Evidence and Examples
Evidence becomes useful when the audience can see exactly what it supports and why it matters.
Start with the claim
Know the point you are trying to prove before choosing evidence.
A surprising fact that does not support the claim is still a distraction.
Give the evidence
Use a statistic, study, example, comparison, observation, or credible source.
Use spoken source attribution naturally when it matters.
Explain what it proves
Do not stop after the number or quotation.
Tell the audience how the evidence strengthens the point you just made.
Example
Weak: “Lots of people do not get enough sleep.” Better: “In one survey, 42% reported insufficient sleep.” Stronger aloud: “In one survey, 42% reported insufficient sleep. That matters because this is not a small edge case—it affects nearly half the group.”
Common mistake
Dropping a statistic into the speech and expecting the number to argue for itself.
Try this
Choose one claim. Add one piece of evidence, then force yourself to finish the sentence: “This matters because…”
Keep in mind
Evidence is strongest when you explain the meaning after you give it.
Practice this skill
Give a real speech and use SpeakCoachLab coaching to focus on this skill in context.