THE TOOLKIT
Support Points

Below are five different types of support or data points to support your argument and explain your position.

STATISTICS
Statistics, numbers and data are used to support your point, provide your audience with a vivid picture and give them a sense of urgency. Statistics include numbers, dates, amounts, times, percentages, dollars, and cents. However, there are a couple of tricks to remember when using statistics. First, round them off. Long numbers with decimal points are difficult to remember and understand. Also, use units of measurement that are known to your audience.

EVIDENCE
Physical Evidence is any prop or visual aid that enhances the credibility of your topic. It can include charts, graphs, pictures, models, and drawings. These can also be used in conjunction with statistics.

DEFINITION
A definition tells your audience the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept. It is used to explain and clarify. You can define a word, phrase, or concept a few different ways. First, you can use a synonym that relates the unknown idea to a concept understood by your audience. Or, you can provide background information so that your listeners understand where you are coming from. Or, you can define your unknown word, phrase, or concept by telling your audience how it works, what it does, or what it is designed to do.

EXAMPLE
There are two types of examples that can serve as support: Direct and Indirect. Direct examples are about something that you personally saw, heard, smelled, touched, tasted, or thought. However, an indirect example is about something that someone else saw, heard, smelled, touched, tasted, or thought.

TESTIMONY
Similar to indirect examples are testimonials. Both forms of evidence come from a second source’s observations. However, testimonials are usually from professionals. As a result, it is important to include their title (doctor, vice-president, production manager, director, etc.).