166 8.3 GatherinG and UsinG sUpportinG Material
To use an extended illustration takes more time than citing a brief example, but
longer stories can be more dramatic and emotionally compelling. As we discuss
in Chapter 10, extended illustrations can work well as speech introductions. And
Chapter 15 considers the use of extended illustrations in informative speeches.
HYPOTHETICAL ILLUSTRATIONS Hypothetical illustrations describe situ-
ations or events that have not actually occurred. Rather, they are scenarios that
might happen. Plausible hypothetical illustrations enable your audience to imag-
ine themselves in a particular situation. The following hypothetical illustration
comes from a speech on how cell phone technology can change communication
in developing countries:
Imagine someone in China or Africa who is gaining access to e-mail for
the first time, how it will improve [his or her] efficiency and ability to
connect with others.^8
Notice the word imagine in this illustration. The purpose of a hypothetical il-
lustration is not to trick your listeners into believing a bogus story. As Chapter 4
describes, ethical speakers make their listeners aware from the beginning that
the illustration is hypothetical.
USING ILLUSTRATIONS EFFECTIVELY Illustrations are almost guaranteed at-
tention getters, as well as a way to support your statements. But even this excel-
lent form of support can be ineffective if not used to its best advantage. The How
To box offers ideas to help you use illustrations more effectively in your speeches.Use Illustrations in Your Speech
- Be sure that your illustrations are relevant to what they are supposed to support.
- Choose illustrations that represent a trend. It is not ethical to find one or two isolated illustra-
tions and use them as though they were typical. If your illustrations are rare instances, you owe
it to your listeners to tell them so. - Make your illustrations vivid and specific. If you have chosen to tell a poignant story, give it
plenty of detail so that it will come alive in the minds of your listeners. Paint a mental picture of
the people, places, and things involved. - Use illustrations with which your listeners can identify. The best illustrations are the ones that
your listeners can imagine experiencing themselves. Other compelling stories, such as a tale
from a person who survived a disaster, can illustrate such great human drama that everyone
listening will be immediately interested and attentive. - Remember that the best illustrations are personal ones. Speakers gain conviction and enthu-
siasm when they talk about personal experiences. For example, one speaker gained additional
respect from the audience for her speech on decriminalizing drug addiction when she revealed
that the man whose addiction she profiled in her speech was her own father.^9 If you have had
personal experience with the subject on which you are speaking, be sure to describe that
experience to the audience.
HOW TO