Skip to main content

Supporting Materials (Extended Example)

Image
By itsRashad

Extended examples are often called illustrations, narratives, or anecdotes. They are longer and more detailed then brief example. By telling a story vividly and dramatically, they pull listeners into the speech. Here is such an example, from a speech about the astonishing similarities that sometimes exist between identical twins:

After 40 years of separation from his identical twin, James Lewis began his search for his long-lost brother. They had been separated a few weeks after birth and were adopted by different families. Their reunion took place at the home of the other twin—James Springer. Upon meeting, they found that they had more in common then their first names.

Both had married a woman named Betty, been divorced, and remarried a woman named Sally. Both had similar jobs as deputy sheriffs, McDonald’s employees, and gas station attendants. Both liked to build wood furniture in their basement workshops. Both put on 10 pound as teenagers and lost it latter. Both had the same favorite subjects in school, were bad spellers, and suffered from migraine headaches and sleeping problems. All in all, they shared 27 matching characteristics.

This long example captures vividly the many likenesses that often exist between identical twins. The speaker could merely have said, “identical twins are a lot alike,” but the story makes the point far more vividly.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

The four objectives of a speech introduction

By itsRashad
A. The first objective is to gain the attention and interest of the audience. B. The second objective of a speech introduction is to reveal the topic of the speech. C. The third objectives of a speech introduction is to establish the credibility and good will of the speaker. D. The fourth objective of a speech introduction is to preview the body of the speech.
Post a Comment
Read more

Seven Methods that can be used to Gain Attention in an Introduction

By itsRashad
1. One method of gaining attention is to relate the topic to the audience. a. People pay attention to things that affect them directly. b. No matter what other interest-arousing lures a speaker uses, she or he should always relate the topic to the audience. 2. A second method of gaining attention is to state the importance of the topic. a. An audience is not likely to be interested in a topic they regard as unimportant. b. Whenever a speaker discusses a topic whose importance may to demonstrate its importance in the introduction. 3. A third method of gaining attention is to startle the audience. a. This method can be highly effective. b. It is important, that the startling material be directly related to the speech. 4. A fourth method of gaining attention is to arouse the curiosity of the audie...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Speech Conclusion Has Two Primary Functions.

By itsRashad
A. The first function is to signal the end of the speech. 1. Abrupt ending leave listeners surprised and unfulfilled. 2. One way to signal the end of a speech is with a brief verbal cur such as “In conclusion” or “One last thought.” 3. Another way to signal the end is by the speaker’s manner of delivery. a. In a crescendo ending, the speech builds in force until it reaches a zenith of power and intensity. b.In a dissolve ending, the final words fade like a spotlight on a concert singer, bringing the speech to an emotional close. B. The second function of a conclusion is to reinforce the audience’s understanding of or Commitment to the central idea of the speech. 1. There are four methods of accomplishing this. a. One method is to summarize the main points of the speech. b. A second method is to conclude with a quotation. c. A third method is to end with a dramatic statement. d. A fourth method is to refer back to the introduction of the speech. 2. Th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Supporting Materials and Critical Thinking (Peer Testimony)

By itsRashad
Another type of testimony often used in speeches is Peer Testimony – opinions of people like ourselves; not prominent figures, but ordinary citizens who have firsthand experience on the topic. This kind of testimony is especially valuable because it gives a more personal viewpoint on issues then can be gained from expert testimony. It conveys the feeling, the knowledge, and the insight of people who speak with the voice of genius experience. For example, if you were speaking about the barriers faced by people with physical disabilities, you would surely include testimony from doctors and other medical authorities. But in this case, the expert testimony would be limited because it cannot communicate what it really means to have a physical disability – such as the following: Itzhak Perlman, the word-renowned violinist whose legs are paralyzed, once said; “When you are in a wheelchair, people don’t talk to you. Perhaps they think it is contagious, or perhaps they think crippled...
Post a Comment
Read more