Clipart of cup on books

 

 

 

Finding Information for a Speech

 

 

 

Remember…

The quality and content of your research is important to your speech. The information you find provides the foundation upon which you base your arguments and appeals.

 

Selecting a Topic

 

If one has not been assigned, browse! Go to the library home page and select Databases.  Then select the CQ Researcher database and click on Browse by Topic to see if anything interests you.  Or go to the InfoTrac Databases and click on Expanded Academic ASAP, and then on  Subject Guide in the left column.  Type in a broad term that might interest you such as children, sports, or politics and hit enter.

 

See Research Guide "Choosing a Research Topic."  

 

Beginning Your Search

 

  1. An encyclopedia article can provide an overview and definition of your topic and help you identify specific sub-topics. The Library has several sets of general encyclopedias on the reference shelves.  Also several general encyclopedias are accessible online from our webpage for off-campus students.

 

  1. To locate a subject encyclopedia, use the online catalog. Do a Keyword Search typing encyclopedia plus your topic. For example, +encyclopedia +psychology.   

 

Analyzing Your Information Needs

 

  1. Is your topic of an historical nature or concerned with a current issue? Some topics involve a combination of both. Books are a major source of historically-based information, while magazines, newspapers and the Internet provide information on current topics.

 

  1. Do you need scholarly, authoritative information or information from popular literature? The kind of information you need determines where you look. If scholarly materials are required, you must evaluate your sources carefully. (See research guide: “What is a Scholarly Journal?”)

 

  1. Do you need facts and statistical information? The Library Reference Collection contains almanacs, yearbooks, and statistical publications. The Kentucky Virtual Library has an extensive database of Kentucky statistics.   The Internet has many statistical sites, but watch out that they are from a valid and authoritative source.

 

       4.  Do you need biographical information?

Some suggested sources are:

a.      Biographies: HW Wilson (online - link from Databases webpage)

b.      Who’s Who in America? (call# Ref.E176.W642)

c.       Dictionary of American Biography (call# Ref.E176.D563)

d.      Biographical Dictionary of Scientists (call# Ref QB35 .B56)

e.       Biographical Memoirs (electronic book from netLibrary.com).

f.    See research guide "Finding Biographical Information."

 

Preparing Your Presentation

 

  1. The Library has books that can assist you in preparing and making your presentation. Check the online catalog under the following headings:

 a.  Oral Communication,

 b.  Public Speaking.

 

  1. To add interest and variety to your speech, use books of quotations and anecdotes.

Examples are:

a.  Speaker's Handbook of Successful Openers and Closers (call# Ref. PN4193.15 P44)

b.  Speaker's Sourcebook (call# Ref. PN6081.V36)

c.  Management by One-Liners (call# HD38.5723)

d.  The Portable Curmudgeon (call# PN6083.P4)