Tip 648: Support Your Point

From the Public Speaking Workshops: Support Your Point

We’ve been talking about speaking in public. About giving presentations. 

Last week we talked about having a point. This week, we’ll talk about supporting that point.

Reflect back to when you were sixteen years old. You’re going out with your friends on Friday night. Your father says, “Be home by midnight.” 

You ask, “Why?”

And he says, “Because I said so, that’s why.” 

Humiliating. Dismissive. Nonresponsive. Even the memory is uncomfortable. 

Suppose he had said, “Three reasons: 

“Reason one: We care about you and your safety. 

“Reason two: We appreciate knowing where you are.

“Reason three: Nothing good happens after midnight.” 

Ahh . . . the classic “Nothing good happens after midnight” response. We’ve all heard it. We may have used it.

But a far better response than “Because I said so.”    

Supporting your point engages your listener and encourages acceptance of your point. 

How much support do you need? 

That depends on your audience, but—generally—anywhere between two to five supports. Ideally? Three.

In western culture—the culture that began in western Europe and spread through much of the world—three is a magic number. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Larry, Moe, and Curly. (Or Shemp. Or Joe. Or Curly Joe. Or Emil.*)  

Three gives a sense of completeness. One isn’t enough. Six or more overwhelms the brain. 

We love this stuff.

*All successors. Interesting history.