Research Tips for an Informative Speech Finding Information for Your Speech

Know the topic Know something about your topic before you begin. Let your main points guide your research. This can help in organization of your research. It helps to research each point separately.

Internet Research Guide Use a search engine like Google or Bing Use specific wording, ex. “care of horses” instead of “horses.” Type “and” in between words to link two objects together, ex. “children and germs” Be mindful of alternate spellings for words

Source Credibility ONLY USE CREDIBLE SOURCES!! Look for: Copyright dates Verified information Believable information WHO IS SPEAKING? Look for the voice. What are their credentials? Is the website for an official organization? Is there contact information? Are there references?

Internet Domain Guide .com = Commercial Website .org = Non Profit Organization Website .gov = Government Website .edu = Education Website .net = Networked Website

Avoid Outdated Material Make sure your material is up-to-date and not outdated, especially regarding technological or scientific advances.

Acknowledging Sources You are REQUIRED to SAY your research sources as you present your information. EX. “According to the June 3, 1999 issue of the Falcon Word, Y2K is a real event that could cause great damage to our country.” (I made this up by the way.) Doing this shows your audience that you have done your research and are a credible speaker. You must say each source at least once.

DO NOT PLAGIARISE! NEVER copy OR say anything word for word without giving credit to the source! This is called plagiarism and it is illegal if it violates the original author’s/ speaker’s intellectual property rights. This can damage your reputation and integrity. Plagiarism (n.) -- the act of copying another person’s ideas, text, or other creative work without permission