Statistics?

Facts and statistics are the foundation for a strong speech, enhances credibility and backs up any details that may be in a speech. I think they are mandatory, possibly even for some narrative projects because they provide the audience with an understanding that whatever your topic is, that it is somewhat unbiased, filled with truth, and has adequate research to merit its' credibility. When describing an event, particularly with facts and statistics, it is most likely required to have an abundance of sources with credible background for the audience to believe whatever your point may be. Statistics are primarily most effective when describing something in numbers, when statistics work towards your goal and ideas more effectively. Statistics can prove that at least the majority of the population or controlled population is somewhat leaning on your side. For example, if you were required to present a speech about how smoking is a bad habit, you could present statistics to show how many lives the cancerous drug has infected and also the suffering/death rate near the end of the smokers' lives.

I tend to look for statistics first before diving into my topic. I like to make sure that there is adequate evidence, facts and statistics that usually follow my main points, just so I have that sort of foundation for a stronger delivery. Even though I may forget the numbers that a speaker may say in his or her speech, it does somewhat enhance my understanding of their viewpoint, and especially when backed with a credible source, I would typically tip my hat to their effective and strong research.

The only time I would truly see facts and research not so effective would be in personal stories and narratives. Being that these are mostly comprised of independent ideas and personal opinions/experiences, the narratives wouldn't exactly be enhanced by statistics, but maybe only facts. Again, during a story, if facts and/or statistics are blurted out during an emotional scene in a story, then it would definitely be non-effective, if not just plain wrong.