1. Essentials of Public Speaking
Supporting
Your Ideas
Chapter 6
Essentials of Public Speaking
Cheryl Hamilton
5th Edition
Cheryl Hamilton, Ph.D.
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

2. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Key Ideas
The seven types of supports
Identify which supports are used for clarification and for both clarification and proof
Identify supports that are overused
Identify supports that are underused
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

3. Chapter 1 – Public Speaking, Ethics & You
Flashback
The ancient Greek writer Aesop is credited with writing numerous fables —such as “The Hare and the Tortoise” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”—that are still enjoyed today.
Chapter 1 – Public Speaking, Ethics & You

4. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Types of Support
Visual – used to clarify and add interest
Computer generated graphics
Charts
Maps
Models
Pictures
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

5. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Types of Support
Verbal – used to clarify, prove and add interest
Explanations
Statistics
Brief or detailed examples
Comparisons
Expert opinion
Simple demonstrations
Fables, sayings, poems and rhymes
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

6. Reasons for Using Support
For clarification only
Explanation
Hypothetical examples
Figurative comparisons
Fables, sayings, rhymes, poems
Demonstration
For clarification and proof
Statistics
Factual examples (detailed or brief)
Literal comparisons (only weak proof)
Expert opinion
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

7. Tips for Using Support Effectively
Use a variety of supports
Use a minimum of two types of supporting material per point
Look for supports that clarify
Look for supports that prove
Don’t use too much explanation
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

8. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Supports Overused:
Statistics
Explainations
Use these with care. . .
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

9. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Explanations
Definition - make relationships clear; define terms; give instructions.
Tips for using explanation
Use sparingly (often dull)
Keep brief but specific
Follow with the words, “for instanced”
Use to clarify NOT to prove
Can be replaced with other types of support such as quotes
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

10. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Statistics
Definition – numbers used show the relationship between items
Tips for using
Eliminate statistics that are not necessary
Relate to listeners’ frame of reference
Round off numbers
Demonstrate credibility of your statistics
Present graphically when possible
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

11. Fable/Saying/Poem/Rhyme
Supports Underused:
Comparisons
Instances
Expert Opinion
Demonstration
Fable/Saying/Poem/Rhyme
Use these more often!
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

12. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Instances
Definition - Examples or illustrations about things, people or events (brief, detailed, factual, or hypothetical).
Types of instances
Hypothetical (made up, but possible)
Factual (actual happened)
Brief (called examples)
Detailed (called illustrations)
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

13. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Instances
Tips for using
Use instances to clarify ideas, add interest or prove points.
When brief, use 2 or more at a time.
When detailed, make them vivid.
Use topic variety (family, famous, business, & humorous)
For proof, use with other supports.
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

14. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Comparisons
Definition – clarify by comparing and contrasting things unknown to things known
Types of comparisons
Literal
Shows similarities and differences between two or more items of the same class or category
Salt-water fish and fresh-water fish
Figurative
Shows similarities and differences between two or more items of different classes or categories
Mayor of a city to the skipper on a boat
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

15. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Comparisons
Tips for using
Compare or contrast an unfamiliar idea with one familiar to the audience
Especially good for clarifying the unfamiliar
Excellent way to add variety & interest.
Best if relate to audience experiences
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

16. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Expert Opinion
Definition – ideas from another person who is a a recognized expert in a field that are paraphrased or quoted directly
Tips for using
Can be quoted or paraphrased
Keep quotes brief
Read quotes in a natural, convincing way.
Select experts that impress your audience.
Cite expert’s qualifications & source.
Follow with brief summary or explanation.
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

17. Fable, Saying, Rhyme, Poem
Supports that add interest and clarification to all parts of the speech
A fable is a fictitious story, usually with animal characters, meant to teach a moral lesson.
Tips for using
Use to add interest and clarify meanings
Read with enthusiasm and vocal variety
Especially effective when they are familiar
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

18. Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas
Demonstrations
Definition - A visual explanation or “how to” using objects, people or both.
Tips for using
Keep brief (usually 30 seconds or less)
Practice for a smooth performance.
Maintain direct eye contact.
Avoid dangerous or messy presentations.
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas

19. Essentials of Public Speaking
Supporting
Your
Ideas
Chapter 6
Essentials of Public Speaking
Cheryl Hamilton
5th Edition
Cheryl Hamilton, Ph.D.
Chapter 6 – Supporting Your Ideas