As you prepare credible research for your speech, consider the types of supporting materials you are using, like examples, statistics, and testimony. Each of these types of materials should clarify your points, support your claims, gain the interest of your audience, and create an impact. Examples that you use to support your speech may be hypothetical, real, brief, or extended. Make sure that your examples are relevant, vivid, representative, and if needed, use more than one.

When using statistics, choose statistics that have an effect, that are accurate and concrete, and that are from credible sources. Making meaningful statistical comparisons and stacking statistics to create impact can be very useful. Because statistics can be difficult for your audience to hold in their heads or track across your speech, use visual aids for clarity and comprehensibility. Testimony of Experts, Testimony of Eye Witnesses, or Testimony of Non-Experts can also be used in your speech, but make sure to quote or paraphrase accurately and use qualified sources.

For any supporting material that you choose to use for your speech, choose materials that are interesting, cite all of your sources completely, and remind your listeners of sources that you use multiple times. Think about ways in which you could combine examples, statistics, and quotations for a more powerful impact.

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