Public Speaking M05
Periodicals
-for more recent info. -magazines, newspapers, journals, and other publications printed at predictable intervals. -may appear weekly, monthly, or quarterly to update
Expert Authorities
If an expert supports our position, it usually adds credibility. -can be incorporated after introducing a point of your argument.
Boolean Operators
OR, AND/+, NOT/-, " "
content farm
a company that employs large numbers of writers to generate large amounts of textual content which is specifically designed to satisfy algorithms for maximal retrieval by search engines -main goal is to generate advertising revenue through attracting reader page views as first exposed in the context of social spam -Content farms, or content mills, are not college-level resources
Lay testimony
any testimony based on witnesses' opinions or perceptions in a given case
Common Misunderstandings of Statistics
correlation does not mean causation - presenting accurate information when discussing two variables that may be related. -understanding and interpreting the given data and molding that interpretation towards a convincing statement.
style guide
help you determine the format of your citations, both within the speech and in the bibliography - MLA style =humanities, -APA = social scientists -CMS = either type of writing, but is most popular with historians
What the Body of Your Speech Should Include
help you elaborate your main objectives clearly by using main points, subpoints, and support for your sub points. -try to limit both your main points and subpoints to three or four points each(applies to your supporting points) -Expert testimony is considered supporting point -incorporating expert testimony, the speaker bolsters their own authority on the topic. -expert testimony is commonly introduced after a claim is made
general interest periodicals
magazines and newspapers which provide a wide array of knowledge and keep readers up to date on the news within a larger cultural context -General interest periodicals are good for context and current events information -targeted toward the general public and they often use pictures and advertising to attract attention -The Atlantic, Women's Health, The New York Times, and National Geographic -intended for profit -appeal to the audience, is well written, and consistent with the commercial goals of the publication
Peer (Antiauthority)
peer testimony, because it comes from a source that is neither expert nor celebrity, but similar status to the audience.
Plagiarism
presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own - the students did not do the work themselves, yet they took credit for it -Consequences for this type of plagiarism are severe, and may range from failure of the course to expulsion from the school. -More often, plagiarism occurs by mistake -Omitting the oral attribution from the speech leads the audience, who is not holding a written version, to believe that the words are your own
Statistics
provides a quantitative, objective, and persuasive platform on which to base an argument, prove a claim, or support an idea -must be made understandable by people who are not familiar with statistics -extracting meaning and patterns from raw data in a way that is logical and demonstrable to an audience. -Graphs, tables, and maps can be used to communicate the numbers, but then the numbers need to be put into context to make the message stick.
the most used and most popular search engine -Three of these search engines can be helpful: Google Scholar, Google Books, and Google Images.
Using Tables, Graphs and Maps to Communicate Statistical Findings
the story you are telling through your evidence will probably start with the display of a table, graph, or map. -can explain a great deal -if a particular part of your analysis doesn't support your argument, it should be left out. - it's important to ensure the info isn't presented in a misleading manner -easy to understand -clearly linked to the message. -relate directly to the argument; -support statements made in the text; -summarize relevant sections of the data analysis; and -be clearly labelled.
Brief Examples
used to further illustrate a point that may not be immediately obvious, not so complex that is requires a more lengthy example. -used by the presenter as an aside or on its own - many people are familiar with
Google Scholar
you can find research that has been published in scholarly journal articles, books, theses, conference proceedings, and court opinions -help to refine your search to the most helpful articles - find citations of useful articles that will help support your ideas, but you may not always find the full text of the article. (telling it which library you want to search-scholar preferences-library links-name of your school or library-find library.) -Once you have included your library, the search results you get will have links that lead you to the articles available in your library's databases -search your library catalog for the title of the journal in which your desired article appears to see if they carry the journal in hard copy form (of you don't have access still) broaden your search in two strategic ways: 1.clicking "related articles" is one way to help you find resources that are similar 2.look again under the search result for the link called "cited by.
Extended Examples
used when a presenter is discussing a more complicated topic that they think their audience may be unfamiliar with. -may want to use a chart, graph, or other visual aid to help the audience understand the example - take more time to explain than a brief example and will be about a more complex topic.
Google Images
useful as you seek visual aids - photographs, charts, illustrations, clip art and more -it is possible that your topic could yield images containing adult content -use the "safe search" settings (Strict filtering, Moderate or default - No filtering) - offer proper source citations for every image that you use -consider using only images that appear in the public domain
Using Examples to Complement Key Points
using an example to clarify and complement a main point of a presentation -a speaker should be careful to not overuse examples as too many examples may confuse the audience and distract them from focusing on the key points that the speaker is making. - be concise and not drawn out -have a big impact on audience engagement and understanding in a small amount of time.
