What is the purpose of using supporting materials in a speech?

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The purpose of using supporting materials in a speech is to validate the arguments made. Supporting materials, such as statistics, examples, testimonies, and anecdotes, strengthen a speaker's claims and provide the necessary evidence to convince the audience of the validity of the points being presented. By backing up arguments with credible information, the speaker enhances the overall effectiveness of the speech and builds trust with the audience.

In contrast, simply filling time during a presentation does not add value or enhance the message being conveyed. Impressing the audience with facts alone may be superficial if those facts do not directly support the main arguments of the speech. Shifting focus from the speaker can detract from the importance of the main message, causing confusion rather than reinforcing the arguments. Therefore, validating arguments through relevant and well-chosen supporting materials is essential for achieving a persuasive and impactful presentation.