Public SpeakingDetailsAssignment 5.1: Supporting Material Mapping

This assignment supports the following lesson objective:

  • 5.3 Describe possible uses for different types of supporting materials

Assignment Overview
This writing assignment explores a mapping technique that you can use to identify types of supporting materials that are suited to helping prove the main points in a speech.

Deliverables

  • A one-page paper (written in 12-point font, about 300 words) written in a word processor, such as MS Word

Assignment Details
In this activity, you will consider the types of supporting material available and identify ones that will help you prove your main points and thesis statement.

Perform the following tasks:

Step 1: Review the information presented in the lesson that explores types of supporting materials and ways to locate them.
Supporting materials are a key ingredient to any speech as they add credibility to your thesis statement. In this information-rich age, you are fortunate to be able to locate a variety of supporting materials at the click of your mouse.

Step 2: Select an existing topic, thesis, and main points that you used in one of the assignments for lesson 4.
In a word processing (such as MS Word) document, list the following information:Topic
General Purpose (inform or persuade for this assignment)
Specific Purpose
Thesis Statement
Question Based on Thesis Statement
At Least Three Main PointsStep 3: Review the information presented in the lesson about types of supporting materials and the ways in which they can be used effectively.
Based on the topic, thesis statement, and main points you selected, determine at least three different types of supporting materials that will help you achieve the specific purpose for your speech.

Step 4: Copy the table below and paste it into your document.

Main PointType(s) of Supporting MaterialReasons for Selecting Type(s) of Supporting Material 
Step 5: Fill in the table.
Enter the main points for your informative or persuasive speech. For each of the main points you list, identify at least one type of supporting material that would help you prove your thesis and achieve the specific purpose of your speech. Match the type of supporting material and the purpose it serves with each main point. For each type selected, write a brief explanation of the reason you selected that type of supporting material.

Step 6: Save and submit your document.
When you have completed the assignment, save a copy for yourself in an easily accessible place and submit a copy to your instructor using the drop box.