Search Engines
- can be your most important resource on the Internet (Google, bing, Yahoo!, and Ask) -the same search will yield different results depending on the search engine -use the one that seems most intuitive to you -cannot assume that the first few sites listed in your chosen search engine are the most relevant -scan the first few pages of search results -you may need to adjust your search terms - Some databases allow "sponsored links" (may not be the most relevant first links) -distinguish these from the others by outlining or highlighting them in a different color
scholarly research journal
- for more rigorous research -not for profit -designed to publicize the best research in a particular area -targeted toward scholars who specialize in a given subject or type of research -Journal of the American Medical Association, Harvard Law Review, and Quarterly Journal of Speech -engage in a process of peer review
Examples
-Brief, extended, and hypothetical -help an audience better understand and relate to key points of a presentation. -specific situations, problems, or stories designed to help illustrate a principle, method, or phenomenon. -make an abstract concept more concrete for an audience by providing a specific case
What to Consider Before Using Testimony
-Is the material quoted accurately? -Is the source biased, or perceived as biased? -Is the source competent in the field being consulted? -Is the information current? -which type of testimony you use will depend on your audience.
Personal Testimony
-One compelling story that you can offer is your personal testimony - invite the audience to understand your firsthand experience -offering your testimony = example of your point, -enhances your credibility = you have experience regarding the topic -conveying your insight and emotion regarding the topic, making your speech more memorable -people tell their stories they relive the experience (practice the story to make sure that it makes the appropriate point in the time you have.)
Common Uses of Statistics in a Speech
-Results from a survey and discussion of key findings such as the mean, median, and mode of that survey. -Comparisons of data and benchmarking results—also using averages and comparative statistics. -Presenting findings from research, including determining which variables are statistically significant and meaningful to the results of the research. This will likely use more complicated statistics.
Graph Checklist
-Title: Use a clear, descriptive title. -Type of graph: Choose the appropriate graph for your message, avoid using 3D graphs as they can obscure information. -Axes: Decide which variable goes on which axis, and what scale is most appropriate. -Legend: If there is more than one data series displayed, always include a legend, preferably within the area of the graph. -Labels: All relevant labels should be included. -Color/shading: Colors can help differentiate; know what is appropriate -Data source: Provide the source of data -Three-Quarters Rules: make the y-axis three-quarters the size of the x-axis.
Table Checklist
-Use a descriptive title for each table. -Label every column. -Provide a source if appropriate. -Minimize memory load by removing unnecessary data and minimizing decimal places. -Use clustering and patterns to highlight important relationships. -Use white space to effect. -Order data meaningfully (e.g., rank highest to lowest). -Use a consistent format for each table. -do not present too much data in tables
Guidelines for Helping Your Audience Understand Statistics
-Use reputable sources for the statistics -Use a large enough sample size in your statistics -Use statistics that are easily understood -When presenting graphs, make sure that the key points are highlighted and the graphs are not misleading as far as the values presented. -be sure to thoroughly explain what the numbers mean and use visual aids to help you explain.
Books
-contain comprehensive investigation -can have single or multiple authors -finding books easy by indexing them in an online catalog -call number (MOST IMPORTANT) is like an address for the book that indicates where it can be found on the stacks in the library. -take note of the title, author, and call number. -determine what you are looking for in advance -Use the table of contents, headings, and index to guide you -skim for key words and phrases -read enough of the section around it to understand the context of the statement and ensure that the book is making the point you think it is -reference section: books that do not delve deep into any subject, but provide basic summary knowledge on a variety of topics (dictionary, encyclopedia, abstracts, biographical references ) - used briefly but regularly by many visitors -writing down the page numbers and authors -can be not up to date
Sources of Information
-library and librarian = best -informed on resources -can specialize in areas of research -do initial research independently before seeking them three primary resources: books, periodicals, full text databases
Interviews
-offer insight into the past and into areas where individual sentiments are relevant, -expert testimony may provide more convincing support -recognized authority = substantiates your point -arrange a time and place that works for them - Be forthcoming regarding the information you are seeking and the timeline in which you are working -be flexible about the format for your interview -meet in person (or video call), then call or email -Before the interview, write down your questions. -establish rapport with the person you are interviewing. (respect their viewpoint) -ask permission to record, but always write just in case -thank them -review notes, look for supporting info and notes, synthesize, and credit source.
