106 CHAPTER^8 Choosing Supporting Materials
Citing culturally accepted sources is especially valuable when your personal exper-
tise on the topic is limited. Integrating the ideas of experts or credible laypeople into
your speeches shows that knowledgeable, experienced people support your conclusions.
But quoting authorities bolsters your ideas if, and only if your audience views them as
credible on the topic. Therefore, it’s up to you to provide pertinent information about
the authorities you cite, why you believe their testimony, and why your audience should
accept their conclusions.Quote Culturally Accepted Experts
As Chapter 7 pointed out, we look to people whose occupational or educational exper-
tise, career success, and reputation in their field make them experts. Thus, testimony
from scholars, elected officials, scientists, and so on generally provides good supporting
materials, if you keep in mind that these experts are often biased. In fact, as their exper-
tise increases, their bias may increase. Think of political figures; the longer they’re in
office, the more partisan they may be.
Here are examples of expert testimony that would fit well in a speech about therapy
horses:^32
• “Research has proven that equine-assisted therapy helps with balance, posture, coor-
dination, motor skills, and concentration.” [Peggy Bass, PhD in special education,
thirty years of experience]
• Working with horses helps improve balance and eye movements as well as sensory
and social interactions. [Drew Coman, university researcher and doctorate fellow in
psychology]
The first example directly quotes the expert, but the second one paraphrases or
summarizes the person’s main point. Because most listeners are unfamiliar with both
sources, the speaker should explain each person’s credentials.
We commonly expect people to agree, in general, with others who are similar to
them in some notable way. However, people sometimes hold surprising opinions. For
example, some well-known conservatives support gay marriage or legalization of drugs,
and some well-known liberals take pro-life or pro-nuclear energy positions. Using
unexpected testimony like this can be especially powerful in persuasive speeches. Why?
Because your listeners will reason that people willing to go against their peers have
probably thought through their opinions carefully.Quote Credible Peers or Laypeople
Often “regular people” who have firsthand knowledge about a subject provide good
supporting information. These peer or lay sources may not know scientific facts and
related theories, but they can tell you how it feels to be involved as a participant.
What do laypeople report about equine therapy? For that, you need a participant’s
perspective:^33
• “[My son’s] balance has improved, his legs are stronger, and he is much more focused.
It has also helped his self-esteem as he is very proud of his progress.” [Andrea Fuentes,
parent of a son with autism, cerebral palsy, and an almost useless right hand]
• “When Sarah is on Goldie, the horse,... I see a calmness in her.” [Sheila Ramer,
mother of a 28-year-old autistic daughter]
Each participant’s perspective fleshes out details about how the horses are used in
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