Use the following libguides to help assist with research, formatting, and writing your speech
Computer Application Software Guide
How to Write a Thesis Statement
This site presents contrasting views on controversial issues. Discussion of each topic is divided into two columns: pro and con. Evidence (data, reports, studies) is provided for each argument. Each section features a list of additional sources.
A nonprofit, nonpartisan group providing facts on major issues in our country.
Pew Research Center - U.S. Politics & Policy
The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press is an independent, non-partisan public opinion research organization that studies attitudes toward politics, the press and public policy issues.
U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Census data reflects the demographic make-up of the U.S., with figures on family size and structure, income, health insurance coverage, and much, much more.
UNESCO Institute for Statistics Statistics from around the world on topics such as literacy, science, education, etc. From a branch of the United Nations.
World Bank: Statistics "Free and open access to data about development in countries around the globe." Mostly on economics & world resources (climate change impacts, growth indicators, etc.)
FedStats Compiles local, state, national, and international statistics collected by over 100 agencies. The data can be browsed by topic (A-Z) or by geography.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Collects and makes accessible information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, law enforcement, prosecution, courts and sentencing, and the correctional system at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The data and reports are organized by topics.
Business Market Research Collection (ProQuest)
Open Research Library (Knowledge Unlatched)
Hospitality & Tourism Complete
Criminal Justice Database (ProQuest)
Health & Medical Collection (ProQuest)
National Science Digital Library
Political Science Database (ProQuest)
Topic, Research, and Speech Development
Deciding on a topic can be one of the toughest parts of preparing for a speech. The first step to choosing a good topic is to determine what type of speech you will be delievering to your audience and the time limit for the speech. Select a topic that is appropriate to the audience and the occasion. Follow directions from your instructor on type, time limit, and how it is prepared.
The next thing to do is brainstorm. The goal of a brainstorming session is to let yourself quickly generate a large number of ideas, commonly in relation to a specific purpose.
Choose a topic that interest you and your audience
Prior to conducting research, writing, and delivering the speech, the speaker must understand their audience. When determining the audience the speaker must ask themselves the following questions:
Understanding the audience helps the speaker know how much, how little, and what kind of information to present. Once you've defined your audience, you can gear your speech towards them.
Research is very important when creating speeches especially if you are trying to inform or persuade the audience.
When conducting research remember to stick to the topic you have chosen, let it be your guide throughout the research process. Use key terms or words to limit and tailor your search results especially when using search sites such as google.
Remember to find sources that are credible and that provide reliable facts for a persuasive speech or informative speech.
When deteremine if a source is credible, use the acronym: C.R.A.P.
Utilize your library to help with the research process. Librarians can help you find databases, articles from Galileo, and other credible sources to assist with creating your speech.
Writing the Speech
When writing a speech an audience expects two things from the speaker: A path and a destination. They want to know where you’re going and why. Its best to highlight your expectations or goals at the beginning of the speech. Have an attention-getter that catches the attention of your audience.
Make sure you have facts in your speech that are credible and supports your main idea or topic and that your words are clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors, bias, and misuse of vocabulary. Make sure the speech is organized and you have clear defined Ideas.
COMM 101: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Examples and guides to writing a speech from Ivytech community college library
Presenting the Speech
Appearance: Dress appropriately and Professionally for a public presentation.
Sound / Noise: When recording your speech avoid places where background noise would distract the audience. Create a clear presentation space. Remove all unnecessary or distracting items from the speaking background. Be aware of what is around you as you present.
Props & Visuals: When using additional items such as props and visuals, make sure they are relavent to the topic and have a professional quality.
Voice: effectively use vocal expression and paralanguage to engage the audience. Speak in a natural, enthusiastic tone. Avoid filler words such as umm, uh, like. Make eye contact with the audience before you speak and speak clearly, fluently and confidently.
Practice
The best way to improve on your public speaking skills is to practice. It is important to rehearse before a big presentation. When practicing, make sure to time yourself from start to finish, and read the entire speech several times. Practice giving your speech to others, record or videotape yourself giving the speech, and practice infront of a mirror. Look for improper posture, movements, eye contact, stuttering or to many usages of filler words, and try to improve in these areas.
A list of general topics and popular themes.
Topics for Persuasive Speeches
List of topics for speeches from Oxford University Press
Free speech topics lists with more than 3,000 persuasive, informative and other speech ideas, speech writing tips, how to guides, tutorials and information on outlining your speech topic for public speaking.