Defining Search Terms
-start by simply search by topic -watch for other useful terms that arise in relation -paying close attention to their language -consider synonyms for your search terms -be more specific terms to find what you are looking for -Boolean operators, words and symbols that illustrate the relationship between your search terms and help the search engine expand or limit your results -start as specific as possible and then broaden your search as needed
bias
All sources have bias ( come from a particular perspective) - check to see whether the perspective of the source matches your own, and whether the perspective overwhelms the ability to offer reliable information -source is affiliated with organizations that are known to hold a particularly strong opinion
Communicating Examples
An example is a specific situation, problem, or story designed to help illustrate a principle, method or phenomenon. -help make an abstract idea more concrete - most effective when they are used as a complement to a key point in the presentation and focus on the important topics of the presentation.
Full-Text Databases
Libraries organize links these databases in two ways: (1) by the area of specialization (2) by the name of the database -use the list of specializations to identify databases that will pertain to your topic. -Lexis-Nexis database provides access to newspaper articles, legal research, and government documents -allow you access to the citations, abstracts, and articles in the journals they index -sometimes limit access to the full text of articles (search in another database) -EBSCO, allow you to specify whether you are looking for general interest or scholarly publications.
Evaluating Information
Narrow your support by evaluating the quality and credibility of each source -look to see whether the information provided seems comprehensive. -thoroughly covers the issue, considers competing perspectives, and cites the sources where supporting material came from. -explains the reasoning behind the claims it offers. -determine whether the source considers competing perspectives -offers supporting data and or if it includes non-credible citations
Informative Speech
Once you know the topic of the speech, you can create the specific purpose statement. (one sentence summary of the goal of your speech) -Does this evidence support the goal of my speech -Is this evidence appropriate for my audience -combine multiple forms of evidence to make the most convincing case possible
Celebrities and Other Inspirational Figures
We trust the recommendations of people whom we want to be like
Websites
Websites may be maintained by individuals, organizations, companies, or governments -consist of a homepage, that gives an overview of the site and its purpose -links to various types of information, arranged "in an unconstrained web- like way, -making new connections between ideas and research -asking yourself if the sources you have found support your specific purpose -check to see whose website you are looking at, helps determine quality of info. -look for the author of the material you are using -be sure to bookmark them
source qualifications
When evaluating credibility, focus on the sources' qualifications - biases -One of the most important elements of credibility is qualification. -professional expertise is not the only type of credibility -testimony -training or experience appropriate to the type of information they offer. -see whether the information in your chosen source aligns with information in other sources on the issue
Hypothetical Examples
a fictional example that can be used when a speaker is explaining a complicated topic that makes the most sense when it is put into more realistic or relatable terms. -helps the audience to better visualize a topic and relate to the point of the presentation more effectively.
Testimony
a statement or endorsement given by someone who has a logical connection to the topic and who is a credible source. - used to either clarify or prove a point -Expert authorities, Celebrities and other inspirational figures, Antiauthorities
Introduction
add credibility to our words? One way is to rely on statistics. -Statistics are rarely meaningful in and of themselves. Statistics will, and should, almost always be used to illustrate a relationship. It's more important for people to remember the relationship than the number. -put statistics into context for our audiences
Google Books
can be used to make your search for, and within, books more efficient. - search for books on Google Books and then use your library site to see if they currently have the book -make your skimming more effective, using the search bar -Google Books does not print books in their entirety, and often will omit pages surrounding a search result, so relying on the site to allow you to read enough of the book to make your argument is risky at best -help you determine which books to obtain
Government Documents
census data, health reports, and crime statistics, transcripts of legislative proceedings, hearings, and speeches -Most college and university libraries maintain substantial collections of government documents -available online - can be helpful for finding up-to-date statistics on an issue that affects the larger population -identifying strong viewpoints concerning government policies -One of the most helpful resources for searching government documents is http://fedworld.ntis.gov/. -search Supreme Court decisions, government scientific reports, research and development reports, and other databases -lists all major government agencies and their websites -use the Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.
Source Quality in Speech
make reference to the quality and credibility of your sources -explaining that their ideas have been used by many other credible sources - offering qualifications, and identifies multiple experts who agree on this issue. -continuing to research and comparing the information in each source will help you better support your ideas.