Once you have decided on the main structure of the speech, it is time to go back and fill in the details with some interesting supporting material. The key to supporting material is to have variety. It is more interesting to listen to different types of evidence, so consider using a variety of the following:

1. Definitions: Define concepts for us that we might not already understand.

2. Examples: Provide examples of concepts that we might not be familiar with.

3. Statistics: Use numbers for statistical support of information that can be quantified.

4. Analogies: Use comparisons so we can reference something that we might already be familiar with.

5. Anecdotes/Personal Experience: Audiences love to listen to stories about things! Support some of the “harder” evidence with some “softer” stories. These might be personal experiences of yours or an anecdote you found in your research.

6. Quotations: Use direct quotations from experts who can support your point.

7. Visual Aids: Using visual support is a wonderful way to add an additional element of interest to a speech. Some topics can only really be understood visually. It is important to remember, however, some very important rules for visual aid usage.

Remember, the key here is variety. So, make sure you are using several of the types from this list as well as the suggestions in your textbook.

As an additional note, this is also an excellent time to be thinking about your audience analysis sheets. What kind of information will this audience want to listen to? Are they an audience who would prefer funny stories or are they a more serious audience who would appreciate a lot of statistical support? What kinds of examples could they relate to? Using specific evidence that directly relates to these people will make the most of your connection.  For instance, if they are all residents of Ashton, Idaho (for instance :), then use some statistics that apply to Ashton specifically.  Make the most of this opportunity to connect with these people.

Test yourself: Locate all of the different types of evidence used on the sample outline. How does the author work a number of different types of evidence into the speech?

Using Source Support