Establishing Credibility
Whenever we (as a critical and intelligent audience) read or hear anything, we ask ourselves questions like "how does she know that?" and "how can she be sure?" Whenever you speak, your audience is probably asking the same questions. If they are not confident in you, they will be less likely to accept any of the points you are presenting in your speech. How can you reassure them that you do know what you are talking about? The following is a list of a few of the most common ways of going about establishing your credibility to your audience.
Claim a prior experience with the subject:
One of the best ways to convince your audience that you know about a topic is to say that you have been there. If you are talking about poverty in Belize and you went there on a habitat build last summer, tell them. If you are talking about the effect of Alzheimer's on families and your Grandmother has Alzheimer's, let your audience know. Nothing establishes credibility with your audience quicker than letting them know you have first-hand experience.
Emphasize any special knowledge you may have acquired about the subject:
The next best thing to first hand knowledge is an academic history within your topic. If your giant research paper last spring covers some of the same ground as your speech, tell your audience. If you are a Marine Biologist, your audience for your "Why the Fish Need Us" speech would probably be interested to know that. Have an academic background is a primo way of establishing credibility.
Explain why you have a special perspective on your subject:
Even though you might not have any more personal experience or academic background (beyond the intense research you did for your speech) beyond what your audience has, you still might have a special perspective. If you are speaking about the situation in the Middle East, and your mother is a citizen of Iran, you are probably getting a different perspective than your classmates. If you are speaking about the race riots and you are a black woman, you might have a different (and valuable) perspective to share with your audience. Putting forth your unique perspectives helps your audience understand where you are coming from, and adds to the general debate. It also establishes your credibility for speaking.
Remember, the key to all of these approaches is to keep it short and simple.
When in doubt, come to the Speaking Center!
speakingcenter@agnesscott.edu
McCain G-37
Number 027 in the Speaking Center Handout Series