Public Speaking Handbook

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

sources of supporting Material 8.1 155


fish, stenciling, or stamp collecting. Or you might talk on a subject with which
you have had some personal experience, such as buying a used car, deciding
whether to join a club, or seeking assisted living for an elderly relative.
It is true that most well-researched speeches include some objective material
gathered from outside sources. But you may also be able to provide an effec-
tive illustration, explanation, definition, or other type of support from your own
knowledge and experience. As an audience-centered speaker, you should realize,
too, that personal knowledge often has the additional advantage of heightening
your credibility in the minds of your listeners. They will accord you more respect
as an authority when they realize that you have firsthand knowledge of a topic.


The Internet


When facing a research task, most people turn first to the Internet. Understand-
ing the World Wide Web, the Internet’s primary delivery system; the tools for
accessing it; and some of the amazing types of information available can help to
make your research more productive.


Generate
Main Ideas

Select and
Narrow
Topic

CONSIDER
THE
AUDIENCE

Develop
Central
Idea

Gather
Supporting
Material

Rehearse
Speech

Determine
Purpose

Organize
Speech

Deliver
Speech

Figure 8.1 Finding, identifying, and effectively using
supporting material are activities that comprise an essential
step of the speech-preparation process.
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