5. Supporting Materials
Three Purposes Six Categories
Explanations
To Clarify Comparisons
Illustrations
To Prove Examples
Statistics
To Add Interest Expert Opinions
6. Explaining the Six Categories
Explanations, Comparisons, Illustrations, Examples, Statis
tics, and Expert Opinions
7. “In an explanation the speaker
describes the relationship between
certain items, defines a term or
word, or gives instructions on how
to do something or how to get
somewhere”
Page 344
9. “Speakers use comparisons to show
the similarities or differences
between something the listeners
know and something they do not
know”
Page 345
10. Comparisons
Types Comparisons
Literal Relate unfamiliar to
familiar
Comparisons
Effective and easy
Figurative way to add interest
Comparisons Used to clarify
11. “An illustration is a narrative or
story told in vivid detail to paint a
picture for the listener”
Page 346
12. Illustrations
Types Illustrations Should
Be detailed and vivid
Factual Relate clearly to point
If factual, used both to clarify
illustrations and to add proof
Used by speakers in
Hypothetical introductions
If hypothetical, used only for
illustrations clarification
13. “Examples are brief references to
specific items or events that are
used for both proof and
clarification”
Page 347
15. Examples
May contain no detail, or may include few brief
facts
Are used for both clarification and proof
Are most effective when used in groups of two or
more
Included immediately after factual illustration to
add additional proof
17. Statistics
Statistics from Speaker Statistics to Audience
Relate to their frame of Relate to audience’s interests
reference and knowledge
Eliminate unnecessary Be used sparingly
statistics Easier with charts, graphs or
tables
Round off to an easy number
Should be cited
Demonstrate credibility
Used for clarification and
proof
18. “Expert opinion refers to the ideas
of an expert in the
filed, paraphrased or quoted
directly by the speaker”
Page 349
19. Expert Opinions
Be sure to Expert Opinions
State the name of the expert Be kept brief
Briefly describe qualifications Used for clarification and
unless common knowledge proof
Briefly cite where and when it Quoted as if expert is saying it
was said Be followed by explanation
23. Delivery and Non Verbal Behavior
Gestures Tips
Help you appear Do not overdo it!
natural and add Try stepping
forward, backward, or
enthusiasm/importa side-to-side
nce to your Move at
presentation beginning, end, or when
emphasizing a point
26. Delivery and Voice
Volume Pitch
Loud enough to be Step changes
heard through room
in pitch to add
Increase/Decrease
volume with interest
emphasis
27. Delivery and Voice
Emphasis Rate
Increase pitch and volume Rate effects listener
Emphasizing certain words attention
changes the sentence
meaning Be sure to pause after
Example: important phrases or
Why did you fire him?
Why did you fire him?
ideas for absorption
29. Oral Language
• Should be
short, simple
sentences
• No long, technical
words
• Best language is
vivid, specific, and
simple
30. Persuasive
Language
• Straight forward and
forceful
• Words set
moods, feelings, tones, and
themes
• Use stylistic language to
make speech memorable
• Use “sweet and sour” words
32. Confident Delivery
Practice
Stand up, speak out loud, and use visuals
It is okay to be nervous, but don’t let it show
Never say sorry after a mistake
Maintain Composure
Do not toy with items, hair, clothing
