Links for Chapter 7: Inventing Your Message
Searching the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web has an overwhelming amount of information. Effective searching is essential for the efficient gathering of material for a speech. Review the search tips provided by the search engine AltaVista for an example of the tips provided by whatever search engine you choose.
You can also explore the search engines available at Webplaces Internet Search Guide. The focus of many search engines may be more specific to your topic and will increase the speed with which you find information.
Interviewing Tips
While the information provided at the Monster.com campus section is designed for employment interviews, the general tips for interviewing might help you gather information from experts and others for your speeches.
Some Sources for Facts
Facts on File offers overviews of current issues.
Infoplease provides links to almanacs and other "fact" sources.
Encyclopedia Britannica Online is a trusted and comprehensive source of information.
Encyberpedia Index gives you access to many encyclopedias on the web.
Some Sources for Statistics
University of California, San Diego has compiled social science data from multiple sources. Its search engine allows you to access data on a chosen topic.
The University of Michigan Documents Center also has an organized and searchable database of statistics.
The Federal Government has created a clearinghouse, Fedstats, for all government statistics. The search function on this Web site allows you to access statistics from a range of agencies on one topic.
The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press offers public opinion data about media coverage, news, and current issues. Their "Poll Analysis" offers comparative analysis of polls taken on issues and reported in the media
A Source for Expert Opinion
Pitsco Innovative Education offers an "ask an expert" directory. E-mail a question to an expert and you may receive a response. Be sure to evaluate the credentials of any expert listed in this or other directories. You must be able to document the expert’s background and authority; otherwise, any expert opinion you use in a speech is not credible.
Documenting Your Sources
Electronic Reference Formats Recommended by the American Psychological Association
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