SPC2608 Chapter 8

Understanding statistics

Can be manipulated and distorted -can play on all kinds of areas -usually there is more than meets the eye -may not be representative of population -measures may not be used correctly -may not be reliable

Accurate quotation

Making sure you do not misquote someone Making sure you do not violate the meaning of statements you paraphrase Making sure you do not quote out of context

Statistics

Numerical data -allows us to be more secure in our knowledge when we can express it numerically -used to clarify or strengthen speaker's points

Testimony

Quotations or paraphrases used to support a point

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

Brief example

A specific case referred to in passing to illustrate a point -specific instances -used to illustrate points or pile them one upon the other until you create a desired impression

Example

A specific case used to illustrate or represent a group of people, ideas, conditions, experiences, or the like -vivid and concrete have strong impact on listeners' beliefs and actions. without it, ideas seem vague, impersonal, and lifeless. with it, it becomes specific, personal, and lively

Extended example

A story, narrative, or anecdote developed at some length to illustrate a point -pulls listeners into the speech

Hypothetical example

An example that describes an imaginary or fictitious situation -not factual, did not really happen -good idea to follow it with testimony or statistics to show that the example is not far-fetched

Mean

Average value of a group of numbers

Citing sources orally

Do not follow a standard format -depends on topic, audience, kind of supporting material used, and claim being made -tell enough that they know where you got information and why they should accept it as qualified and credible

Personal examples

Excellent way to clarify ideas and to build audience interest

Peer testimony

Testimony from ordinary people with firsthand experience or insight on a topic -gives more personal viewpoint on issues than can be gained from expert testimony

Expert testimony

Testimony from people who are recognized experts in their field -good way to lend credibility to your speeches, shows your are not expressing just opinions

Direct quotation

Testimony that is presented word for word

Supporting materials

The materials used to support a speaker's ideas. The three major kinds of supporting materials are examples, statistics, and testimony. -often makes the difference between a poor speech and a good one

Median

The middle number in a group of numbers arranged from highest to lowest

Mode

The number that occurs most frequently in a group of numbers

Use examples to clarify your ideas Use examples to reinforce your ideas Use examples to personalize your ideas Make your examples vivid and richly textured Practice delivery to enhance your extended examples

Tips for using example

Use statistics to quantify your ideas (give ideas numerical precision) Use statistics sparingly Identify the sources of your statistics Explain your statistics (do not speak for themselves) Round off complicated statistics Use visual aids to clarify statistical trends

Tips for using statistics

Quote or paraphrase accurately Use testimony from qualified sources Use testimony from unbiased sources Identify the people you quote or paraphrase

Tips for using tesimony

Paraphrase

To restate or summarize an author's ideas in one's own words

When the wording of quotation is obscure or cumbersome and when the quotation is longer than two or three sentences

When is paraphrasing better than direct quotation