Thursday, September 20, 2012
Effective statistics in a speech?
Any time I have used statistics, if any, in a speech, they are usually found at the beginning in the introduction. I find they are good attention getters and help justify what I am saying. I also include them at the end as a tying up tactic in the closing statement. The introduction may include things are proven and the ending statistics maybe things that need to be accomplished, but haven't gotten to that point yet. They are helpful in painting an image for the audience too. When numbers are given, it makes the topic seem more real and the audience begins relating their own life to the topic in comparison. I find them most useful in speeches that involve populations because they split larger groups into smaller groups and help analyze individual things that must be studied. I honestly haven't done a lot of speeches that needed statistical data as proof, but I find listening to speeches that have it are easier to understand.
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I liked your point about how statistics, "are helpful in painting an image for the audience..." When a speech is designed to inform or persuade, I think the visual element is often neglected. You want to be professional, so you don't allow yourself the opportunity to really produce the visuals that would typically come from a more narrative-driven speech. Statistics is a way of presenting information in a concise, visual format and I think its importance is understated. You did a great job summing that up!
ReplyDeleteStatistics is about gathering information from a larger population associated with two variables. When using it in a speech it's important in the sense of visual and organized format. This allows the audience to easily see what the number mean. Probably about the only time you will use statistics is when you're discussing something that has a cause and effect, or perhaps a comparison between two variables. A lot of the time, most speakers try and use statistics to show the audience the truth or facts. You can also use it as a way to show a positive or negatives change in society. It seems like you understand this pretty well. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI agree that statistics help to make speeches and topics more relatable to the audience. Giving facts can be a very valuable tool when trying to persuade an audience to feel the same way the speaker feels. I never thought about how valuable when statistics are given is but I really like your idea of giving them at the beginning and end of a speech. I know that I connect more with speakers when I am able to know facts, and many times if the facts are startling I become more engaged in what the speaker is saying; so I will definitly be trying that in my next speech. A lot of the times the inroduction and conclusion are the hardest parts to write and present because, well I know I am, always worried that people aren't being captivated right away. I also like the person's idea above me about having statistics and facts presented as a visual aid. I feel like all of these points will reallly help improve my speeches in the future.
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