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
Borrowing information from someone else, and putting it in your own words. It is an effective way to summarize a large amount of information from a source and it allows you to put more information in your own words, which may be a more effective way to support your subject.
Paraphrase
Testimony Rule #1
Remember the general guidelines for support material:
- Know what you want to accomplish (clarify, prove, or both)
- Qualify your sources
- Integrate your source
- Keep it relevant
- Keep it appropriate
- Ensure it’s accurate
- Ensure credit is given
Testimony Rule #2
Keep testimony as brief as possible
Testimony Rule #3
Use your testimony in context. Do not bend the testimony to make it say what you would like it to.
Perhaps the most powerful form of proof support; however they’re the most misused. Very effective for proving a particular point, showing relationships, and summarizing large collections of data.
Statistics
Three Methods for Providing Statistical Information
- Ratios
- Percentages
- Raw Numbers
A numerical comparison of two or more things. Ex: 17 to 1
Ratios
A figure that reflects a portion of something when compared to the whole.
Percentages
Un-manipulated numbers
Raw Numbers
Rules when using Statistics
Round off, use sparingly, dramatize, recency, and context
Dramatize (Statistics)
Use statistics to make a point or gain attention
Context (Statistics)
Use statistics in their proper context
A process of drawing conclusions or inferences from evidence. Often defined as thinking with a purpose.
Reasoning
A statement or argument based on a false or invalid conclusion or an illogical thought pattern. Considered an unacceptable form of thinking.
Fallacy
Errors in your thinking pattern.
Reasoning Fallacies
Two Most Common Reasoning Fallacies
- Slanted Reasoning
- Emotional Appeals
Arises from the misuse or lack of data
Slanted Reasoning
This type of slanted reasoning occurs when a few examples used as proof do not, or may not, represent the whole. One way to avoid is to ask yourself whether there are enough samples and are they representative of the entire field.
Hasty Generalization
This fallacy of reasoning employs the device of offering two alternatives, one the speaker or writer wants us to accept and one he knows we will question or never accept. Favorite tool of politicians.
Faulty Dilemma
How to prevent Faulty Dilemma
Ensure you have analyzed the readable solutions between two extremes before making or suggesting a final judgment.
Is based on the assumption that what is true of a simple or familiar situation is also true for of a complex or complicated one.
Faulty Analogy
Consists of distorting or omitting important evidence to get a point across. Rationalizing is a form of this.
Stacking the Evidence
Arranging fact AFTER the event to demonstrate the chosen action was the correct one. A form of stacking the evidence.
Rationalizing
Avoiding Stacking the Evidence
To ensure you have the full evidence and then reflect it in your communication.
Also known as “begging the question,” it’s the practice of slipping in an assertion and passing it off as an ordinary question.
The Loaded Question
Five Emotional Appeals
- Name calling
- Glittering generality
- The snob or prestige appeal
- The plain folks appeal
- The bandwagon appeal
Giving undesirable names to things or people you dislike. These are designed to sway the listener or reader into lumping people into one category.
Name Calling
The opposite of name calling, it involves giving an admirable name to something we want others to accept.
Glittering Generality
This type is overworked on commercial TV. “Keeping up with the Joneses” is an obvious attempt to have each of us seek an even higher social status.
Snob or Prestige Appeal
Opposite of the snob appeal - status is looked upon with contempt.
Plain Folks Appeal
Designed to pressure you into accepting or rejecting things or ideas because “it’s the thing to do.” Based on the principle that if an idea is accepted by the group, it would be presumptuous for you to re-examine it. Is the opposite of reasonable communication.
Bandwagon Appeal
Review Questions on Slides 36 - 50
Review Questions on Slides 36 - 50
Two Types of Support
- Clarification Support
- Proof Support
