Chapter 8-Supporting Your Ideas

Median

the middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it

extended example

a story, narrative, or anecdote developed at some length to illustrate a point

Mode

the most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution

By telling a story vividly and dramatically, they pull listeners into the speech.

true

Examples

A simple, representative incident or model that clarifies a point

supporting materials

The materials used to support a speaker's ideas. The three major kinds of supporting materials are examples, statistics, and testimony.

expert testimony

testimony from people who are recognized experts in their fields

direct quotation

testimony that is presented word for word

Citing Sources Orally

name of document author, sponsoring organization qualifications date

testimony

quotations or paraphrases used to support a point

Quoting versus paraphrasing

Testimony can also be presented by paraphrasing. Rather than quoting someone verbatim, you present the gist of that person's ideas in your own words

quoting out of context

quoting a statement in such a way as to distort its meaning by removing the statement from the words and phrases surrounding it

Tips for using examples

1. Use examples to clarify your ideas 2. Use examples to reinforce your ideas 3. Use examples to personalize your ideas 4. Make your examples vivid and richly textured 5. Practice delivery to enhance your extended examples

Paraphrasing

Putting into words the ideas or feelings you have perceived from the message

Good speeches are not composed of hot air and generalizations. They need strong supporting materials to bolster the speaker's point of view.

True

mean

average

brief example

a specific case referred to in passing to illustrate a point

hypothetical example

an example that describes an imaginary or fictitious situation

Statistics

numerical data

peer testimony

testimony from ordinary people with firsthand experience or insight on a topic