How can you effectively use evidence to support your main points in a speech?

1 Choose relevant and credible evidence

The first step to using evidence effectively is to choose the right type of evidence for your main points and your audience. You should select evidence that is relevant to your topic, purpose, and thesis statement, and that directly supports your main points. You should also choose evidence that is credible, meaning that it comes from reliable and trustworthy sources, such as experts, scholars, reputable organizations, or firsthand witnesses. Avoid using evidence that is outdated, biased, inaccurate, or irrelevant.

2 Introduce and explain your evidence

The second step to using evidence effectively is to introduce and explain your evidence to your audience. You should not just present your evidence without any context or connection to your main points. You should provide a clear and smooth transition that signals to your audience what evidence you are going to use and why. You should also explain what your evidence means and how it supports your main point. You can use phrases such as "According to...", "For example...", "This shows that...", or "This means that..." to introduce and explain your evidence.

3 Balance and vary your evidence

The third step to using evidence effectively is to balance and vary your evidence throughout your speech. You should not rely on only one type of evidence or only one source of evidence for your main points. You should use a mix of different types of evidence, such as facts, statistics, examples, stories, quotes, or visuals, to appeal to different aspects of your audience's logic, emotions, and values. You should also use multiple sources of evidence to strengthen your credibility and avoid repetition. You should balance the amount of evidence you use for each main point, and avoid using too much or too little evidence.

4 Cite and acknowledge your sources

The fourth step to using evidence effectively is to cite and acknowledge your sources of evidence in your speech. You should not present your evidence as if it is your own or as if it is common knowledge. You should give credit to the original authors or creators of your evidence, and indicate where you found or obtained your evidence. You should use a consistent and appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and follow the guidelines for oral citations. You should also acknowledge any opposing or alternative views or evidence that may challenge your main points, and explain why your evidence is more convincing or relevant.

5 Review and revise your evidence

The fifth step to using evidence effectively is to review and revise your evidence before you deliver your speech. You should check your evidence for accuracy, relevance, credibility, balance, and variety, and make sure it supports your main points and thesis statement. You should also check your transitions, explanations, citations, and acknowledgments, and make sure they are clear, smooth, and consistent. You should practice your speech with your evidence, and get feedback from others on how well you use your evidence. You should also be prepared to answer any questions or objections that your audience may have about your evidence.

Using evidence effectively can help you make your speech more persuasive, informative, or entertaining, and enhance your credibility, clarity, and impact. By following these five steps, you can use evidence to support your main points in a speech and achieve your speech goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?