or drawn-out in length. Can constitute a small part of the presentation or serve as a basis for the speech itself. Generates interest and identification.
Testimony Firsthand findings, eyewitness accounts, and opinions by people, both lay (nonexpert) and expert. Provides evidence and aids credibility.
Facts Actual events, dates, times, and places that can be independently verified. Provides evidence (including people involved) and demonstrates points.
Statistics Data that demonstrate relationships. Summarizes information, demonstrates proof, makes points memorable.