Extended Example
A story, narrative, or anecdote developed at some length to illustrate a point.
Mode
The number that occurs most frequently in a group of numbers.
Quoting out of Context
Quoting a statement in such a way as to distort its meaning by removing the statement from the words and phrases surrounding it.
Brief Example
A specific case referred to in passing to illustrate a point.
Median
The middle number in a group of numbers arranged from highest to lowest.
Supporting Materials
The materials used to support a speaker's ideas.The three major kinds of supporting materials are examples, statistics, and testimonies.
Example
A specific case used to illustrate or to represent a group of people, ideas, conditions, experiences, or the like.
Direct Quotation
Testimony that is presented word for word.
Expert Testimony
Testimony from people who are recognized experts in their fields.
Mean
The average value of a group of numbers.
Paraphrase
To restate or summarize an author's ideas in one's own words.
Hypothetical Example
An example that describes an imaginary or fictitious situation.
Peer Testimony
Testimony from ordinary people with first-hand experience or insight on a topic.
Testimony
Quotations or paraphrases used to support a point.
Statistics
Numerical data.
Spatial Order
A method of speech organization in which the main points follow a directional pattern.
Topical Order
A method of speech organization in which the main points divide the topic into logical and consistent subtopics.
Causal Order
A method of speech organization in which the main points show a cause-effect relationship.
Connective
A word or phrase that connects the ideas of a speech and indicates the relationship between them.
Transition
A word or phrase that indicates when a speaker has finished one thought and is moving on to another.
Strategic Organization
Putting a speech together in a particular way to achieve a particular result with a particular audience.
Signpost
A very brief statement that indicates where a speaker is in the speech or that focuses attention on key ideas.
Problem-Solution Order
A method of speech organization in which the first main point deals with the existence of a problem and the second main point presents the solution to the problem.
Chronological Order
A method of speech organization in which the main points follow a time pattern.
Internal Summary
A statement in the body of the speech that summarizes the speaker's preceding point or points.
Main Points
The major points developed in the body of a speech. Most speeches contain from two to five main points.
Internal Preview
A statement in the body of the speech that lets the audience know what the speaker is going to discuss next.
Preview Statement
A statement in the introduction of a speech that identifies the main points to be discussed in the body of the speech.
Credibility
The audiences perception of whether a speaker is qualified to speak on a given topic.
Dissolve Ending
A conclusion that generates emotional appeal by fading step be step to a dramatic final statement.
Goodwill
The audiences perception of whether the speaker has the best interests of the audience in mind.
Rhetorical Question
A question that the audience answers mentally rather than out loud.
Crescendo Ending
A conclusion in which the speech builds to a zenith of power and intensity.