While listening to an oral presentation, a speech critic should do which of the following?

Evaluating the relevancy of supporting materials is crucial when listening to an oral presentation because supporting materials serve as the foundation for the speaker's main arguments and claims. These materials, which can include statistics, examples, anecdotes, and expert testimonials, help to bolster the speaker's message and make it more credible. A speech critic needs to determine whether these materials effectively relate to the topic and enhance the overall argument being presented.

If supporting materials are not relevant, they can confuse the audience or distract from the main points, thus undermining the speaker's effectiveness. Relevant support helps the audience connect with the content and affirm the speaker's viewpoints, making it a vital aspect of evaluating the success of the presentation. In this context, prioritizing the assessment of supporting materials reflects a focus on the content's quality, coherence, and persuasiveness, all of which are essential for effective public speaking.