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CMST - Public Speaking: Search tips & tools

Use any library databases when searching for information. 

Below are some which be useyou might want to browse when looking for topics for a public speaking class. 

Suggested databases to browse for students seeking a speech topic

All topics

Cultures & countries

Medical

Other library sources for finding speech topics

Websites: Search tips

It's fine to use credible information from the free internet as a research source.

TIPS

  • Narrow to a domain To search for information from a US government entity, add this to your web browser search:  site:.gov
  • Phrase searching Enclose a phrase in quotation marks:
    • "music therapy"
    • "running with the bulls"

Evaluate all information by asking: Who? What? When?

Who? Who created the information?

Expertise: Generally, we are seeking information from a person or a group who is an expert on a topic.

Bias: Consider any biases the author or authors may have.

What? What is the purpose of the information?

Consider the purpose: to educate, entertain, persuade, insight violence, humor or parody, other?

When? When was the information created?

Is the information appropriately current for your need?