Comm - 03. Support Material Flashcards
Used to clarify or explain things for the reader or listener; such as unfamiliar or ambiguous terms, acronyms, or concepts. Typically use definitions, examples, or additional information.
Clarification Support
Information that add credibility, shows something is true, and proves or supports a point.
Proof Support
Review Question on Slide 10
Review Question on Slide 10
Letting the audience know what the source is and how credible it is.
Qualify Your Sources
Means ensuring support material flows smoothly and logically fits within the paper or speech.
Integrating Sources
Are we remaining objective with our support? Does the support remain focused on our subject?
Is It Relevant?
Final Three Guidelines for Using Support Materials
- Support should always be appropriate
- Support should be accurate
- Give credit where credit is due
Support Material Guidelines
- Know what you want to accomplish (clarify or prove)
- Qualify your sources
- Integrate your sources
- Use relevant support
- Use appropriate support
- Use accurate support
- Give credit where credit is due
Types of Support
- Definitions
- Examples
- Comparisons
- Testimony
- Statistics
Primarily used as clarification support because they explain or clarify terms, jargon, acronyms, or concepts. Can also be used as proof support to prove the true meaning of a word or concept.
Definitions
Primarily used to help clarify concepts or principles. It can also be used as proof support. two types: real life and imaginary (jokes/parables)
Examples
Examples that come from real life experiences. Can be very powerful and meaningful types of support in both written and oral communication.
Real Life Examples
“Made up’ examples but are often very powerful application to real life issues, such as the _______ in the Bible.
Imaginary (Jokes/Parables) Examples
Used frequently to clarify relationships, but can be used to prove a point.
Comparisons
Types of Comparisons
- Metaphors
- Contrast
- Simile
A figure of speech used to compare two things. Usually it’s a phrase or part of a sentence that compares something concrete to something abstract. Ex: Joe is a fast burner.
Metaphor
One of the most used comparisons in military writing because it’s an effective means of proving a point.
Contrast
Like a metaphor, but is less direct. Uses the words “like” or “as” and can be just as powerful and effective. Ex: John is like a crock pot - it takes him a long time to get hot around the collar.
Simile
Information we take from experts or expert documentation to support our communication. This is an excellent way to prove a point
Testimony
Three Methods for using Testimony
- Direct Quotation
- Quotation with Omission
- Paraphrase
When we quote someone word for word without omissions
Direct Quotation
When we quote only part of what someone has said or written.
Quotation with Omissions